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New York City Council
Committee on Small Business
Mar 21, 2025
·
10:30 AM
3 hr 7 min
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Summary
A hearing on the Department of Small Business Services (SBS)'s fiscal year 2026 preliminary budget of $182.1 million.
Discussions focused on:
- SBS workforce challenges
- Impact of new sanitation containerization rules on Business Improvement Districts (BIDs)
- Funding for small business support programs
- Efforts to reduce storefront vacancies
- Support for worker cooperatives and minority/women-owned businesses
Features testimony from the Department of Small Business Services (SBS), Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), community development organizations, and the public.
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Council Member Oswald Feliz's opening remarks at the Small Business Committee budget hearing
Council Member Oswald Feliz, chair of the Small Business Committee, opens the budget hearing for the Department of Small Business Services (SBS). He provides an overview of the fiscal year …
0:00:35
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3 min
Introduction and SBS fiscal year 2026 preliminary budget overview
Commissioner Dynishal Gross introduces herself and the purpose of the meeting, which is to discuss the SBS's fiscal year 2026 preliminary budget and its support for SBS's mission of creating …
0:04:25
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35 sec
Economic context and small business landscape in New York City
New York City is experiencing record-high numbers of small businesses and unprecedented job growth, reflecting the city's strong economic recovery and momentum. - Over 183,000 small businesses currently operate in …
0:05:01
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85 sec
SBS fiscal year 2026 preliminary budget breakdown
The SBS FY 2026 preliminary budget stands at $182.1 million, with a significant portion allocated as pass-through funding for other city entities. - 40% ($73.2 million) is pass-through funding for …
0:06:27
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60 sec
Division of Business Services programs and support
The Division of Business Services offers a range of programs and tools to help small businesses open, operate, and grow in New York City. - Services include neighborhood-based business solution …
0:07:30
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35 sec
Small business financing assistance and Cannabis NYC loan fund
SBS has helped entrepreneurs secure significant financing and launched specialized loan funds to support small businesses. - Over $294 million in financing secured for entrepreneurs during the current administration - …
0:08:06
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38 sec
Success stories: Lifestyle 1104 Juice Bar and Red Chili
Two small businesses, Lifestyle 1104 Juice Bar and Red Chili, exemplify the impact of SBS's business services in supporting growth and overcoming challenges. - Lifestyle 1104 Juice Bar in The …
0:08:45
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80 sec
Regulatory reforms and small business savings
SBS has implemented initiatives to help small businesses navigate regulations and achieve significant cost savings. - Over $50 million in small business savings achieved through the NYC Business Express Service …
0:10:06
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33 sec
Division of Economic and Financial Opportunity support for MWBEs
The Division of Economic and Financial Opportunity provides comprehensive support to minority and women-owned business enterprises (MWBEs) to facilitate their growth and access to government contracts. - Services include certification …
0:10:40
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51 sec
Government contracting opportunities and MWBE success stories
SBS hosts impactful events and provides support to help MWBEs secure government contracts, leading to significant success stories. - The 16th annual citywide procurement fair attracted over 1,250 attendees - …
0:11:32
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97 sec
Workforce development and job placement initiatives
SBS powers the backbone of New York City's public workforce system, connecting job seekers with employment opportunities and businesses with free hiring services. - 18 Workforce1 Career Centers provide job …
0:13:10
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49 sec
Jobs NYC program and hiring halls
The Jobs NYC initiative has been integrated into SBS's workforce services to provide a comprehensive approach to job placement in high-unemployment neighborhoods. - Over 30 Jobs NYC hiring halls have …
0:14:01
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47 sec
Occupational training services and NCLEX RN program
SBS offers occupational training services to equip job seekers with the education and experience needed for employment in select industries, including a program for foreign-trained nurses. - Training programs are …
0:14:50
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101 sec
Neighborhood Development Division and Business Improvement Districts
SBS's Neighborhood Development Division supports 76 Business Improvement Districts across New York City, which deliver significant services to local businesses and communities. - BIDs collectively deliver over $190 million in …
0:16:43
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61 sec
Neighborhood development grants and their impact
Neighborhood development grants have funded a variety of innovative projects and initiatives to support commercial corridors and local businesses across New York City. - Projects include lighting installations, murals, wayfinding …
0:17:45
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76 sec
Formation and expansion of Business Improvement Districts
