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: Juneteenth Holiday observed Monday, June 19th NY Yankees partner with Bronx Chamber and Bronx EDC on Bronx Beat Tourism Campaign MOCS on 138th Street Business to Business in District 16 Avenue NYC - Mott Haven Tour of Mott Haven w. NYC SBS Legislative & Advocacy Updates NYS Legislative Round Up Bronx Chamber Releases Memorandum of Opposition on NYS Assembly Non-Compete Bill Upcoming Events Mott Haven Pride LGBT Pride Party, 6/17/2023 - Alexander Avenue at 134th Street, 4:00pm-7:00pm Joseph P. Kelleher Memorial Golf Tournament, 6/20/2023 - Trump Links at Ferry Point Chairman's Legislative Breakfast, 7/13/2023 - The New York Botanical Garden, 8:30am

NY YANKEES & THE BRONX CHAMBER OF COMMERCE W. BRONX EDC LAUNCH BRONX BEAT TOURISM CAMPAIGN

The Emmy Award-winning YES App has launched Bronx Beat, a programming series providing behind-the-scenes looks at some of the Bronx’ best-known institutions and hidden gems including small businesses, parks, landmarks and neighborhoods. The program is a partnership of the NY Yankees, the Bronx Chamber of Commerce, and the Bronx EDC. Bronx Beat episodes will also appear on the Yankee Stadium scoreboard throughout the season. A brief promotional spot can be viewed here. Bronx Beat highlights the borough’s diverse cultural offerings, world class arts and entertainment influences and unique culinary contributions, as well as the multitude of small businesses which make the Bronx so unique. The premiere episode of Bronx Beat, currently available on the YES App, shines a spotlight on the historic Arthur Avenue Market and its multitude of legendary eateries and shops. The second episode will focus on Wave Hill, the 28-acre public garden and cultural center overlooking the Hudson River and the Palisades. New episodes are expected to be posted on the YES App and appear on the Yankee Stadium scoreboard during each Yankees homestand this season, with episodes archived on the app for on-demand viewing.

NYC MOCS & BRONX CHAMBER PARTNER TO PROMOTE BUSINESS PROCUREMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Mayor's Office of Contract Services & Bronx Chamber bring resources to 138th Street - South Bronx. The Bronx Chamber of Commerce and MOCS brought MOCS in Your Streets to 138th Street in the Mott Haven section of the South Bronx. Businesses received direct services, learned about doing business with the City of NY, and how to become minority / women owned certified through the Bronx Chamber of Commerce. Leading the initiative, Darry Saldana, Business Specialist and Lead of the 138th St. BID Exploration Initiative and Tony Billups, Avenue NYC - Mott Haven Program Manager. For more information, email: programs@bronxchamber.org

BUSINESS TO BUSINESS RECEPTION PROMOTES ORGANIZING IN DISTRICT 16 W. COUNCILMEMBER STEVENS

The Bronx Chamber of Commerce partnered with NYC Councilmember Althea Stevens to bring a Business to Business Education and Networking Reception to District 16. Merchants, entrepreneurs, and businesses gathered to learn about Bronx business and economic development resources as well as future plans to organize businesses center on the Jerome Avenue Rezoning area.. During the event, businesses had an opportunity to network and learn about Year 1 business data, challenges and opportunities within CD 16, how to become M/WBE certified, and the Small Business Resource Network. This event is the culmination of a year long study funded by Councilmember Stevens as part of the Neighborhood Development Grant Initiative.

