Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone Development Corporation

Established as a federal Empowerment Zone in 1994, the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone Development Corporation (UMEZ) is an independent, not-for-profit organization whose mission is to sustain the economic revitalization of all communities in Upper Manhattan. UMEZ functions as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), using public funds to attract private investment and provide financial, technical, and bonding assistance to small businesses, cultural institutions, and non-profits. Its core activities include providing low-interest loans, grants, and tax incentives to stimulate job creation, business growth, and economic development in its designated service area.