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: Mayor Eric Adams Signs Dining Out Bill at Havana Cafe $10M Fund Increases Capital Access for Bronx Small Businesses Legislative Updates & Advocacy Trash Containerization Takes Effect for Food Businesses Upcoming Events Mott Haven Business to Business Block Party, 8/26/2023 - Alexander Avenue at Bruckner Boulevard, 2:00pm - 8:00pm Business to Business Back to School Festival, 8/31/2023 - 1377 Jerome Avenue, 11:00am - 6:00pm Business to Business Networking & Financial Education w. Councilmember Marjorie Velazquez, 9/14/2023 - The Living Room, 2883 Dill Place Bronx, NY 2023 Gala - The Bronx is Building, 9/21/2023 - Marina Del Rey, 6:30pm

DINING OUT NYC LEGISLATION BECOMES LAW

New York City Mayor Eric Adams signed Intro. 31-C into law and unveiled “Dining Out NYC” — New York’s permanent outdoor dining program and the largest outdoor dining program in the nation. The product of more than a year of negotiations between the Adams administration and the City Council, with extensive input from the restaurant industry and communities across the entire city, the signing of the bill — sponsored by New York City Councilmember Marjorie Velázquez — and creation of this new program represents a major legislative accomplishment for the Adams administration after Mayor Adams championed the bill as a top priority in his “Working People’s Agenda” in January 2023. For more information, click here

$10M LOAN FUND LAUNCHED TO ASSIST BRONX SMALL BUSINESSES

A new $10 million loan program for Bronx businesses, funded with money left over from the long-forgotten Bronx empowerment zone, will be announced Thursday morning by U.S. Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-The Bronx) and Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson. The loans, to be administered by the Bronx Economic Development Corporation, will range from $5,000 to $350,000 and can be used for a variety of purposes including payroll, inventory and equipment. Eligible businesses will be primarily in the South Bronx, which was the heart of the federal empowerment zone. For more information, click here

LEGISLATIVE & ADVOCACY UPDATES

Commercial Containerization for Food Businesses - Effective August 1, 2023 - ALL food-related businesses in NYC must use rigid containers with secure lids when setting out trash for collection. Who is affected The new rule impacts ALL food-related businesses. This includes catering establishments, food manufacturers, food preparation establishments, food service establishments, food wholesalers, and retail food stores. Restaurants, grocery stores, delis, bodegas, caterers, and other businesses that sell or handle food MUST comply. What material is impacted Any putrescible material — refuse or organic material — set out on the curb for collection MUST be in a container with a SECURE LID. The requirement does not apply to other recyclables (metal, glass, plastic, or paper) or to businesses that have waste collected from a loading dock. This rule does not require the separation of trash and organics, only the use of containers for collection. However, some businesses are required to separate their organic waste. If your business meets the minimum requirements, you must comply with the NYC Commercial Organics Rules. When to set out In accordance with recent setout rules, businesses that place waste on the curb have two options: Place waste at the curb 1 hour before closing, OR After 8:00 PM. If placing out after 8:00 PM, recyclables do not need to be in a container. How to store bins Containers should be stored inside or in a rear yard if possible. If space is not available, bins can be stored within three (3) feet of the building line when not set out for collection. Bins must be maintained in a neat and orderly manner and always allow for a clear path of pedestrian travel on the sidewalk. NOTE: Businesses required to source-separate organics under Local Law 146 of 2013 must continue to do so by placing their food waste in a separate container with a latching lid. Garbage must be set out in a separate container.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Mott Haven Business to Business Block Party August 26 at 2:00pm Alexander Avenue Open Streets, Alexander Avenue at Bruckner Boulevard Join the Bronx Chamber, the Avenue NYC - Mott Haven Program, Mott Haven Merchants Association for a Block Party celebrating the businesses and residents of the Bruckner Boulevard area. During the event there will be live music by Johnny Mambo and Friends, DJ Menyu, dancing and information on business improvement district formation, marketing, and more!

Business to Business Street Festival August 31 at 11:00am - 3:00pm 1377 Jerome Avenue Bronx, NY Join Councilmember Althea Stevens, The Bronx Chamber of Commerce, New Settlement, and New York City government agencies in celebrating back to school while supporting local businesses. Enjoy face painting Bouncy Castles Music & Games Business to Business Networking NYC Agencies On-Site Assistance M/WBE Certification Information This is the culmination of economic and business development work in District 16 and seeks to continue to build strong neighborhoods and relationships between businesses and our young people. 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!