The People's Money (2022-2023)

What problem would you like to solve?

Women-owned businesses are less visible and are more likely to be word of mouth. Although women-owned businesses are shown on a number of databases, these are not generally intuitive for regular consumers. This project aims to increase the visibility of women-owned businesses and make it easier to find them locally and support them. 

Why is it important to solve? Why is it relevant for the community?

During the covid pandemic, many small businesses, particularly women-owned businesses, struggled. Many women were disproportionately impacted during the pandemic, taking on more unpaid domestic work and caring for children, leaving less time to nurture their businesses. New York City depends on small, local businesses, and we must establish ways to better support them.

What idea do you have to address the problem?

We will create an interactive GIS map/database where women-owned businesses can be searched according to specific parameters. This map would be similar to the nationwide Eat Okra app, which connects consumers to black-owned restaurants but would focus on NYC. This would offer a streamlined, inclusive way for customers to be connected to women-owned businesses in their area.

Who would that help?

This project would help women-owned business owners and consumers who seek to support them.

What NYC borough would benefit from your idea?

This project could be implemented in and benefit all boroughs.