Katherine Olives
We are excited to announce our role as a host in the International Innovators Initiative (IN2NYC), a program designed to help international entrepreneurs access visas so they can create jobs in the United States. The program was created by the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) in partnership with the City University of New York (CUNY). The Zahn Innovation Center, a program of the City College Fund, will pilot this program at City College this year before implementing at six other incubators at partnering CUNY schools (Baruch College, LaGuardia Community College, Lehman College, Medgar Evers College, Queens College and the College of Staten Island).
IN2NYC aligns with the de Blasio administration's efforts to foster entrepreneurship in all five boroughs.This is a win for our universities, our working people and our citys ability to compete on the global stage. We are making sure New York City remains a magnet for the worlds top talent, and putting New Yorkers to work at the technology and engineering firms of tomorrow, said Mayor Bill de Blasio.
The IN2NYC program is projected to help 80 entrepreneurs gain access to the visas they need to grow businesses in New York City, and also create more than 700 jobs for New Yorkers in its first three years. The international entrepreneurs will make their partnering incubator the headquarters for their business, and also commit themselves to supporting the mission of the partner school by contributing to academic research, developing curricula, providing students with internship and employment opportunities, or serving as mentors. NYCEDC will begin accepting applications for IN2NYC this spring, with the first group of entrepreneurs expected to be in place by the fall. For more information, go to www.in2.nyc.
We are especially enthusiastic about piloting this program because it fits so nicely into our efforts to bolster CCNY's already distinct diversity by celebrating international talent. The Zahn Innovation Center and the City College of New York look forward to partnering with the New York City Economic Development Corporation to implement the IN2NYC program, said Joseph Barba, Director of Student Entrepreneurship, City College of New York. IN2NYC will promote NYC economic development by attracting foreign entrepreneurs to the city and provide support for the innovation and entrepreneurial education at the City College and the City University of New York.
To read more about this announcement, visit the New York Times.