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Small Business Advisory Commission

Advising Small Businesses

On May 2, 2022, Mayor Eric Adams announced the establishment of the Small Business Advisory Commission charged with assessing the impact of and delivering recommendations on new and existing policies, laws, and regulations, and delivering recommendations to improve the experience of small businesses operating in New York City. The commission is chaired by the NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) Commissioner and is comprised of representatives from the administration, borough Chambers of Commerce, Business Improvement Districts, and small business owners from each borough. These members work together to improve the small business environment by meeting at least every 60 days in person or virtually.

Learn More About the Small Business Advisory Commission

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Commission Members

Chairperson: Dynishal Gross, Acting Commissioner, NYC Department of Small Business Services

Administration

  • Phillip Banks, Deputy Mayor for Public Safety
  • Meera Joshi, Deputy Mayor for Operations
  • Anne Williams-Isom, Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services
  • Maria Torres-Springer, Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development, and Workforce

Education and Outreach

The Education and Outreach subcommittee assesses and recommends ways for the city to reach all corners of the small business community, across all neighborhoods, sizes and sectors. This committee ensures small business owners are well informed and kept abreast of rules, regulations, and services that support business success.

  • Deepa Dadlani, VICI Brands and BrandMX (Co-Chair)
  • Dr. Erika Faust, Elite Orthodontics (Co-Chair)
  • Tiffany Diaz, My First Step Enrichment Program 2 Inc.
  • Joy Fan, Re/tell
  • Tom Grech, Queens Chamber of Commerce
  • Reverend Carmen Hernandez, NYC LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce
  • Dawn Kelly, The Nourish Spot Inc.
  • Jeffrey Kwan, Canal Sound and Light
  • Dheydra Lovell, Garden of Knowledge Day Care & Learning Center
  • Andrew Walcott, Fusion East LLC
  • John Wang, Queens Night Market
  • Shelley Worrell, caribBEING Inc.
  • Jamila Wright, Brooklyn Tea
  • Alex Xu, Xuper Marketing Inc.
  • Tariq Zaid, Richmond Hood Company/Vodega
  • Jabr Zanta, La Seen Printing

Enforcement and Operations

City regulatory agencies are tasked with preserving the health and safety of the New Yorkers through the enforcement of City rules and regulations. Small business owners often express challenges with inspectors, the inspection process, and understanding how to be in compliance. This subcommittee addresses those challenges while analyzing overall operations, including potential customer service improvements.

  • Dominic Christopher, Deh Abroad Village (Co-Chair)
  • Megan Rickerson, Someday Bar (Co-Chair)
  • Linda Baran, Staten Island Chamber of Commerce
  • Joseph Ferrara, DBA Ferrara Manufacturing Company
  • Nina Flores, BID Association Regulatory Reform Working Group/Forest Avenue BID
  • Tony Forte, Coffee Uplifts People
  • Sandra Jaquez, Latino Restaurant, Bar and Lounge Association
  • John Jiang, NY Laundromat Business Association
  • David Landau, Continental Capital
  • Yoonjoo Lee, Janchimyeonga
  • Francisco Marte, Bodega & Small Business Association of NYC
  • Mahi Rahman, Mannan Halal Supermarket

Licensing, Fines, and Fees

Small business owners have made it clear that unnecessary fines and fees create barriers to their financial success. The Licensing, Fines, and Fees subcommittee takes a deep dive into the many requirements, infractions, annual fees, filing fees, etc. to establish recommendations to alleviate the financial burden.

  • Andrew Rigie, New York City Hospitality Alliance (Co-Chair)
  • Lisa Sorin, Bronx Chamber of Commerce (Co-Chair)
  • Mohamed Attia, Street Vendors Project
  • Matt Bauer, BID Association Regulatory Reform Working Group Committee/Madison Avenue BID
  • Micah Bergdale, Joulez Inc.
  • Rudy Cazares, Cazar Logistics LLC
  • Tamara Keshecki, St. George Theatre Restoration Inc.
  • Richard Nicotra, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Inn Suites, The Nicotra Group
  • Randy Peers, Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce
  • Frank Scarangello, SCARAN
  • Chaim Sobel, Vanta Developers/Future Brands

Annual Reports

Making NYC a City of Yes for Small Businesses

Advocacy

Supported by the Commission

We Want to Hear from You

Do you have questions or topics of concern for the Commission? Contact us.

Would you like to nominate a business owner or community-based organization to be a member of the Commission*? Complete this form.

*Note: Currently, the Commission is at capacity. However, we welcome business owners and community-based organizations to join the waitlist. If a Commission seat becomes available, we will consider new members.