The AVP for Strategic Policy and Program Implementation has a primary focus on entrepreneurial and economic development for the University’s contiguous communities. To implement this strategy GCA has collaborated with the School of Engineering and Applied Science in establishing the Columbia Harlem Small Business Development Center (SBDC), a program of the US Small Business Administration that provides technical assistance to small businesses and non profits, as well as workforce development for youth and veterans. The SBDC staff and SEAS faculty work with graduate and undergraduate students to provide technical assistance to the thousands of small businesses and non profits in Harlem . The real world experience of the Columbia Harlem SBDC provides the student body with exposure in learning and solving basic problems within the upper Manhattan community in addition to providing the Harlem community the benefit of the resources and brain power of a top ranked university. In expanding this model GCA is currently working with SEAS/Center for Technology, Innovation and Community Engagement and the Columbia Harlem SBDC in developing a community based broadband network and telework centers that will create dozens of new businesses and thousands of new jobs.     


Contact Information
Flores A. Forbes
Associate Vice President for Strategic Policy and Program Implementation
535 West 116th Street
302 Low Library
New York, NY 10027
Tel: (212) 851-0285
Fax: (212) 666-1962
faf2106@columbia.edu