Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams and the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce (BCC) today announced a comprehensive suite of resources available to Brooklyn’s small business community as the borough’s economy reels from the rapid spread of coronavirus in New York.
Under an order issued by Governor Cuomo on March 20, non-essential businesses throughout the state were mandated to close indefinitely starting at 8 p.m. yesterday, March 22.
According to an initial economic impact report released by BCC last week, a number of businesses throughout the borough – particularly in the hospitality sector – have already been forced to close or reduce their hours due to the economic slowdown brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Adams and BCC President Randy Peers urged small businesses that have been closed or reduce their hours due to the spread of coronavirus to contact the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce or the Office of the Brooklyn Borough President.
“Brooklyn’s economy has taken a severe hit from the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, and there is a long road ahead. It is critical that we offer support and resources to businesses that are struggling to keep their lights on during this difficult time. I’m proud to partner with the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce to promote the various tools they’re using to help Brooklyn businesses. We must couple this outreach with a robust policy agenda that meets the needs of all businesses throughout our borough and ensures that our economy remains vibrant in the midst of this public health crisis,” said Adams.
“The Brooklyn Chamber stands ready as the eyes, ears, and voice of the Brooklyn business community. It is critical that we interface with all our businesses in every neighborhood as we begin to document the impact on the ground,” said Peers. “Together with Borough President Adams’ leadership, I am confident we will weather this crisis and set the foundation for a rapid economic recovery.”
Through The Brooklyn App, small businesses have an opportunity to connect with other businesses, Brooklyn consumers, and the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce staff, who can help document their stories and provide them with the support, resources, assistance that they need to stay afloat.
Chamber staff are also responding to questions and requests in real-time via the app’s Small Business Hotline as well as via e-mail at bcc-covid@brooklynchamber.com.
After downloading the app, Brooklyn businesses can benefit significantly by joining 1) the Small Business Hotline Channel for COVID-19 support, 2) their local Neighborhood Channel for connecting with consumers, and 3) Industry Channels for access to targeted networking and support.
The link to download the app is here, and it has been configured to support the Brooklyn Community through COVID-19 through a digital business directory, digital events and webinars, digital offers and coupons, digital communities, and digital support resources.
More information is available through this video address from Brooklyn Chamber CEO Randy Peers.
Adams also encouraged businesses that would like more information on the resources the City is offering to reach out to his office through one of the following channels:
- Email: askeric@brooklynbp.nyc.gov
- Phone: 718-802-3700
- Website: brooklyn-usa.org
Those that are interested in giving or receiving services or resources can fill out Brooklyn Borough Hall’s link here.
