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Zena Nelson

Zena Nelson
South Bronx Food Cooperative
Mid-Manhattan

Success is usually measured in dollars, but for Zena Nelson, an MBA graduate of Baruch College, it can be measured by the improved health and welfare of the large community of working class people residing in the South Bronx. After working as an intern at the Mid-Manhattan SBDC, Zena decided to take the advice she had been giving to others to heart, and pursue her own dream, a new social/business venture called the South Bronx Food Cooperative. The Co-op provides the local community with much needed access to fresh produce, meats, dairy, fish, and environmentally responsible products at affordable prices. It has a diverse range of clientele including low income families, seniors, people with special dietary needs, and community activists. Members pay a small enrollment fee, but all profits are returned to them as dividends or reinvested in the business. Each member is required to assist in lowering operating costs by donating three hours per month to cooperative work. Opening initially in early 2008, only on Saturdays in a modest 50 sq. ft. space, the Coop generated $300 weekly with eight enrolled members. Within a few months it grew considerably and expanded to 250 sq. ft., generating $1200 weekly with 65 members. By November Zena had secured a new facility of 1500 sq. ft. in the heart of the South Bronx. The new facility is open five days a week and plans to hire a part-time general manager. Based on current growth rates, Zena projects revenue at $15K-$30K per month in the near future. Since she began the project, Zena has worked closely with the Mid-Manhattan SBDC and continues to confer with SBDC and Field Center staff.