Weaver

A resource ecosystem for microentrepreneurs on Long Island

One system, built for everyone in the ecosystem

  • Building something real on Long Island, and finally getting support match

  • Strengthening the microbusinesses that already anchor their downtowns.

  • Partners in identifying gaps and connecting entrepreneurs to real suppport

  • Extending their reach into microenterprise without duplicating what exists.

  • Space, lenders, and providers ready to open doors and share expertise

  • Connection and community who open doors

  • Space to work, met clients, or make things

  • Business fundamentals that actually apply

  • Visibility and credibility with real customers

  • Funding that doesn’t require collateral you lack

The five things every microbusiness actually needs

Meet Jessica

Jessica Affatato is the founder of Weaver, an organization reimagining how communities support micro-entrepreneurs - especially women and underresourced communities.

Before launching Weaver, Jessica founded Harbor Cheese & Provisions, a specialty food business on Long Island. Like so many small business owners, she experienced firsthand the exhilaration of building something from the ground up—and the isolation, uncertainty, and invisible labor that often come with entrepreneurship. That experience became the catalyst for her work today.

Drawing on her experience as a business owner, nonprofit leader, Economic Development Professional (EDP), and graduate of Penn State University's Master’s of Management Corporate Innovation and Entrepreneurship program, Jessica helps municipalities, economic development organizations, universities, nonprofits, chambers of commerce, and business support organizations build stronger ecosystems where entrepreneurs can thrive. Her work bridges research, policy, and lived experience to help communities better support women-owned micro-businesses from startup through sustainable growth.

Jessica believes the future of economic development isn't just about creating more startups—it's about building stronger entrepreneurial infrastructure for the millions of small businesses that already power our communities. Through Weaver, she combines research, strategy, and real-world experience to help organizations create more connected, inclusive, and effective ecosystems for women micro-entrepreneurs.

Whether speaking to civic leaders, educators, nonprofit professionals, or entrepreneurs themselves, Jessica offers both the lived perspective of someone who has navigated the realities of small business ownership and the systems-level thinking needed to create lasting change.

Popular Speaking Topics

  • The Hidden Economic Power of Women Micro-Entrepreneurs

  • Building Entrepreneurial Infrastructure That Works

  • Rethinking Success Beyond Venture Capital

  • Why Community Is Essential Infrastructure for Small Business

  • The Future of Inclusive Economic Development

  • Small Worlds, Big Worlds: Creating Collisions in Entrepreneurial Ecosystems

Weaver connects people building micro-businesses to the five resources they actually need: social capital, physical infrastructure, knowledge, market access, and financial accessibility. One by one we build. Together we weave something stronger.

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