Under the current administration, SBS has advanced the formation of new Business Improvement Districts and facilitated the expansion of existing ones to strengthen local commercial corridors. - Three new BIDs …
0:19:04
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77 sec
Upcoming NYC Small Business Month events
SBS is planning the second annual New York City Small Business Month in May, featuring a series of events and initiatives to support and celebrate local businesses. - Collaboration with …
0:20:22
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68 sec
Conclusion and invitation for questions
Commissioner Dynishal Gross concludes her testimony by thanking the committee for the opportunity to speak about SBS's critical work and expresses excitement for continued support of small businesses in FY …
0:21:30
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14 sec
Council member inquires about SBS workforce and hiring
Council Member Feliz opens the questioning by focusing on the SBS workforce, hiring, vacancies, and headcount. He notes an increase in budgeted headcount and asks about the roles of new …
0:21:46
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31 sec
Commissioner explains roles of new SBS staff positions
Commissioner Gross responds to the inquiry about new staff positions, explaining their roles and focus areas within SBS. - New positions will support small business education and government navigation - …
0:22:18
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36 sec
Discussion on SBS vacancy rate and its operational impact
Council Member Feliz inquires about the SBS vacancy rate and its impact on operations. Commissioner Gross provides clarification on the actual vacancy rate and explains the agency's growth and hiring …
0:22:56
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120 sec
Strategies for reducing SBS vacancies and improving retention
Council Member Feliz inquires about strategies for reducing vacancies and factors affecting hiring and retention at SBS. Commissioner Gross outlines the agency's approach to addressing these challenges. - SBS participates …
0:24:56
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95 sec
Assessment of SBS headcount sufficiency in preliminary plan
Council Member Feliz asks whether the headcount included in the preliminary plan is sufficient for SBS's needs in fiscal year 2026. Commissioner Gross provides her perspective on the agency's readiness. …
0:26:32
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47 sec
Discussion on potential uses for hypothetical additional SBS funding
Council Member Feliz poses a hypothetical scenario of $100 million in additional funding for SBS, asking about potential programs or initiatives that could be funded. Commissioner Gross responds by highlighting …
0:27:20
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142 sec
Feedback on new containerization rules from small businesses and BIDs
Council Member Feliz inquires about the feedback SBS has received from small business owners and Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) regarding the new containerization rules for trash disposal. Commissioner Gross provides …
0:29:42
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147 sec
SBS's role in sanitation rule implementation and compliance funding
Council Member Feliz inquires about SBS's role in implementing the new sanitation rules and any funding allocated to support BIDs and small businesses in complying with these rules. Commissioner Gross …
0:32:10
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96 sec
Impact of containerization compliance costs on new BIDs and merchant associations
Council Member Feliz raises concerns about the potential impact of containerization compliance costs on the formation of new BIDs and merchant associations. Commissioner Gross addresses these concerns and outlines DSNY's …
0:33:47
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75 sec
Council Member Bottcher explains current BID trash collection practices
Council Member Bottcher describes the current system of trash collection by Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) in Council District 3, highlighting its effectiveness. - Multiple BIDs in the district regularly empty …
0:35:08
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140 sec
Council Member Bottcher outlines concerns with proposed containerization rule
Council Member Bottcher expresses concerns about the Department of Sanitation's proposed rule requiring containerization of trash from corner baskets. - The rule may force BIDs to stop bagging corner basket …
0:37:28
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108 sec
Council Member Bottcher proposes pilot program for new trash rule
Council Member Bottcher suggests implementing the new trash containerization rule as a pilot program before citywide rollout. - He recommends listening to feedback from BIDs and community cleanup groups. - …
0:39:16
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26 sec
Commissioner Gross acknowledges concerns and commits to relay feedback
Commissioner Dynishal Gross responds to Council Member Bottcher's concerns about the proposed trash containerization rule. - The Commissioner acknowledges the Council Member's deep understanding of BID operations and the complexity …
0:39:43
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70 sec
SBS's role in addressing BID concerns about new containerization rules
Council Member Feliz inquires about SBS's potential role in addressing BID concerns regarding the new containerization rules. Commissioner Gross explains that individualized attention to operational challenges is needed for each …
0:41:24
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89 sec
Cost estimates and challenges for BID compliance with containerization rules
Council Member Feliz inquires about cost estimates for BID compliance with new containerization rules, highlighting concerns from smaller BIDs about affordability. Commissioner Gross explains the variability in costs and challenges …
