Bronx Chamber of Commerce - Bronx Business News You Can Use

Upcoming Events, Legislative News, Grant Opportunities, & More

(Friday) Extra, Extra Click here for this week's video: Women's History Month State of the Borough Recap NYC Comptroller Releases M/WBE Report Legislative & Advocacy Updates NYC Department of Consumer Affairs Updates First Course NYC Launched Department of Sanitation Rules Go into Effect Funding Opportunities Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Grant Program  Engagement Surveys 5 Borough Jobs Coalition Upcoming Events Irish Heritage Celebration & Networking Reception, 3/31/2023 at 6pm

WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH WOMEN OF DISTINCTION LUNCHEON, MARCH 31

The Bronx Chamber of Commerce celebrates diversity and women during the month of March as we gather for Women's History month and acknowledge the notable achievements of women and their impact on the Bronx and New York City. Throughout the month will be highlighting women owned businesses culminating with our annual Women of Distinction Luncheon on March 31, 2023 at Villa Barone Manor from 11:30am - 2:30pm. During the event the Bronx Chamber will acknowledge women who tell our story and award scholarships to college-bound Bronx seniors making significant stride in their academic careers. Book your tickets and sponsor, Click Here

STATE OF THE BOROUGH 2023 FOCUS ON ACCESS TO CAPITAL FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

The Bronx Chamber leadership team and Board of Directors came out in support of the Bronx and the Borough President for the 2023 State of the Borough Address where small business support and economic development took center stage. Be on the look out for new capital access initiatives by the BOEDC as increasing small business access to funding is the priority. For more information: outreach@bronxchamber.org Moving the Bronx forward with Borough President Vanessa Gibson.

NYC COMPTROLLER RELEASES M/WBE REPORT BRONX CHAMBER CELEBRATES COHORT OF M/WBE CERTIFIED BUSINESSES

NYC Comptroller Brad Lander released his office's latest audit on New York City M/WBE certified businesses. This Annual Report on M/WBE Procurement presents data on the City’s Fiscal Year 2022 procurement that will be necessary for focusing and evaluating those efforts. By shining a spotlight on M/WBE contracting, the report aims to identify progress, confront shortcomings honestly, and make recommendations for much-needed improvement to help enable the City deliver on its commitment for M/WBE businesses to receive their fair share of City contracting. The Bronx Chamber of Commerce celebrates the latest cohort of M/WBE certified businesses that have been certified this quarter through the Chamber's M/WBE Certification Program, provided with support from NYC Department of Small Business Services. Congratulations to the following businesses on being awarded their NYC M/WBE certification: Bronx Loyal Mobile Barber Briason Associates SLS Marketing ASG Elysian Aslean Alzerina The Wellness HUB ChocoBar Cortes NYC Green Canvas Productions 5 Line Designs For more information on M/WBE certification email: programs@bronxchamber.org

LEGISLATIVE & ADVOCACY UPDATES

NYC Department of Consumer Affairs and Worker Protection Updates Notice of Adoption relating to Adjudication of Violations. The rule will take effect on April 2, 2023. Notice of Adoption relating to the Home Improvement Business Trust Fund. The rule will take effect on April 2, 2023.

First Course NYC is the city's first industry-informed, collaborative culinary apprenticeship program designed to meet the ongoing restaurant labor shortage. First Course NYC provides low-income New Yorkers access to professional culinary training and connection to work in respected NYC restaurant kitchens. Program teams also support restaurant partners by strengthening their internal approach to onboarding and training new hires. The program has expanded in 2023 with Hot Bread Kitchen leading the pre-employment training component. The larger goal, based on learnings from training cohorts delivered across 2022/2023, is to create a best practices toolkit for restaurants citywide that will support increased retention and reduced turnover rates. Watch and share the latest promo video HERE! Reach out to Steven Picker (spicker@sbs.nyc.gov) with any questions.

New Trash Set-Out Times Begin April 1 - Effective April 1, 2023, businesses that place waste at the curb* for collection have two setout options: If using a container with a secure lid, a business should place waste at the curb 1 hour before closing, or If putting bags directly on the curb, place waste out after 8:00 PM.   *This does not apply to businesses that have waste collected from a loading dock or other off-street location.   Send your questions to commercialprograms@dsny.nyc.gov. DSNY’s Commercial Engagement Team will provide additional free resources including information on the rules, educational site visits, trainings, and webinars.

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

Verizon announced a new grant funding opportunity for small businesses, totaling $500,000, which is now available via Verizon Small Business Digital Ready. In partnership with partners Next Street and LISC, the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready online resource is designed to give small businesses the tools they need to thrive in today’s digital economy. Small businesses can access, for free, personalized learning through over 40 courses, mentorship, peer networking, 1:1 expert coaching and incentives such as grant funding.

ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITITES

Does Your Business Receive NYS Incentives? We need to hear from you! The Bronx Chamber of Commerce is an active participant in the 5 Borough Jobs Coalition, a consortium of business organizations which advocate for business incentive programs which deeply impact New York City, notably, the Commercial Expansion Program (CEP), Energy Cost Savings Program (ECSP), Commercial Revitalization Program (CRP) / Commercial Rent Tax Special Reduction (CRT), Lower Manhattan Energy Program, and the Lower Manhattan State and Local Sales Tax Exemption. Our Legislative team has successfully advocated to have these programs included in the Governor's Executive Budget Proposal and will be working with the Legislature to ensure they are included in the NYS Budget.  Please complete this brief survey so we can learn how these programs impact your business.