Led by Dr. Janet Leslie and Jillian Baldassarre, the event at the St. George Library guided attendees through the first steps of launching a business in New York City.
Entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners gathered Monday afternoon, October 20, 2025 at the St. George Library in Staten Island for a workshop hosted by NYC Business Solutions, focused on helping participants understand what it takes to start and sustain a business in New York City.
Led by Dr. Janet Leslie, Founder and CEO of Leslie-Carter Group LLC and Gift of Experience LLC, and Jillian Baldassarre, the two-hour session guided attendees through the traits of successful entrepreneurs, methods for self-assessment, and strategies to develop personalized action plans for growth. Dr. Leslie has a well-documented and extensive background in real estate, while Baldassarre currently holds an official title as Cannabis Account Manager.
The workshop encouraged those who attended to define their motivations for becoming business owners. The other central theme: to identify attainable and realistic goals and learning the preparation required in order to align those goals with the realities of entrepreneurship.
Dr. Leslie emphasized the importance of self-awareness behind the preparation process, noting that understanding one’s strengths and areas for improvement is vital before launching any business venture. Throughout the afternoon, the discussion fostered a sense of community among participants, many of whom shared personal insights and aspirations tied to Staten Island’s and New York City’s growing small-business landscape.
Among the attendees who came eager to learn more about entrepreneurship was Betsy Muñoz, a 46-year-old Queens native who learned about the event through an Eventbrite email and invitation and traveled across boroughs using public transportation (train and Staten Island Ferry) to take part in the session. Her story reflects the workshop’s mission: to guide aspiring business owners through the early stages of turning an idea into a viable business.
Her goal is to form a limited liability company (LLC) in New York State for her own catering business, a process she admits can be confusing and costly.
“The main thing that I’m interested in doing is acquiring my LLC,” Muñoz explained. “I hear so many different things about what’s required, like publishing for 14 weeks in a newspaper, which can cost up to $1,400. I just don’t want to go through the cracks and later get screwed over, that’s why I’m here.”
LLC clarification is best suited for people like Baldassarre, a Staten Island native, who serves as the Cannabis Account Manager at the New York City Staten Island Business Solutions Center. A graduate of St. Joseph Hill Academy and Iona University, she has built her career around community and entrepreneurship, previously working with the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce to support local business development and youth entrepreneurship programs.
“We’re here at the New York City Business Solutions Center in Staten Island to serve any business, regardless of industry,” Baldassarre said. “It’s all free help provided through the City Department of Small Business Services. We want to see through their eyes, serve them, and deliver more than they expect.”
Baldassarre, who has worked alongside Dr. Leslie for several years, said the workshop helps guide entrepreneurs at all levels. From those just starting to those ready to expand.
“Anybody, any entrepreneur at any stage of business can come to a class like this,” Baldassarre said. “Dr. Leslie makes sure attendees participate, collaborate, and share their business journey. Even if you’re just starting, you’ll find others in the same shoes and that’s where real growth happens.”
Muñoz, in the initial stage, envisions a private chef and catering service designed for events large and small – Super Bowl parties, intimate dinners, etc. She plans to offer a complete experience, preparing food in clients’ homes, handling presentation, and even providing décor and music.
“I’ll do everything – cook, serve, decorate, clean up. You’ll have a party without lifting a finger,” Muñoz said with enthusiasm.
While much of the workshop content was familiar thanks to her own research, Muñoz said the event reinforced the value of networking and connecting with other aspiring business owners.
“It made me feel good to know that other people are also struggling,” she said, reflecting on the eager and open dialogue between attendees during the workshop. “Just to hear other people’s ideas and see that I’m not the only one procrastinating. That’s what I enjoyed most.”
Events like this highlight commitment to empowering local entrepreneurs of all ethnicities and upbringings by providing education, mentorship, and access to vital city resources, helping transform ambition into sustainable business success. One of those resources is an introductory step-by-step questionnaire, found here.
For more detailed information about similar workshops related events and small business questions visit the NYC Business Solutions Center website.
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