Friday, April 19, 2024

Bronx Chamber of Commerce - Bronx Business News You Can Use

 

Upcoming Events, Legislative News, 
Grant Opportunities, & More
(Friday) Extra, Extra
  • MOCS Bronx Business Mixer at Hostos Community College
  • Conversations & Presentations Celebrating You & Your Small Business with TD Bank
  • State of the Borough Event

Legislative Updates
  • NYS Introduces Street Vending Legislation

Upcoming Events (details below)
  • Proposed Changes to NYC Vending Webinar 4.24.2024
  • Bi-Annual All-Member Meeting - 4.25.2024
  • BXCC Workforce Expo - 5.16.2024 Save the Date
  • Joseph P. Kelleher Memorial Golf Tournament - 6.18.2024
Friday Extra 4 19 2024
JOSEPH P. KELLEHER MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT
Tee off with the Bronx Chamber!

Joseph P. Kelleher Memorial Golf Tournament

June 18, 2024
Bally's Golf Links at Ferry Point

Join the Chamber for a day of golf, networking, and friendly competition as we honor Mark Stagg of Stagg Group Development! CLICK HERE for more information about the Tournament and to register.

A variety of Sponsorship Opportunities are available - contact Dolores@bronxchamber.org to secure your package. Sincere thanks to our sponsors to date: Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts, DJ Ambulette Services, Monroe College, and BronxCare Health System.
GOVERNOR HOCHUL ANNOUNCES NEW INITIATIVES TO CRACK DOWN ON RETAIL THEFT AND PROTECT FRONTLINE WORKERS
Governor Kathy Hochul announced new initiatives to crack down on organized retail theft and protect frontline retail workers that are included in the FY25 State Budget agreement.

This comprehensive approach puts more power in the hands of law enforcement, prosecutors, and business owners – targeting every area of vulnerability. Governor Hochul’s announcement came on the heels of an agreement on the FY25 State Budget, which makes historic investments in public safety and builds on three years of progress driving down crime statewide.

For more information, Click Here 
MOCS BRONX BUSINESS MIXER AT HOSTOS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
The Bronx Chamber team joined the Mayor's Office of Contract Services (MOCS) Tuesday for their Bronx Business Mixer at Hostos Community College.
This event is part of the Mayor's "MOCS In Your Neighborhood" citywide initiative. The goal is to meet businesses where they are, connect M/WBE's and non-profits to city contracting opportunities, and provide PASSPort supports.
TD BANK HOSTS CONVERSATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS EVENT CELEBRATING SMALL BUSINESS
The Bronx Chamber team joined TD Bank for their Conversations and Presentations Event at 1 Vanderbilt.

During this event, business owners heard from experts on how to manage their business cash flow, how to spot and handle fraud situations, and how to better manage their business finances.
STATE OF THE BOROUGH ADDRESS
On Thursday, Bronx Borough President, Vanessa L. Gibson held her second annual State of the Borough address at Cardinal Hayes High School.

During the evening, Borough President Gibson outlining the accomplishments of her administration during 2023 and unveiling her agenda for 2024 "The Bronx is the Blueprint.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Community Clean Streets Day of Action - Bruckner Blvd

April 20th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

In preparation for Earth Day, join community partners in Mott Haven as we sweep, paint, trim, remove graffiti, and wake up the ground for the Spring.
City Wide Storefront Businesses: Proposed Changes To NYC Vending

April 24th from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Virtual


Join the Bronx Chamber of Commerce for a policy briefing on proposed street vendor legislation.
Be an active voice shaping the future of New York’s small businesses.

Join the Bronx Chamber of Commerce for our First Bi-Annual All-Member Meeting

April 25th from 11:00 am - 12:00 pm on Zoom

*This is a Bronx Chamber Members Only Event*

During this webinar, members will:
  • Learn about your exclusive Member Benefits, including participation in Chamber Governance
  • Meet the Staff and the Board of Directors
  • Get a refresher on the Chamber's Advocacy work - your voice in Bronx government, specifically business legislation - and much more!

