Saturday, January 29, 2022

Bronx Chamber of Commerce - Bronx Business News You Can Use

 

Legislative Updates, New Grants, Events and Much More
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Click here for this week's Friday Extra, brought to you by Sara.

This week's topics: 

  • Event Highlights: Women of Distinction & New Member Breakfasts
  • Bronx Chamber Foundation efforts
  • Legislative updates

and more!
NYS Secure Choice Savings Program
On January 26, 2022, Governor Kathy Hochul announced the convening of the New York Secure Choice Savings Program Board, of which Bronx Chamber President Lisa Sorin is a proud member.

This is the first phase in establishing a secure retirement savings plan for employees in New York's private-sector. Governor Hochul signed legislation last fall to ensure that the Secure Choice Savings Program, which was originally enacted in 2018, is self-sufficient and accessible to workers who do not have access to employer-sponsored retirement plans.
 
"The New York Secure Choice Savings Program ensures private sector employees can save for retirement in a convenient, low-cost manner," Governor Hochul said. "My administration is committed to the financial stability and success of all New Yorkers, and guaranteeing they have a reliable retirement plan is a large part of that mission."

NYC Hospitality Alliance Industry Alert
On Monday, January 24 a New York City law took effect requiring food service establishments to provide “toilet facility” access to food delivery workers who work for third-party delivery companies. 
 
· The term “toilet facility” means a toilet facility on the premises of a food service establishment that is a dedicated facility for its patrons or that is a dedicated facility for its employees to the extent such establishment does not have a dedicated facility for its patrons.
 
· The only exception to this requirement is where accessing the toilet facility would require a food delivery worker to walk through such establishment’s kitchen, food preparation or storage area or utensil washing area to access such facility OR where accessing the toilet facility would create an obvious health and safety risk to the food delivery worker or to the establishment.
 
Click this link to read the bill.
Save the Date: Women of Distinction
Women Providing Healing, Promoting Hope

Friday, March 25, 2022
11:30am - 2:00 pm
Villa Barone Manor (in-person event)

With MC Juliet Papa, 1010 WINS Radio


Sponsorships Available: Please contact events@bronxchamber.org
Replay of Bronx NYS Executive Budget Presentation

Missed the Bronx NYS Executive Budget Presentation
on January 27?


The Bronx Chamber and Third Avenue BID thank Lt. Governor Brian Benjamin for delivering Gov. Kathy Hochul's Executive Budget Presentation to our constituents. Special thanks to our Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson for her meaningful & unified message of "we are in this together" as we work to implement an equitable budget for NYS.

Your Feedback Is Requested
Chamber Community, we want to hear from you!
(These surveys are open to members and non-members alike)

General Chamber Survey
We are hard at work on our calendar of events, and making important changes to our internal processes in order to better serve our members and the Bronx business community at large - please click HERE to fill out our survey and provide your input on our programs, services, and events.

Mott Haven Consumer Survey
Through our Avenue NYC grant, the Bronx Chamber is doing a lot of work in the Mott Haven area of the South Bronx and we want to know what local area consumers think. Those who complete this quick survey will be entered to win a DoorDash Giftcard.


Women of Color Grant Program
Overview
  • Fearless Fund and The Tory Burch Foundation are partnering again to launch the Women of Color Grant Program along with The Cru
  • Together, they will award up to 150 deserving small businesses $10,000- $20,000.
  • Businesses will need to complete the entry form by February 9, 2022, for a chance to be selected for a grant and awarded an annual membership to The Cru
  • See Official Rules for full details, including entry qualification details and expectations if selected for the program
The Program
  • Receive $10,000- $20,000 in grants towards business growth
  • Participate in monthly meetings with a curated Cru of fellow grant recipients between April 2022 and April 2023

*Applications Close 2/9/2022*
NYC Free Tax Prep
Changes to tax credits mean more money for New Yorkers when they file
Earned Income Tax Credit. Child Tax Credit. Child and Dependent Care Credit. Claiming even one could return thousands of dollars to families and individuals in 2022.
 
NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) is coordinating the City’s Annual Tax Season to help eligible New Yorkers use NYC Free Tax Prep to file for free and keep their whole refund.

For more information about NYC Free Tax Prep services and eligibility for tax credits, visit nyc.gov/taxprep.

Chamber in the Community
Using funds donated by our business community members, The Bronx Chamber and our 501c3 Foundation is continuing to reach out to those affected in the January 9 Twin Parks apartment fire to identify and respond to needs, with a focus on post-relocation assistance to help families furnish and settle into their new homes.

Click here for a Resource Guide created by the Foundation Board with contact information of other organizations who can assist those impacted.
On Thursday 1/27, Chamber President Lisa Sorin participated in the NYS Latina Mentorship Initiative, which is supported by the office of Governor Kathy Hochul.
Chamber in the News

Click here to read what Bronx Chamber President Lisa Sorin had to say in a recent Crains NY article, State small-business relief program can’t spend its money

Tech Talent Pipleline: Jr. Software Engineering Showcase

Date/Time: February 3, 2022 from 2:00pm-3:00pm

Looking for software engineers for your company’s summer internship program? The Tech Talent Pipeline Residency (TTPR) is a city-funded, paid internship program that connects high-achieving CUNY Computer Science students to businesses looking to host technical interns over the summer. Join us to learn more! Can’t make it on Feb. 3rd? Fill out this form to speak with a representative from the Tech Talent Pipeline.