0:42:53
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6 min
Potential funding options for BIDs to comply with new containerization rules
Council Member Feliz inquires about potential funding options to help BIDs, especially smaller ones, comply with the new containerization rules. Commissioner Gross discusses SBS's role and openness to assisting if …
0:49:20
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91 sec
Council Member Krishnan discusses containerization program concerns and small business resource funding with SBS Commissioner
Council Member Shekar Krishnan engages in a Q&A session with SBS Commissioner Dynishal Gross, discussing concerns about the new containerization program and its impact on BIDs and organizations like ACE. …
0:50:53
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4 min
Council member emphasizes importance of BIDs and suggests potential funding
Council Member Oswald Feliz highlights the crucial role of Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) in maintaining commercial corridors. He notes the current number of BIDs and proposes a hypothetical funding scenario …
0:55:35
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60 sec
Discussion on construction pre-apprenticeship program funding and details
Council Member Feliz inquires about the $1 million baseline funding for construction pre-apprenticeships, and Commissioner Gross provides details on the program's success and impact. - The program has operated successfully …
0:56:37
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156 sec
Impact of previous budget cuts on SBS job training programs
Council Member Feliz inquires about the impact of a $5.9 million peg in FY24 on SBS's ability to provide job training services. Commissioner Gross explains the agency's approach to managing …
0:59:14
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73 sec
Expansion and metrics of Jobs NYC hiring halls
Council Member Feliz inquires about the $2 million baseline funding for expanding Jobs NYC hiring halls, and Commissioner Gross provides details on the program's targeting, metrics, and success. - Jobs …
1:00:29
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3 min
BID formation process, funding, and potential impact of containerization rules
Commissioner Gross explains the BID formation process, funding sources, and addresses concerns about the potential impact of new containerization rules on BID formation. - BID formation requires a driven group …
1:03:44
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3 min
Overview of the Blueprint for Economic Recovery
Commissioner Gross provides information about the Blueprint for Economic Recovery, its goals, and how SBS assesses its performance in relation to the blueprint. - The Blueprint for Economic Recovery is …
1:07:30
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87 sec
BID formation grant selection criteria and borough distribution
Commissioner Gross explains the selection criteria for BID formation grants and provides a breakdown of BIDs across New York City boroughs. - Selection criteria include proposal strength, pragmatic scope, budget, …
1:08:59
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4 min
SBS training and education programs under Local Law 156
Commissioner Gross discusses SBS's approach to training and education programs, including goals, facilitation, and language access support. - SBS aims to serve more businesses each year with available resources - …
1:13:10
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4 min
Federal funding for SBS and expiration of COVID funds
Commissioner Gross addresses concerns about potential federal funding cuts and the expiration of COVID-related funds for SBS programs. - SBS has not seen or heard of any federal plans that …
1:17:42
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174 sec
Introduction to discussion on storefront vacancies in NYC
Council Member Oswald Feliz introduces the topic of storefront vacancies, highlighting its importance for the committee and SBS. He emphasizes the negative impacts of vacant storefronts on communities, including increased …
1:20:37
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64 sec
Current storefront vacancy rates and trends across NYC boroughs
Commissioner Dynishal Gross provides detailed information on current storefront vacancy rates across New York City, highlighting improvements and borough-specific trends. - Citywide vacancy rate is 11.4%, which is more than …
1:21:42
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179 sec
SBS initiatives to decrease storefront vacancies
Commissioner Gross outlines various SBS initiatives aimed at decreasing storefront vacancies and supporting small businesses in New York City. - Commercial Lease Assistance program provides legal representation to small business …
1:24:41
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165 sec
Live XYZ program for tracking vacancy rates
Commissioner Gross provides details on the Live XYZ program, which SBS uses to track storefront occupancy rates in New York City. - Live XYZ conducts quarterly reviews and walks of …
1:27:28
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3 min
Transition of Live XYZ from SBS to OTI and potential impacts
Council Member Feliz inquires about the transition of the Live XYZ program from SBS to OTI and its potential impacts on reporting storefront vacancies. - The Live XYZ program was …
1:30:37
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93 sec
Changes in SBS contract budget between FY 2025 and FY 2026
Council Member Feliz inquires about the significant reduction in the SBS contract budget for FY 2026 compared to FY 2025, despite only one fewer contract. - The FY 2026 budget …
1:32:11
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159 sec
New York City Small Business Opportunity Fund overview and future plans
Commissioner Gross provides an overview of the New York City Small Business Opportunity Fund and discusses future plans for small business financing. - The Opportunity Fund operated from early 2023 …
