Program helps NYCHA residents launch food businesses

NEW YORK (PIX11) -- Dozens of NYCHA residents are launching food businesses -- including restaurants, bakeries and catering companies -- thanks to a city program helping new entrepreneurs.

Twenty-six NYCHA residents are celebrating their start to a new career path. After nearly three months of training, they are starting their own food businesses.

Cristiana Franco is from the Dominican Republic. She runs Sabor Restaurant and Bakery at 15-20 College Point Blvd. in Queens.

An event planner married to a chef, Franco decided to take the first step in 2016 to make her business dreams happen. Completing NYCHA's Food Business Pathways program changed her life.

Twenty-six NYCHA residents are graduating from the Food Business Pathways program this year. It’s a free 10-week program designed to help NYCHA residents launch successful businesses in the food industry. The program teaches them everything from creating a business plan to a menu. 

Michelle Raymie runs the program and is the director of NYCHA's Office of Resident Economic Empowerment and Sustainability (REES). Raymie said the program is a huge success in its ninth year.

In total, 321 NYCHA residents like Franco have graduated from the program, many of whom have launched successful food businesses in their communities.

Rachel King graduated this year. She’s launching Royal V Eats, a food and education culinary experience set to open up in Downtown Brooklyn. 

Franco loves serving her community. She has already expanded her food business to the Jamaica Public Library, JFK Airport, and the Brooklyn Navy Yard. 

The next class starts in February.