Members: Got a burning question for us to answer during the webinar? Click here to submit

Not a Chamber Member? Click here to join
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!
FUNDING, CAREER DEVELOPMENT & OTHER RESOURCES
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

If you are interested in applying, or for more information on M/WBE certification, contact Chanel Perez at Programs@bronxchamber.org
THE CHAMBER'S LEGISLATIVE COMMITMENT
A digital refresh to welcome Spring!

Check out the Bronx Chamber's updated website for the latest in news, policy updates, events, resources and more.

To visit our website, Click Here
MEMBER EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
Presented by The Bronx Chamber of Commerce with support from Verizon with the help of Verizon's 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. Starting with the first of "The Three Ps of Marketing"

Dates and Times are as follows:

Wednesday, May 15th, 2024
11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Wednesday, June 5th, 2024
11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Wednesday, June 12th, 2024
11:00 am to 12:00 pm

All Virtual

For more information or to register, Click Here

STATE ASSEMBLYWOMAN JENIFER RAJKUMAR'S STATEMENT ON GOVERNOR KATHY HOCHUL'S CANNABIS ANNOUNCEMENT

 

This morning, Governor Hochul put her full support behind the provisions of my SMOKEOUT Act and committed to carrying out the closure of illegal smoke shops. After our discussions with her and her team this budget season, we came to an agreement on the importance of giving cities and municipalities across our State the power to shut down these shops on their own.     

In December, I authored the SMOKEOUT Act because I knew it was the right policy for public safety and the health of our children. I was inspired to see so many everyday New Yorkers willing to stand up and speak out for the safety of our communities. I launched “Operation: SMOKEOUT” which took us across the City and blazed a path to this victory in Albany.

The people have spoken and Albany has listened. Now, it’s time to “smoke ‘em out!”

MAYOR ADAMS, SPEAKER ADAMS PROTECT OVER $500 MILLION IN KEY EDUCATION PROGRAMS PREVIOUSLY FUNDED WITH TEMPORARY STIMULUS DOLLARS, ANNOUNCE EFFORT TO BOOST EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION ENROLLMENT

 

City Funds More Than $500 Million in Department of Education Programming Previously Supported with Temporary Stimulus Funds, Bolstering Mental Health Care, Career Readiness, and Literacy Support

$5 Million Effort Will Maximize Enrollment in 3-K and Pre-K Programs Across New York City 

City Invests $25 Million for Pre-K Students with Special Needs 

Adams Administration Adds $8 Million for Ongoing Implementations of MyCity Portal, Making it Easier for New Yorkers to Apply for Subsidized Child Care 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams today announced that, thanks to strong fiscal management, the city will make multiple new investments, including more than $500 million in city and state funding for educational programs for young New Yorkers in Mayor Adams’ Executive Budget next week. First, the city will protect $514 million — the majority of which will be baselined with recurring dollars — in New York City Department of Education (DOE) programs that were only previously supported with temporary stimulus dollars, including mental health care, career readiness, and literacy programs for New York City public school students in the Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) Executive Budget.

The Adams administration will also launch a $5 million outreach effort to maximize the number of children enrolled in 3-K and Pre-K programs across New York City. Additionally, the city will invest $25 million in funding to provide special education classes and related services within district schools to Pre-K students with special needs who would otherwise be on waiting lists at contracted providers. Finally, Mayor Adams announced the city will invest $8 million toward the MyCity portalmaking it easier for any New Yorker to apply for subsidized child care and other city services.

