About Us - Harlem Business Alliance

The Harlem Business Alliance (HBA), a 501(c)3 not-for-profit established in 1980, creates environments and opportunities that produce successful entrepreneurs and creates jobs for local residents. HBA is dedicated to enriching the local business community, with an emphasis on Black owned businesses through education, support and advocacy. We believe local businesses create better communities and we inspire Black entrepreneurs to grow their roots not just locally but globally.

HBA’s history of successful business development and advocacy includes active involvement in the formation of the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone (UMEZ) and the Clinton Foundation’s creation of its Harlem Small Business Initiative. Our partnerships with UMEZ, TD Bank, the Harvard Business School Club of New York and Capital One Bank funded financial and business planning workshops.

HBA is a US Treasury Certified CDE (Community Development Entity) and BBB Accredited Charity.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Monique Hector

Monique Hector, newly appointed Executive Director for Harlem Business Alliance, brings over 10 years of devoted experience in economic and workforce development from nonprofits and government agencies. As an action-oriented leader, she has successfully developed, fundraised, and established impactful programs that provide solutions for socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.

“I am honored to join the Harlem Business Alliance and look forward to amplifying the great work we do for our community,” Ms. Hector said. “My passion and dedication to supporting entrepreneurs stem from growing up and not seeing enough business owners that looked like me and others in my community. Black entrepreneurs have historically been provided with insufficient resources, but my goal is to leave that in the past. I am excited to continue my journey by strengthening community, investments, and opportunities at HBA.”

Prior to joining the Harlem Business Alliance, Monique served as Director of Program Development and Implementation for Black Entrepreneurs NYC (BE NYC) at the Department of Small Business Services. Prior to that, Monique was the Manager of Entrepreneurship Programs at Queens Public Library. Ms. Hector holds a master’s degree in Business Management and Leadership and a bachelor’s degree in Business.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

FOUNDER & CHAIRMAN
Walter J Edwards
CEO, Full Spectrum of NY, LLC

Walter J. Edwards was a child of the segregated south. A young man with a profound desire for self-discovery and his true cultural identity. He is a world traveler who developed a wide social vision and deep social consciousness that is witnessed every day at the Harlem Business Alliance.