1:34:51
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151 sec
SBS priorities for potential additional funding
Council Member Feliz asks Commissioner Gross about SBS priorities if they were to receive additional funding of $20 to $50 million. - Commissioner Gross emphasizes building on successful strategies and …
1:37:22
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149 sec
Council Member Feliz questions Commissioner Gross about the cannabis NYC program
Council Member Oswald Feliz inquires about the cannabis NYC program, focusing on its funding, application process, and future plans. Commissioner Dynishal Gross provides detailed information about the program's first phase …
1:39:55
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4 min
Testimony by Linda Baran, President and CEO of Staten Island Chamber of Commerce
Linda Baran, President and CEO of the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce, testified about the chamber's initiatives to support small businesses in Staten Island. She highlighted programs such as the …
1:50:57
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3 min
Testimony by Randy Peers, President and CEO of Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce
Randy Peers, President and CEO of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, testified about the Small Business Resource Network (SBRN) and Chamber on the Go programs, emphasizing their importance in supporting …
1:54:44
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146 sec
Testimony by Dirk McCall de Paloma, Executive Director of New York City BID Association, on BID Funding and Challenges
Dirk McCall de Paloma, representing the New York City BID Association, testified on the importance of Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) and their funding needs. He expressed gratitude for baseline funding …
1:57:17
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142 sec
Testimony by Chris Walters, Senior Policy Associate at Association for Neighborhood and Housing Development (ANHD) on Small Business Services Budget
Chris Walters, representing ANHD, testified on the NYC Small Business Services budget, focusing on support for commercial tenants, merchant organizing, and the industrial sector. He urged for expanded funding for …
1:59:44
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137 sec
Council member introduces questions about new containerization rules
Council Member Oswald Feliz thanks the speakers and introduces questions about the new containerization rules implemented by the sanitation department to combat rats. He asks about the impact on operations, …
2:02:02
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61 sec
Discussion on differences between large Manhattan BIDs and smaller outer borough BIDs
Randy Peers from the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce highlights the differences between large Manhattan BIDs and smaller outer borough BIDs, emphasizing the need to consider them separately when implementing new …
2:03:43
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74 sec
Impacts and costs of containerization rules on Sunnyside Shines BID
Dirk McCall de Paloma from Sunnyside Shines BID details the specific challenges and costs associated with implementing the new containerization rules in their district. - Estimates a cost of $60,000 …
2:04:57
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120 sec
Question about potential one-time grants for containerization compliance
Council Member Oswald Feliz inquires about whether a one-time grant would resolve concerns or if there would be ongoing operational costs. Dirk McCall de Paloma responds to this question. - …
2:06:58
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46 sec
Discussion on DSNY services in non-BID commercial corridors
Randy Peers from the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce raises concerns about DSNY services in commercial corridors that are not covered by BIDs or merchant associations. - Points out that many …
2:07:46
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47 sec
Experiences with SBS grants for smaller BIDs
Council Member Oswald Feliz asks about experiences with SBS grants, particularly for smaller BIDs. Dirk McCall de Paloma from Sunnyside Shines BID provides a detailed response about their experience with …
2:08:35
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131 sec
Testimony by Yanki Tshering, Executive Director of Accompany Capital
Yanki Tshering, Executive Director of Accompany Capital, testified about the importance of CDFIs in supporting immigrant and underserved small business owners in New York City. She highlighted Accompany Capital's work …
2:12:59
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173 sec
Testimony by Leah Archibald, Executive Director of Evergreen
Leah Archibald, Executive Director of Evergreen, testified about the organization's work supporting industrial businesses in North Brooklyn and requested budget increases for industrial programming. She emphasized the importance of their …
2:16:01
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140 sec
Testimony by Mohamed Attia, Managing Director of Street Vendor Project
Mohamed Attia, Managing Director of the Street Vendor Project, testified about the need for increased support and funding for street vendor education and services in New York City. He highlighted …
2:25:18
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3 min
Testimony by Sharon Brown from Rose of Sharon Enterprises on Small Business Funding and Education
Sharon Brown from Rose of Sharon Enterprises testifies on the need for expanded small business funding and education across various demographics. She emphasizes the importance of involving military veterans, youth, …
2:28:26
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122 sec
Discussion on helpful SBS grants for vendors