“Nobody works harder than New York City parents and families, and we know that nothing holds them back more than the lack of access to child care and support for their kids. Our administration has invested in our children, increasing public school enrollment, boosting test scores, and revolutionizing how we are teaching kids to read, and today we’re delivering again for working-class families,” said Mayor Adams. “Thanks to our strong fiscal management, we are protecting $514 million in key education programs spanning mental health care, literacy, and career readiness. We’re also investing in our youngest New Yorkers by launching a $5 million outreach effort to boost early childhood education enrollment, putting $25 million to support Pre-K students with special needs, and ensuring families can easily apply for child care with through the MyCity portal. Today is a good day for New Yorkers, for all working-class families, and for our children. Our administration made the right fiscal decisions for our city, but we never compromised on delivering the essential services New Yorkers rely on.”

“Today’s joint announcement of over $500 million in funding to support educational programs at risk of ending due to expiring federal stimulus funds is an important step forward in the city budget process,” said Speaker Adams. “Our students, especially those who require critical support services, need continued access to the programs that can help them recover from historic pandemic-era learning losses. The Council has consistently called for funding commitments to these vital initiatives that were at risk, including in our Preliminary Budget response. We have also focused on ensuring access to early childhood education programs and improving outreach efforts so that working and middle-class families can benefit from them. We are encouraged by this significant step and look forward to our continued work with the administration and all stakeholders to deliver a budget that supports essential services for New Yorkers. Our city budget must adequately invest in the city’s children, working families, and their collective future for a healthy, safe, and successful New York.”

“The Adams administration is committed to investing in the building blocks for our community: accessible, equitable, and affordable education and child care, and more efficient ways to access services,” said First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright. “The investments of over $500 million that we are announcing today demonstrate our ongoing commitments to our children and families. We will continue to refine our work to ensure we have the right resources in the right places for every New York city child and family to thrive.”

“The Adams administration believes that from the crib to career, government has a fundamental role in preparing our young people for success — and that starts with early childhood education,” said Deputy Mayor for Strategic Initiatives Ana J. Almanzar. “Today’s holistic, multi-million-dollar investment is part of an ongoing commitment from our city to make sure every student has the resources and tools to thrive. The old saying is true — it takes a village, or in our case, a city to raise a child. Together, New York City will raise our children to make sure they have everything they need to turn their dreams into a reality.”

“A strong educational foundation gives every child and young person the tools, resources, and supports they need to develop,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom. “Today’s announcement maintains important early childhood education programs and investments from pre-K through high school, offers sustained support for youth mental health, and has a range of other investments to address specific needs of students. Additionally, many of these programs are part of proactive efforts and early interventions to provide support to children, young people, and families on their path to thrive.”

 

 “We are thrilled and deeply grateful for the monumental $500 million in permanent funding to support programming for our youngest learners, our students with disabilities, our multilingual learners, our non-traditional students, our student athletes, and to support school safety efforts,” said DOE Chancellor David C. Banks. “This transformative investment is a significant step towards ensuring that New York City remains a viable, vibrant home for young families where our children get a bright start and a bold future.”

 

“Since its launch one year ago, MyCity has improved the lives of thousands of working-class families across New York City by providing them easier access to critical child care subsidies,” said New York City Chief Technology Officer Matthew Fraser. “This significant investment re-affirms the Adams administration’s commitment to democratizing technology to make the city a better place to live and raise a family for all New Yorkers.”

Currently, New York City has tens of thousands of empty early childhood education seats that remain unfilled every day. The city’s $5 million outreach effort aims to maximize the number of children enrolled in child care, and by focusing on populations and neighborhoods with low enrollment rates, the administration will help ensure the promise that any child who needs an early childhood education seat can access one. Since taking office, the Adams administration has prioritized making accessible and affordable child care available to any parent who needs it, boosting the number of children enrolled in child care by nearly 36,000 — a 27 percent increase — and reduced the per child co-pay from an average of $55 per week to less than $5 per week.

