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Upcoming Events, Legislative News, Grant Opportunities, & More

(Friday) Extra, Extra Click here for this week's video: 2023 State of the City Address NYC Small Business Opportunity Fund Launched Small Business Guidance for Projected Public Activities / Gatherings Manpower Group Releases Q1 Employment Outlook Report Legislative & Advocacy Updates Governor Hochul Announces $672M to Assist Businesses and Residents w. Utility Bills Upcoming Events Black History Month Networking Event, 2/15/2023 - 6pm - 8pm

2023 STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS

New York City Mayor Eric Adams outlined a "Working People's Agenda" in his second State of the City address, delivered at the Queens Theatre in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. Mayor Adams' agenda is built on four pillars that are essential to building a city that meets the needs of working New Yorkers and represent the focus of his administration's work in 2023: jobs, safety, housing, and care. The Bronx Chamber of Commerce joined New York City business leaders and organizations from throughout the City to learn mayoral priorities and looks forward to working with all levels of government during budget and legislative negotiations for the coming fiscal year. "Small businesses are integral to the fabric of New York City," said Lisa Sorin, President of The Bronx Chamber of Commerce. "We value deep investment in innovative programs like the NYC EDC Small Business Resource Network, & the M/WBE program which creates a pipeline of opportunities for both emerging and established entrepreneurs. These programs are on the frontline of our City's recovery and set a national example for small business development. We warmly welcome Mayor Adams' initiatives and look forward to a robust implementation dialogue."

NYC SMALL BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY FUND LAUNCHED

The Bronx Chamber of Commerce joined Mayor Eric Adams at Nobhle, a footwear and apparel store at 2640 Jerome Avenue, to launch a historic $75 million loan fund to help NYC’s small businesses rebuild, grow, hire, and thrive.  The NYC Small Business Opportunity Fund is a public - private partnership with Goldman Sachs, Mastercard, and the City of New York and complements a deep partnership with trusted Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs). This represents the largest-ever public - private fund for small businesses throughout five boroughs and seeks to breaks down barriers to financing. NYC Small Business Opportunity Fund delivers flexible, low fixed-interest-rate capital, including:      No minimum credit score required    Loans up to $250,000 at 4% fixed interest rate.   Free business support from trusted, local, mission-driven lenders    Easy to apply    No application fees     Open to businesses at all stages – from startups to growing to rebuilding   Approximately 1,500 local businesses will be served by the fund — with loans up to $250,000 at a market-leading rate of 4 percent. Flexible terms address historic barriers to ensure broad access to the fund by eliminating credit score minimums, not requiring application fees, serving start-up and growth-stage businesses, and leveraging the deep roots of local organizations to reach businesses in BIPOC and immigrant communities.  Learn more link in bio or by calling 888-SBS-4NYC or emailing outreach@bronxchamber.org

SMALL BUSINESS GUIDANCE FOR PUBLIC ASSEMBLY

Late this afternoon, the video of Tyre Nicols death will be released. This incident which occurred in Memphis is anticipated to have an impact throughout major cities in the United States. While we respect peaceful protest as a means to channel energy for change; we must also prepare our businesses and properties for anticipated protests that may include bad actors which seek to take advantage of the situation. Late yesterday, NYPD met with all NYC business improvement districts, and business organizations to prepare for any actions that may be taken by protesters in the 5 boroughs. At this time, there are no credible threats known in the Bronx or any public plans for a protest. However, we are recommending that businesses are aware of what might occur and prepare by: 1. Removing any sidewalk displays or merchandise from vestibules 2. Alerting your staff to what may happen and instructing them to be aware 3. Review internal public safety plans and having NYPD contact information available to cashiers, greeters, and managers The Bronx BID network has prepared the public and members of the community for District public safety plans. The Bronx Chamber of Commerce remains in active communication with our elected officials, NYPD, violence interrupters, and community stakeholders. Should you encounter an emergency please contact 911.

