Becca Broches

The Project

Becca will promote asset accumulation and food access by providing transactional legal services to owners of food businesses in the South Bronx and other New York City food deserts who cannot afford legal assistance

This project addresses the needs of low-income NYC residents for more fruitful economic opportunities and enhanced access to food retail. While running a small business can be an effective way for individuals to build financial security, doing so successfully requires sound legal advice. Small businesses also strengthen local communities by creating jobs and providing goods and services such as food. Food businesses have particularly pronounced legal needs; to operate in NYC, a food business must navigate regulations proffered by more than eighteen city, state, and federal agencies. Many low-income entrepreneurs cannot afford a lawyer and go without legal representation. Unfortunately, unaddressed legal needs can be catastrophic for a small business. Low-income food entrepreneurs need no-cost legal services to transform their businesses from liabilities to assets.

Fellowship Highlights

During the Fellowship, Becca:
• Represented Start Small Think Big’s existing food business clients
• Engaged new clients by building partnerships with community economic development corporations, business incubators, and city agencies
• Developed a Food Business Legal Health Assessment to identify food businesses’ legal needs at intake
• Coordinated a first round of trainings for pro bono attorneys and workshops for food entrepreneurs