The 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: Climate Friendly Buildings in the Bronx Emerging Professionals - Navigating Financial Literacy Event 2024 Annual Legislators' Reception 2.5.2024 NYSABPRHAL Legislative Conference Upcoming Events From Stress to Success - Health & Wellness Networking Event 1.30.2024 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm 2024 Annual Legislators' Reception - 2.5.2024  NYSABPRHAL Legislative Conference 2.16 - 18. 2024 The International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of New York 2024 3.3rd - 5th 2024 -10:00am to 5:00 pm Women of Distinction - 3.22.2024 11:30am - 2:00pm Events Highlight

Climate Friendly Buildings in the Bronx

The Bronx Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with USL Technology and others in the clean energy field, held an event dedicated to MWBE collaboration, accelerating economic development in clean energy and green buildings in the Bronx. During this gathering, vendors and industry experts shared valuable insight on maximizing joint industry efforts in advancing energy efficiency and reducing the carbon footprint in building design and operations throughout the Bronx community. For more information about USL Technology and their efforts in creating a sustainable city, Click Here

Emerging Professionals in the Bronx

The Bronx Chamber of Commerce joined Councilmember Pierina Sanchez and TD Bank for an evening of bites, drinks, and conversation focused on emerging professionals, solo entrepreneurs, and new industries impacting the Bronx and New York City. The evening, hosted at Fokkus Lounge on Fordham Road, gave individuals a chance to speak to Gilbert Vega, branch manager with TD Bank, on ways to financially navigate their business finances in today's economy. For more information on how to get involved email: outreach@bronxchamber.org

LEGISLATION & ADVOCACY

Governor Hochul Presents Her Fiscal Year 2025 Executive Budget On Tuesday, January 16th, 2024, Governor Hochul presented her Fiscal Year 2025 executive budget. Governor Hochul proposed a balanced $233B budget, focusing on school aid, Medicaid, and migrant spending in her speech. The FY25 Executive Budget does not propose any increases in individual or corporate taxes but closes a $ 43 billion deficit thanks in part to strong tax revenues. Notably for the five boroughs, the State includes $2.4B to support migrants in New York City. For more information on the FY25 Executive Budget, Click Here

Mayor Adams Releases Preliminary Budget for Fiscal Year 2025 New York City Mayor Eric Adams released New York City’s balanced $109.4 billion Preliminary Budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025. The Mayor's budget focuses primarily on public safety, public spaces, and people. The balanced budget with $8.2 Billion in reserves builds on previous measures to implement sound fiscal management. In Addition to NYPD, FDNY, and DSNY, Mayor Adams holds libraries Harmless in the Preliminary Budget, While DOE, DYCD, and Aging are partially exempted. The Governor’s proposed State funding will provide substantial relief for City agencies that have been facing 15% budget cuts. For more information on Mayor Adams FY25 budget, Click Here

Council Member Oswald Feliz Appointed as Chair of the Small Business Committee Congratulations to Councilmember Oswald Feliz on being appointed Chair of the Small Business Committee. Councilmember Oswald Feliz is a lifelong resident of the Bronx, who proudly represents the 15th Council District – which includes the neighborhoods of Fordham, Belmont, East Tremont, West Farms, Van Nest, and Allerton. The Committee on Small Business has jurisdiction over New York City matters relating to retail business and emerging commercial industries.

Fiscal Year 2025 Discretionary Funding Applications Released The applications for discretionary funding are now available. The FY2025 application was posted on the Council’s website on Thursday, January 4, 2024, and the submission deadline will be on Tuesday, February 20, 2024. For more information, or to apply, Click Here

2024 Annual Legislators' Reception The 2024 Legislators' Reception is the premier networking event and the biggest of its kind in Albany.  All are welcome to attend and mingle with members of the New York State Legislature and top New York State government officials. The event will follow meetings of our Board of Directors, Government Affairs Council / President’s Council, and other Committee Meetings. For more information or to register, Click Here

53rd Annual NYSABPRHAL Legislative Conference Join NYSABPRHAL for their 53rd Annual Legislative Conference on February 16- 18, 2024, in Albany, New York. This conference's mission is to engage New State residents of a minority descent in a dialogue about issues and policies that have an impact on their daily lives and communities. The workshop forums that take place on Saturday during the conference will focus on a plethora of issues including, but not limited to, healthcare inequities, how to become a legacy leader in the new cannabis industry, housing insecurities, criminal justice reform, enhancing equitable distribution of wealth, closing disparities within the educational system, MWBE opportunities and many more engaging topics. For more information or to register for this event, Click Here

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

NYC Funds Finder NYC's Department of Small Business Services (SBS) and Next Street announced the launch of a new platform connecting small businesses with trusted resources they need to open, grow, and maintain their business. The user-friendly platform – NYC Funds Finder is where small businesses can review funding options, including loans and grants, and request free 1-on-1 financing assistance from the SBS team.  NYC Funds Finder is a partnership between SBS and Next Street and the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth. Next Street Scale, the platform that powers NYC Funds Finder, was created to address the hurdles that small businesses, especially those run by women and minorities, face in accessing the resources required to grow their business and build wealth.  M/WBE Certification Unlocking Opportunities The Bronx Chamber of Commerce is proud to partner with NYC SBS to help guide you through the application process of getting certified as a Minority/Woman-Owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE). This certification program, offered by NYC Small Business Services, is a critical initiative aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion in government contracting and procurement processes. The program seeks to create opportunities for businesses owned and operated by minority individuals and women, ensuring they have fair access to government contracts and economic opportunities, opens your business up to increased opportunities from New York City agencies, free advertising in the NYC Online Directory of Certified Businesses, mentorship programs and workshops, networking events, and more. The City has committed to awarding $16 billion in contracts to M/WBE certified organizations over the next decade--don’t miss out! Are you eligible? (Qualification checklist below) Business is legally authorized to transact business in New York City Business has been in operation for at least one year Business is more than 51% minority and/or woman owned LOSS PREVENTION TECHNOLOGY SURVEY Loss Prevention Technology Survey, The Bronx Chamber of Commerce and our partners have issued a brief survey titled, "The Future is Here for Retail Theft Prevention." The survey seeks to understand business needs in the area of retail loss prevention. Take the Survey - Click Here UPCOMING EVENTS From Stress to Success: Health and Wellness Networking Event Tuesday, January 30th, 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Mott Hall Charter School 1260 Franklin Avenue Bronx NY Step into 2024 radiantly! Join The Bronx Chamber of Commerce, Assembly Member Amanda Septimo for an evening of health and wellness Reserve Your Spot The International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of New York 2024 March 3rd - 5th from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Jacob Javits Center 429 11th Ave NY NY The International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of New York is a once-a-year event that focuses on serving the food service industry in the Northeast. Vendors offer you the opportunity to see the best in the restaurant and food service industry, from the newest food trends to the best technology to fit your restaurant and everything in between. This is your opportunity to find the latest and greatest for your operation. This is a ticketed event, for pricing and more information, Click Here The Women of Distinction Luncheon 2024 March 22 11:30 am to 2:00 pm Villa Barone Manor 737 Throggs Neck Expwy Bronx NY For 19 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.   Join us this year as we honor a new class of scholars and celebrate the strong women leaders of our community! 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!