MANPOWER RELEASES Q1 EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK REPORT

Manpower Group's Employment Outlook Survey results for the first quarter of 2023 are now available! This highly anticipated survey measures employers’ intentions to increase or decrease the number of employees on their payrolls in Q1. Manpower Group surveyed more than 6,000 U.S. employers about their employment plans for January-March.    The good news is, hiring intentions continue to be strong with 45% of U.S. employers planning to add to their payroll in Q1. Subtracting those who plan to decrease staff or make no changes brings the Net Employment Outlook (NEO) to +29%.    Hiring intentions slipped slightly when compared to last quarter and last year.    The report breaks down the results by region and industry:    Top sector is Information Technology with a NEO of +52% --the highest in the world!    All U.S. regions expect NEO declines year-over-year, and Northeast region saw a small increase (+2%) in quarter-over-quarter predictions Please use this report and relevant information to help you make even more informed business decisions. Manpower Group staffs a variety of temporary and permanent positions for clients with facilities throughout New York, the US and Globally. From as small as a one-position staffing need, to higher-volume orders for projects in the hundreds. For more information, please contact Keith Haynes at (646) 939-3402, keith.haynes@manpower.com

LEGISLATION & REGULATIONS

New York City Department of Consumer Affairs & Worker Protection Updates The New York City Department of Consumer Affairs and Worker Protection issued a Notice of Adoption relating to Tobacco Retailer and Electronic Cigarette Retail Dealer Licenses.   The rule will take effect on February 19th, 2023.

New York State Utility Assistance Announced The New York State Public Service Commission approved a $672 million utility electric and gas utility bill relief late Thursday that will give economic assistance to 478,000 non-low-income New Yorkers and 56,000 small businesses. The program, designed by the Energy Affordability Policy Working Group, aims at covering New Yorkers' bill arrears accumulated through May 1, 2022, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, which caused significant financial hardship for customers, the shuttering of businesses statewide, and the loss of jobs. The relief plan would eliminate 75 percent of recipients' past due bills thanks to a one-time credit, partially resolving the remaining 25 percent's arrears. Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the PSC decision on Friday morning. "Every New Yorker deserves affordable energy, yet too many New Yorkers are at risk of having their lights turned off due to financial problems caused by the pandemic," Hochul said. The electric and gas utility assistance plan is the second action conceived as part of helping New Yorkers pay off past-due utility bills. The first one — a $567 million relief program — was announced by Hochul last summer and addressed low-income customers.

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

Electric and Gas Utility Bill Credit Program for Low-Income Families A one-time, low-income utility bill credit is now available to help low-income electric and gas utility customers pay off past utility bills. This credit, which will be applied to affected customers' bills by the utilities, requires no action by existing low-income customers enrolled in the EAP to receive the benefit. The bill credit is expected to be applied to customers' accounts by August 1, 2022. Any eligible low-income customer that enrolls in EAP before December 31, 2022 will be included in the bill credit program. Learn more about the program here. Temporary Assistance (TA) funding may continue to be utilized to pay utility arrears when the applicant presents with an emergency or immediate need, after first exploring the availability of HEAP. A payment can be made to prevent termination if it is determined that an immediate threat of shut off is present and the applicant/recipient (A/R) is otherwise eligible. Heating and Cooling Assistance (HEAP) 2022-2023 The regular HEAP season opened on November 1, 2022. More information including 2022-23 benefit amounts and eligibility requirements can be found here. The Emergency HEAP Benefit opens on January 1, 2023. The Emergency HEAP Benefit provides assistance to those who are in a heat related emergency. More information including 2022-23 benefit amounts and eligibility requirements can be found here.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Women of Distinction Luncheon Save the Date Friday, March 31, 2023 from 11:30am to 2:00pm Villa Barone Manor 737 Throggs Neck Expressway Bronx, New York For 18 years, the Women of Distinction Luncheon has recognized outstanding women leaders for their contributions to the Bronx community. Each year with the support of local Bronx businesses and Bronx Chamber members we are able to provide scholarships to deserving college-bound female students through the Bronx Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Ticket & Sponsor Opportunities available by emailing: foundation@bronxchamber.org Bronx Gamechangers Night w. the NY Yankees Tuesday, April 4 - 6:30pm Doors Open 7:05pm Game Time Yankee Stadium Luxury Suites 1 East 161st Street Bronx, New York Celebrate the Spring season with The Bronx Chamber of Commerce as the New York Yankees take on the Phillies! Enjoy an all-inclusive luxury suite, private stadium entrance, open bar, dinner, and a great view of the diamond while networking with industry leaders, thought partners and supporters working to make the Bronx thrive. Advance Ticket Purchase, Click Here

For the complete Bronx Chamber Events Calendar, featuring educational workshops, networking events and other opportunities hosted by the Chamber, its members, & partners, please visit and bookmark our website events calendar link