CHYE Launches Work Space

On Monday, October 22, some 40 members of the Crown Heights community gathered for the launch of Crown Heights Young Entrepreneurs’ workspace and new year of programming. While enjoying fine wine and a sushi buffet, attendees were given an insight into the organization’s vision for the future.

The communal workspace, now open to the public, offers a bevy of services, including high-speed internet access and onsite proofreading and critiquing for business writing.

The workspace is the crystallization of more than five years of work by Rabbi Yehoshua Werde, Director of CHYE, with the youth and young professionals of the Crown Heights community.

“We often forget that all of the Rebbeim, dating back to the Ba’al Shem Tov, put great importance on attending to the Parnassah of the Jewish community,” said Rabbi Werde. “We’re blessed with many programs that inspire greatness in those that wish to serve as shluchim and rabbonim. Our vision with CHYE is to impart the skills for success in those looking to enter the world of business.”

To that end, CHYE will be continuing along the upward trajectory of the previous year’s success. Since it opened its doors less than a year ago, CHYE has already attracted some 300 members of the community to its networking and educational events, along with the successful launch of the workspace and a mentorship program.

Attendees were also encouraged to help CHYE in whatever way they could through sharing skills and knowledge with the future generation of Crown Heights businessmen and women.

In a keynote address delivered by Mr. Steve Mariotti, the Founder of the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE), he praised the role of CHYE and it’s important role in the community.

“A center like this is vital for the community,” Mariotti said. “[Through the work of CHYE,] we can identify those gifted with the entrepreneurial spirit . . . unlocking the key to a new generation of prosperity.”

Following brief remarks by founding CHYE member, Levi Teitlebaum, a special award was given to Mr. Lavie Popack, Founder and C.E.O at MPower Energy, in recognition of his support for CHYE.

Speaking afterward, Popack credited his vision to his father’s advice: “It’s important to know, that no matter how much you grow,” Popack said, “one must you must never lose track of where you have come from. Put yourself at the bottom.”

Popack also credited the importance of having a “mastermind” or brain-trust to tap into for advice. “CHYE’s programming,” he said, “provides this powerful tool for young entrepreneurs.”

Rabbi Werde launches CHYE workspace from Yehoshua on Vimeo.

Steve Mariotti on the imporatnce of CHYE and entreprenur education from Yehoshua on Vimeo.