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: Call to Action: Contact your State representatives to express concerns over the Consumer & Small Business Protection Act (more in next section) Bronx Chamber member celebrations (MBD Community Housing and Throggs Neck BID) & 100 Hispanic Women panel at Chase Bank Upcoming Small Business Events: NYC SBS Expo on May 29 and Small Businesses, Big Connections hosted by the Bronx Chamber on May 30 (see below for complete Bronx Chamber and partner events listing)

CONSUMER AND SMALL BUSINESS PROTECTION ACT

Please read the following regarding a State bill that could significantly impact our small businesses -- S.795 (Comrie) / A.7138 (Weinstein), known as the Consumer and Small Business Protection Act As dedicated advocates for Bronx’s small business community, it is crucial that the Bronx Chamber, its members and extended network address the potential repercussions of this bill. This state legislation risks detrimental consequences to both consumers and businesses, particularly small businesses that are the backbone of our communities. The proposal seeks to amend the General Business Law (GBL) by introducing broad terms like "unfair" and "abusive" practices and by increasing statutory damages by nearly 2000%. Additionally, it mandates the awarding of attorney’s fees in litigation cases, which could lead to a dramatic rise in baseless lawsuits.   We believe that our state can protect consumers and support small businesses without compromising the health of our economy. Please reach out to your state legislators to express your concerns and opposition to this bill. It's essential we come together to ensure the health of our business community and local economy.

UPDATE ON CITY OF YES FOR ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY

On May 22, the City Council Zoning Subcommittee & Land Use Committee voted to approve of this citywide amendment to NYC’s Zoning Resolution, with modifications to the zoning proposals as well as non-zoning commitments from the City. You can find details on these modifications and non-zoning commitments here.   This vote marks an important step in advancing this critical initiative to update zoning for a 21st century economy. The Council’s modifications strike a thoughtful balance of public input while maintaining the purpose and intent of the proposal. We anticipate a full Council vote in early June. Let's make NYC a #CityofYes for Economic Opportunity. The plan will update old zoning rules to support small businesses, unlock jobs, fill vacant storefronts, and build a vibrant future for our city. More on City of Yes and ways to support can be found at: nyc.gov/YesEconomicOpportunity

BRONX CHAMBER SIGNATURE EVENT: GOLF OUTING

Don't Miss Out On This Exclusive Event The Joseph P. Kelleher Memorial Golf Tournament June 18, 2024 Bally's Golf Links at Ferry Point 500 Hutchinson River Parkway Bronx, NY 10465 Join us for a day of networking & friendly competition as we honor the memory of Bronx Chamber chairman Joe Kelleher and celebrate this year's honoree Mark Stagg of Stagg Group Development ---> CLICK HERE for more information about the Tournament and to register Sponsorship Opportunities are in high demand and going quickly! Contact Dolores@bronxchamber.org to secure yours. Sincere thanks to our sponsors to date (list in formation): DJ Ambulette Services, Monroe College, BronxCare Health System, Lettire Construction, Manhattan Parking Group, Simone Development Companies, Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts, Orange Bank & Trust Company, The Stagg Group, and A&A Maintenance Enterprise.

CAREER DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Bronx Construction Career & Training Resource Fair June 12 Beginning at 10:00am Bronx Borough Hall - The Rotunda 851 Grand Concourse Hosted by the Bronx Borough President's Office and NYC Department of Design and Construction Job seekers will meet employers, unions, and organizations with active opportunities. Register Here

Mayor Adams and CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez announced a nearly $12 million expansion towards the CUNY Inclusive Economy Initiative, which leverages CUNY campus resources to create college-to-career pipelines. Launched in 2022, this initiative has served over 3,000 students and built connections to more than 2,000 industry partners to date, with the expansion aiming to create career opportunities for 1,200 more CUNY students.

CHAMBER IN THE COMMUNITY

This week, the Bronx Chamber team was proud to attend a number of community events (pictured at left) including a 50-year anniversary celebration of our member MBD Community Housing, a Veterans event held on the campus of our member Hostos Community College, and the 45th Precinct Community Council annual breakfast. The Chamber also hosted a meet & greet with Congressional candidate George Latimer for our Chairman's Circle and Corporate members at Enzo's of Williamsbridge. President Lisa Sorin recorded a LEAP Into Business podcast at Lehman College and participated in a panel at the new Chase Bank on Fordham Road, Women In Business: Building Generational Wealth

MORE BRONX CHAMBER EVENTS

May 30: Small Businesses, Big Connections Less than a week away - get your tickets now! Pasquale's Rigoletto 2311 Arthur Ave. 6:00 - 8:00pm $25 Members / $30 Non-Members Learn best practices from our Member guest speaker Martha Lynn Laskie how to Become Impressive and effectively brand your small business, while enjoying delicious Italian light bites, drink specials, & more as we close out Small Business Month!

Get Your Tickets

June 6: An Evening of Scotch & Cigars The Bronx Havana Room 3604A East Tremont Ave. 6:00 - 8:00pm $25 Members / $30 Non-Members Join us at the sophisticated Bronx Havana Room on June 6th for an evening of scotch tasting, fine cigars, networking and industry updates. Act fast - space is limited and this event has sold out 2 years in a row!