Council Member Oswald Feliz inquires about the most helpful SBS grants for vendors and which ones should be expanded. Mohamed Attia from the Street Vendor Project responds by highlighting the …
2:30:32
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57 sec
Discussion on business education programs for children
Council Member Oswald Feliz asks Sharon Brown about specific business-related programs recommended for schools. Brown responds with suggestions for creating initiatives to teach children about business and entrepreneurship. - Brown …
2:31:29
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105 sec
Testimony by Darry Saldana, Small Business Resource Network Specialist from Bronx Chamber of Commerce
Darry Saldana, representing the Bronx Chamber of Commerce and the Small Business Resource Network (SBRN), testified on the importance of continued funding for small business support in the Bronx. He …
2:33:30
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157 sec
Council member inquires about most helpful SBS grant
Council Member Oswald Feliz asks Darry Saldana from the Bronx Chamber of Commerce about the most helpful SBS grant they've dealt with. Saldana identifies Avenue NYC and the Neighborhood Development …
2:36:08
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54 sec
Testimony by Alex Grzebyk, Deputy Director of the Community and Economic Development Program at Brooklyn Legal Services Corporation A
Alex Grzebyk from Brooklyn Legal Services Corporation A testifies about the Commercial Lease Assistance (CLA) program, which provides legal services to small businesses in New York City. She highlights the …
2:38:05
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149 sec
Testimony by Jessie Lee, Managing Director of Renaissance Economic Development
Jessie Lee, Managing Director of Renaissance Economic Development, testified about their organization's work in supporting small businesses through technical assistance and microloans. She thanked the City Council for their support …
2:40:45
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119 sec
Testimony by Brady Meixell, Government Relations & Business Services Manager of Southwest Brooklyn Industrial Development Corporation
Brady Meixell from the Southwest Brooklyn Industrial Development Corporation testified about the importance of the Industrial Business Service Provider (IBSP) contract with the Department of Small Business Services. He highlighted …
2:42:54
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126 sec
Testimony by Anh-Thu Nguyen, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Democracy at Work Institute
Anh-Thu Nguyen testified on behalf of the Worker Cooperative Business Development Initiative (WCBDI), highlighting its achievements and requesting increased funding for fiscal year 2026. She emphasized the initiative's role in …
2:45:13
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173 sec
Testimony by Juan Cuautle, Director of the Cooperative Development Program at Center for Family Life in Sunset Park
Juan Cuautle, representing the Center for Family Life in Sunset Park, requests continued support for the Worker Cooperative Business Development Initiative (WCBDI) with an allocation of $5,100,000 for fiscal year …
2:48:16
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110 sec
Testimony by Melat Seyoum, Director of Political Affairs and Strategic Partnerships at New York City Network of Worker Owned Cooperatives (NYC NOWC)
Melat Seyoum from NYC NOWC testified in support of the Worker Cooperative Business Development Initiative (WCBDI), highlighting its success in creating worker-owned businesses and jobs for BIPOC women and immigrants. …
2:50:14
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121 sec
Testimony by Catherine Mersak, Worker Owner at Samankaya Yoga Back Care and Scoliosis Collective
Catherine Mersak, a worker owner at Samankaya Yoga Back Care and Scoliosis Collective, testifies in support of the Worker Cooperative Business Development Initiative (WCBDI) and commercial rent stabilization. She urges …
2:52:26
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133 sec
Testimony by Christopher Leon Johnson on Funding for Worker Justice Project and Street Vendor Project
Christopher Leon Johnson advocates for funding two nonprofit organizations, the Worker Justice Project and Street Vendor Project, in the FY '26 budget. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing food delivery …
2:54:51
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122 sec
Discussion on grants to support worker and street vendor organizations
Council Member Oswald Feliz inquires about expanding grants to support worker and street vendor groups. Christopher Leon Johnson suggests various types of grants including small business grants, tax-exempt grants, and …
2:56:52
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51 sec
Discussion on new containerization rules for garbage disposal
Council Member Oswald Feliz asks Christopher Leon Johnson about his thoughts on the new containerization rules implemented by the Department of Sanitation. Johnson expresses strong opposition to the rules, particularly …
2:57:45
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65 sec
Testimony by Barry Pinckney, Senior Project Manager of Working World New York City
Barry Pinckney from Working World New York City testified in support of continued funding for the Worker Cooperative Business Development Initiative (WCBDI), requesting an allocation of $5,097,082. He emphasized the …
2:59:02
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151 sec
Testimony by Dalaeja Forman, Worker-Owner from Breadfruit Cooperative
Dalaeja Forman, a worker-owner from Breadfruit Cooperative, testified to request support for the Worker Cooperative Business Development Initiative (WCBDI). She emphasized the importance of funding for cooperative sustainability and community …
3:01:43
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90 sec