We’re thrilled to announce that Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership is among the five recipients of the “Neighborhood Challenge” competitive grant administrated by NYC Small Business Services (SBS). This new funding will support a partnership that aims to help low income residents of Fort Greene and Clinton Hill identify federal, state, and local benefits available to them. In a joint proposal with the Brooklyn-based financial literacy technology platform, Benefit Kitchen, Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership outlined the steps needed to create a Myrtle Avenue-branded outreach app that will screen eligibility for 18 government benefits along with local promotions.

Myrtle Avenue’s proposal was selected from a pool of 12 finalists from all five boroughs after making a 3-minute pitch to a panel of judges that included by representatives from Robin Hood, AOL, and City agencies. “This technology will help families struggling to meet their needs locally, by connecting them to benefits they already qualify for.” Added Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership Executive Director, Meredith Phillips Almeida. “There’s even a robust local component that will connect community members to benefits offered by Myrtle Avenue merchants, and many of our programs like the Fresh Pantry and Farm Fresh Box.” By increasing access to benefit programs, this application has the potential to increase the amount of disposable income for cash-strapped households.

Additional competition winners include the Chinatown Partnership; Downtown Brooklyn Partnership in partnership with the DUMBO Improvement District; Long Island City Partnership; and the Rockaway Business Alliance. For more information about the Neighborhood Challenge program, competition winners and additional finalists visit the NYC SBS announcement here.