Business Student and Entrepreneur Accepted into CUNY StartUps Program

Shanice Jones, a junior majoring in Business Administration on the entrepreneurship track, was already a successful WMBE-certified CEO when she decided to pursue her bachelor’s degree at York College.

Shanice Jones, a junior majoring in Business Administration on the entrepreneurship track, was already a successful WMBE-certified CEO when she decided to pursue her bachelor’s degree at York College.

Recently, Jones was accepted into CUNY StartUps, a competitive program for CUNY business students interested in entrepreneurship. Participants collaborate in teams to develop business ideas, refine their concepts with the help of mentors, and present their final projects at the end of the program.

Before enrolling at York, Jones earned an associate degree from LaGuardia Community College and, with her husband, founded Goldkey Assets, a property management and local law compliance firm. The company manages small to mid-sized properties, and has holdings in Troy and Albany, New York.

The high-achieving Jones is the only York College student in the current CUNY StartUPs cohort. Her team meets weekly at Baruch College to develop a “rent-a-shelf” business model connecting entrepreneurs with stores willing to rent shelf space for product display

“As an entrepreneur, CUNY StartUps has been a wonderful experience,” said Jones. “It pushes us to speak publicly about our ventures and refine our ideas until they’re market-ready.”

Jones credits Mondell Sealy, York College’s Manager of Career Services, for helping her prepare. “Working with Ms. Sealy has been instrumental to my growth,” she said. “The skills I learned from her have helped me in every meeting and presentation.”

Sealy said she immediately recognized Jones’s potential. “When I first met Shanice, I knew she was a successful entrepreneur in marketing and building her brand,” said Sealy. “When the CUNY StartUps opportunity came across my desk, I thought of her right away. I’m thrilled she was accepted, and proud that she’ll be serving as president of York’s Entrepreneurship Student Club.”

Reflecting on her experience, Jones added, “On the very first day, we had to pitch a business idea in just a few seconds. It was nerve-wracking but rewarding. I’m grateful I came prepared, thanks to my training at York.”

Looking ahead, Jones hopes to share what she’s learned with her peers. “I’m grateful for this opportunity and look forward to making York College proud,” she said.