Brooklyn's Progress
December 2008/January 2009

BY JILL D’AMICO

Mayor Michael Bloomberg has made the expansion of the city’s Small Business Services department a hallmark of his time as the city’s chief executive, so it was not a surprise to many that he wants to beef up those resources as the economy continues in a downward spiral.

On Oct. 14, Mayor Bloomberg was joined by Small Business Services Commissioner Rob Walsh and leaders from the city’s five chambers of commerce to announce partnerships between them and the city’s Business Solutions Centers in an effort to expand assistance to the city’s small businesses.

The partnership aims to shore up financing, legal services, hiring and training services, access to incentives and navigating regulations so that small businesses can continue to hire, retain and train employees.

The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce currently operates the Brooklyn Business Solution Center, which has procured nearly $5 million in financing for businesses.

"The impact of the turmoil in the financial markets goes well beyond Wall Street – businesses of all sizes and virtually all industries are already feeling the brunt of this economic downturn, and the challenges are likely to get far greater before they recede," said Mayor Bloomberg. “By partnering with the chambers of commerce in all five boroughs, we can reach more businesses to make sure that they know these programs exist and that we're here to help. We know accessing capital is going to be increasingly difficult for small businesses, but we want them to be in the best position possible to weather the storm."

Allison Fisichelli is co-owner of Robicelli's Gourmet Market in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. When she and her husband were looking for financing they were deemed too risky by traditional lenders. They turned to the Brooklyn Business Solutions Center, where they met with Account Managers Carlos Russell and Elizaveta Efuni. Together, they helped refine their business plan, referred them to lenders and helped prepare their financial documents.

Robicelli's is now off to a great start and, according to Ms. Fisichelli, created 10 jobs in opening and expects to hire another five before the end of the year – which is just the kind of result the mayor, and Brooklyn, would like to see.

To learn more about the Brooklyn Business Solutions Center, call them at 718-875-3400.