BRONX CHAMBER LEADS TOUR OF MOTT HAVEN WITH NYC SBS

The Bronx Chamber of Commerce's leadership team and Avenue NYC - Mott Haven Program Manager toured Mott Haven with a delegation of twelve new team members from New York City Department of Small Business Services (NYC SBS). During the tour, led by Avenue NYC Program Manager, Tony Billups, agency staff met diverse business owners, learned about area challenges and opportunities, and reviewed tourism and commercial district needs assessment data. The Bronx Chamber of Commerce is entering Year 3 of the the Avenue NYC Mott Haven Initiative and also working with 138th Street Merchants to explore business improvement district formation as part of a six month exploration process. For more information email: AvenueNYC@bronxchamber.org

LEGISLATIVE & ADVOCACY UPDATES

NYS Legislative Session Updates The Bronx Chamber legislative team was very active as the New York State legislative session came to a close. The legislative session, which began on January 4th was active, and is notable for its agreement on a record $229 billion budget, albeit over a month late, as well as the passage of several bills of significance:    Legislation to seal criminal records;    Legislation to modify campaign finance laws and to move town and county elections to even-numbered years; and    Legislation to expand the wrongful death statute.  The NYS Assembly will return to Albany on June 20 to complete outstanding actions. The Bronx Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with business organizations from throughout the state, stopped the very worrisome, proposed SWEAT Lien and Attachment laws that eliminate due process for business owners, investors, and certain managers from passing this legislative session in Albany. Included here, please find the Bronx Chamber's Memorandum of Opposition here for your reference. We as a Chamber and as a broader business community must remain vigilant to ensure this bill does not resurface again as it will be detrimental to businesses throughout New York State.   In all, the Senate passed 1,648 bills and the Assembly passed 964 bills, with 839 bills having passed both houses which either have been or will be acted upon (approved into law or vetoed) by Governor Kathy Hochul prior to December 31st. We will be providing periodic updates to you regarding many of those bills over the next several weeks. Additionally, the Bronx Chamber of Commerce released a Memorandum of Opposition to the NYS Non-Compete Legislation S.3100a-A.1278b. The proposal will be harmful to both employees and employers in New York. Many employers rely upon the use of restrictive covenants to safeguard their highly confidential and proprietary information and the goodwill generated from customer relationships, which in many cases, is the result of significant investment. Non-competition agreements allow employers to protect the significant investment they make in developing innovative products and strategies in situations where non-disclosure agreements are not enough. Employees who are bound by these obligations have the opportunity to perform meaningful, impactful work and are rewarded with significant compensation and benefits.

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

PepsiCo’s Accion Opportunity Fund is one of the nonprofit partners of the Impacto program, a PepsiCo Foundation philanthropic effort created to empower Hispanic business owners in the food industry to overcome systemic disparities and grow their enterprises. In 2023, Impacto will provide Hispanic entrepreneurs with a full suite of free program offerings, including one-on-one and group coaching, learning and networking opportunities, and a $10,000 small business grant.  In order to be eligible, applicants must:     Self-identify as Hispanic     Own at least 50% of a local business whose primary purpose is to serve food     Currently operate a business location in one of the Impacto markets: Albuquerque, Chicago,     Dallas, El Paso, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, or San Antonio     Have a business bank account     Have been operational for at least two years (since June 1, 2021)     Have 2022 annual revenue less than $1,000,000  Applications for the Impacto program can be completed online in English or Spanish at https://aofund.org/program/impacto/   The deadline to apply is 5pm ET on Friday, June 16th.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Joseph P. Kelleher Memorial Golf Tournament June 20 at 7:30am Trump Links at Ferry Point, 500 Hutchinson Riverway Bronx, NY Trump Links at Ferry Point, 500 Hutchinson River Parkway Bronx, NY.  Over 200 notable thought partners, colleagues in business, and influential New Yorkers will tee off for the 2023 Joseph P. Kelleher Memorial Golf Tournament at Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point. The 2023 Tournament features two (2) tee times, breakfast, lunch, cocktails, and the 2023 Awards Dinner honoring NYC Housing, Preservation, and Development Commissioner Adolfo Carrion, Jr.  Reserve Your Spot

Summer BBQ Networking Reception August 3 at 6:00pm Pelham Bay & Split Rock, 870 Shore Road Bronx, NY Join Bronx Chamber members, elected officials, and friends for a Summer evening of networking, great food & drinks, and conversation. The evening includes live music, barbeque, dancing, and networking. Individuals wishing to golf before hand must contact Pelham Bay and Split Rock Golf Course directly. Reserve Your Spot

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 in your browser - new events are added weekly!