Booz Allen Partners with William Jefferson Clinton Presidential Foundation to Aid Harlem Businesses

NEW YORK, April 25, 2002 — Management consulting firm Booz Allen Hamilton today announced that it has joined the William J. Clinton Presidential Foundation (WJCPF) in a groundbreaking initiative to help small businesses in Harlem succeed in an increasingly competitive economic environment.

The Harlem Small Business Initiative (HSBI) is a pilot program to provide the best technical and managerial assistance possible to established small businesses in Harlem. The goal of HSBI is to help small businesses in Harlem better compete in the expanding marketplace of Harlem — delivering services and products to the Harlem community.

In addition to Booz Allen, New York University Stern School of Business and the National Black MBA Association have joined together to help develop the structure and focus of the initiative. Eight businesses have been selected to take part in the pilot program, which will provide assistance over a period of eighteen months to two years. The businesses chosen have been in business in Harlem for a minimum of 15 years, and represent a cross-section of the Harlem business community. The selected businesses have strong potential for successful growth, and all are individual or family owned — none are franchises or partnerships.

Booz Allen and other HSBI partners will not only analyze each business and suggest strategies and solutions for improvement, but also will assist in implementing these changes over the long term. In addition to developing a general business overview, project teams will provide assistance in areas such as business plan development, inventory and vendor management, staffing, marketing and operations management.

Reggie Van Lee

"This unique partnership has a singular goal — supporting the longstanding businesses that play such an important role in the cultural and economic life of Harlem," said Reggie Van Lee, Vice President and Managing Partner, Booz Allen Hamilton. "We are making a long-term commitment to effect lasting change in these businesses."