Supporting New York City’s immigrant job seekers

The New York City Department of Small Business Services (SBS) seeks to ensure that every entrepreneur and jobseeker in NYC has the resources needed to succeed and thrive. Workforce1, a key service of SBS, prepares and connects qualified candidates to job opportunities through a network of career centers located in all five boroughs. SBS enlisted the Capstone team to investigate the needs of NYC immigrant job seekers, and characteristics of the immigrant population currently accessing Workforce1 services. As part of a needs assessment, the Capstone team conducted site visits, interviewed SBS staff, and surveyed Workforce1 immigrant clients. The team produced a report of findings and best practices for SBS, which included a directory of key organizations serving the immigrant population. The team also conducted a teach-in to share report findings with key Workforce1 staff.