Making Staten Island Cool Again: Helping Staten Island Business Grow

By Amanda Tukaj, Class of 2019

Whether you're opening up your own bakery or tech repair shop, the inevitable work of putting together a budget and getting your name noticed in an increasingly digital world can be tough for a novice entrepreneur.

That's why brainiacs at logistics like Megan Ernst (Class of 2014) manage the Small Business Development Center on campus. From registering your restaurant on Google to researching the demographics and target audiences in the local area, Megan and the SBDC have helped a litany of businesses flourish.

And while they do the tedious number crunching most of us don't want to be bothered with, Megan admits she didn't always picture herself juggling this type of work.

"I used to always want to be a teacher," she said, "but then some of my friends and I formed a music club in high school and started our own little company."

Megan Ernst ('14)  helps Staten Island 
businesses grow.

This sprouting company included duties such as organizing events, managing a budget, and spreading the word about the music club at Curtis High School.

Like many young students, Megan jumped from one area to another in search of a career that matched her interests in being a leader and helping others get access to the knowledge needed to better their lives.

Megan dabbled in various managerial work, some of which included educational programming and research at the New York Public Library and through numerous responsibilities at a local metal recycling business. 

As for the advice she has for college students and those seeking to pursue business, she insisted that one's current position or area of study doesn’t necessarily seal their fate.

"It's never too late to try something new. It's never too late to branch out," she said. "You won't know if you like something until you try it."

Megan also praised the Verrazano Honors School for providing her with volunteer and networking opportunities that ultimately helped guide her.

"The VELAS were always fun, too," she added with a laugh.

Megan is eager to see where the career trajectory; for now, she looks forward to continuing to help Staten Island develop economically and getting others acquainted with the expanding world of business in NYC. From bolstering tech companies to hot new restaurants, she is making the Island a trendy place to hang out.
"Opportunity is in your own backyard," she said. "Not a lot of people realize that." 

Megan leads a VELA on entrepreneurship for Verrazano students