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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Darry Saldana, Small Business Resource Network Specialist from Bronx Chamber of Commerce
2:33:30
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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 emphasized the critical role of the SBRN in providing personalized assistance to local businesses and urged the council to restore $1.5 million in funding for the program.
- The Bronx Chamber of Commerce provides vital resources, advocacy, and services to help local businesses grow and remain competitive.
- The SBRN has supported 53,000 businesses across New York City, including 9,200 in the Bronx, through its proactive, high-touch approach.
- Without continued funding, thousands of Bronx businesses would lose access to crucial hands-on support, potentially impacting jobs, local investment, and economic growth.
Darry Saldana
2:33:30
Good afternoon.
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Good afternoon, chair, Felice, and members of the committee on the small business.
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My name is Darius Aldana, Bronx Chamber of Commerce, supervisor, specialist to the Small Business Resource Network.
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I'm here on behalf of Lisa Sorian, president of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce.
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The Bronx Chamber of Commerce is a critical in helping local business and Bronx grow, thrive, and remain competitive.
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The chamber provides vital resources, advocacy, and services that are instrumental in addressing the challenges facing our borough.
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These services include but are not limited to business development programs, workforce training, public advocacy, access to capital, and economic development active initiatives.
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The Bronx is often overlooked and historically underfunded, yet it's home to a growing number of small businesses that serve as the backbone of the local economy and play a crucial role in the quality of life for residents.
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Despite their importance, these businesses face deep challenges including high operational costs, complex regulatory requirements, and limited access to capital and technical assistance.
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One of the most effective programs addressing these challenges is the most is the Small Business Resource Network also known as SBRN.
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Unlike other initiatives, the SBRN takes a proactive high touch approach embedding business support specialists directly in communities to provide in person tailored assistance.
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This model ensures that small business owners, many of whom are navigating bureaucracy for the first time, can access the resources they need quickly and efficiently.
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City funding for SBRN is crucial because it enables these specialists to provide ongoing on one on one support rather than one time assistance.
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Through this personalized case management model, SBRN helps businesses secure grants and loans and access to legal counseling navigating regulations, connect with small business coaching, secure marketing and technology support, and tap into new sales opportunities.
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This result speaks for themselves.
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SBRN has already supported 53,000 businesses across New York City including 9,200 in The Bronx alone.
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Without continued funding, thousands of Bronx businesses would lose access to this vital hands on support putting jobs, local investment, and growth economic at risk.
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I urge the council to restore 1,500,000.0 for this vital program to ensure small business across the borough continues to thrive.
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We thank you for your continued support and leadership in considering this important request.
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We look forward to working together to secure a bright future for The Bronx.
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Thank you for the opportunity to submit this testimony.