Get Your Tickets

June 13: Karaoke Night! Sponsored by The University of Mount Saint Vincent The Bronx Beer Hall 2344 Arthur Avenue 6:00 - 8:00pm $25 Members / $30 Non-Members Join the Bronx Chamber's Young Professionals Committee for an evening of great food, questionable singing, & drink specials, brought to you with generous support from Bronx Chamber Member The University of Mount Saint Vincent, who will be sharing information about continuing education opportunities at UMSV, tailored for busy professionals.

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June 27: The Art of Networking Casita Maria Center for Arts & Education 928 Simpson Street 6:00 - 8:00pm $25 Members / $30 Non-Members Join The Bronx Chamber of Commerce for an evening of networking in Casita Maria's beautiful community Art Gallery, surrounded by the inspiring work of local artists. Don't miss this opportunity to cultivate your network and ignite your creative spirit!

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MEMBER EVENTS

Bronx Chamber member Bronx Veterinary Center is moving to a new location and you’re invited to join in the festivities! Saturday, May 25 12:00 - 4:00pm 1640 Eastchester Road Bronx, NY 10461 Food trucks, face painting, dog training demos, available pets for adoption, and much more! Click HERE for details on Animal Care Centers of NYC mobile Pet Adoption

Support Bronx Chamber member VISIONS/Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired at their June 11 event, where our President Lisa Sorin will proudly serve as event auctioneer! 📣 Get your tickets here and help raise vital unrestricted funding for VISIONS' programs for the Blind and visually impaired in our borough!

Bronx Day: Celebration of Juneteenth June 15 10:00 am – 6:00 pm Visit the NY Botanical Garden for a Juneteenth celebration featuring music, dance performances, arts and crafts, food trucks, and more! Bronx Residents, Register HERE for complimentary tickets!

Bronx Chamber President's Circle member New York Power Authority & New York Transco invite you to learn about Propel NY Energy, an underground electric transmission solution proposed in the Bronx to bolster the system’s reliability and resiliency, and create pathways to deliver clean energy. Bronx Community Open Houses: June 8, 12, and 13 (in person and virtual options) Click HERE for full details on each Open House, and to register

DIGITAL TOOLS FOR GROWTH

With support from the Verizon Digital Inclusion program, The Bronx Chamber of Commerce is offering a series of webinars aimed at helping small businesses maximize the potential of digital tools and literacy for business growth. All sessions are virtual Upcoming Dates and Times are as follows: Cybersecurity - How to Protect Your Business  Session 1: Wednesday, June 5, 2024 11:00 am to 12:00 pm Session 2: Wednesday, June 12, 2024 11:00 am to 12:00 pm To register for the next event on June 5, Click Here

OPEN + ONLINE Applications are still open for Bronx businesses to sign up for the popular Open + Online program through the NYC Small Business Resource Network! It's crucial that your small business has a strong online presence to compete in today's marketplace. The Open + Online program offers FREE website building, logo & branding design, or expert SEO (search engine optimization) consulting.  APPLY HERE

WEBSITE UPDATES: CITY & STATE LEGISLATION

If you haven't already: Check out the latest Bronx Chamber website updates for city and state legislation policy news impacting your business, plus events, resources and much more. To visit our website, Click Here

FUNDING, CERTIFICATION & OTHER RESOURCES

NYC Small Business Month Expo May 29 9:00am - 3:00pm Pier 36 NYC 299 South Street New York, NY 10002 Free resources and direct services that address the needs of small business owners of all stages, industries, and boroughs, all under one roof: Faster city permits and licenses Financing and legal assistance Contract with NYC through the M/WBE Borough Forum Free consultations, workshops, and networking  Click Here to Register

MWBE | SDVOB Procurement Conference June 5 8:30am - 3:00pm John Jay College of Criminal Justice 524 West 59th Street New York, NY 10019 Learn how to navigate procurement opportunities throughout CUNY and CUCF at this one-day event designed to help MWBEs & SDVOBs learn, grow, and network. Co-hosted by The City University of New York, City University Construction Fund, Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, Bronx Chamber of Commerce, Queens Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Women in Construction. Click Here To Register

Grant Readiness 101: Get Ready, Get Set June 18 (2 sessions) CUNY on the Concourse Unlike many private or local grant processes, applying for NY State grant funding can require several steps. This training is designed to help you understand the process, the statewide financial system (SFS), and the opportunities that come with State grant funding.   This presentation will cover:  Overall NYS Grant Process Different Types of Funding Opportunities (Three Rs: RFA/RFA/RFI) Steps to Prequalification (A MUST TO APPLY FOR ANY GRANT) Working with the NY State Financial System (SFS) How to Position Your Organization to Be Ready Register HERE

NYC Funds Finder NYC's Department of Small Business Services (SBS) and Next Street are offering a user-friendly platform, NYC Funds Finder, 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 If you are interested in applying, or for more information on M/WBE certification, contact Chanel Perez at Programs@bronxchamber.org

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!