By stabilizing the budget and fiscal outlook, the Adams administration has been able to invest city and state recurring dollars and protect 15 DOE programs that were supported under the last mayoral administration with expiring federal stimulus dollars. In the Executive Budget, the Adams administration will apply a combination of $514 million in city resources and recurring state funds, to backfill programs, including:

  • Supporting the citywide 3-K expansion as it transitions from its original stimulus funding source ($92 million, FY25);
  • Supporting nearly 500 social workers and psychologists who provide mental health supports in schools ($74 million, FY25+);
  • Maintain funding for special education Pre-K providers to increase service hours, and resources for DOE-related services and evaluation teams ($56 million, FY25+);
  • Funding for the 113 Community Schools that were supported with stimulus ($48 million, FY25+) and Program to Eliminate the Gap restoration that would have impacted 170 Community Schools ($8 million, FY25+);
  • Pathways program that facilitates career pathways programs in high schools, offering apprenticeships, career-readiness, and access to college credits ($53 million, FY25+);
  • Arts funding programming ($41 million, FY25);
  • Funding for Learn to Work at transfer schools and Young Adult Borough Centers, which offer counselors and internships to at-risk adults and older youth at 66 sites ($31 million, FY25);
  • The Public Schools Athletic League ($27 million, FY25+);
  • Literacy and dyslexia programs and academic assessments for both English language arts, and math ($17 million, FY25+);
  • Funding for coordinators for students in temporary housing in schools and shelters ($17 million, FY25+);
  • Bilingual education funding for curriculum and assessment, teacher preparation and staffing, professional learning, and multilingual family and community engagement for 100 bilingual programs ($10 million, FY25+);
  • Programming provided by community-based organizations through Project Pivot that provides enrichment, youth development, and violence interruption for roughly 250 schools ($15 million, FY25);
  • Funding for six nonprofit affinity groups at nearly 170 schools that strive to prepare students for high school graduation, as well as for successful futures in a career or college ($10 million, FY25);
  • Support for the New Visions Data Platform data portal that is used by hundreds of schools to track and show student achievement and attendance data ($9 million, FY25); and
  • Translation and interpretation services for DOE students and families ($6 million FY25+).

The administration will also be expanding enrollment efforts with a $5 million investment to make sure that all New York City parents are aware of 3-K and Pre-K opportunities across the five boroughs so that the city can maximize the usage of these high-quality early childhood education programs that help children begin a lifelong journey of learning. These programs also help parents struggling with costly child care, and help working families achieve more earning power.

Under Mayor Adams’ leadership, the city has made significant investments and enacted policies to support working-class families and put money back into the pockets of New Yorkers by reducing the per child co-payment or out-of-pocket cost of subsidized child care for a family earning $55,000 a year from $55 a week in 2022 to just $4.80 a week today. The city has also reduced the co-payments all families pay for subsidized care, bringing the average co-payment per child to less than $220 per year, down from $1,500 annually in 2022. Additionally, the Adams administration successfully advocated to increase the income threshold for families to access subsidized care to the federal maximum, meaning over 230,000 more children may qualify for a child care subsidy.

The Adams administration has also boosted the number of children enrolled in child care, enrolling over 36,000 more children over the past two years, a 27 percent increase. Additionally, Mayor Adams released MyCity, a one-stop-shop portal where parents can easily apply for and track their applications for subsidized child care. In the first year since launching, 65 percent of all applications for child care subsidies were received online through MyCity.

Permits Filed For 1970 Crotona Avenue In Tremont, The Bronx


 

Permits have been filed for an eight-story residential building at 1970 Crotona Avenue in Tremont, The Bronx. Located between East 178th Street and East Tremont Avenue, the lot is near the West Farms Square-East Tremont Avenue subway station, serviced by the 2 and 5 trains. Paul Lumaj of Dedaj Construction Corp. is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 74-foot-tall development will yield 33,124 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have 50 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 662 square feet. The masonry-based structure will also have a cellar, a 56-foot-long rear yard, 11 open parking spaces, and four enclosed parking spaces.

Badaly Architects is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits were filed in July 2023 for the two-story structure on the site. An estimated completion date has not been announced.