New York City Department of Small Business Services Hosts Inaugural Small Business Month Expo in Manhattan

The New York City Department of Small Business Services made history by hosting its first-ever Small Business Month Expo in Manhattan, bringing together business owners from all five boroughs for a day of networking and connecting with valuable resources.

The event, held at Pier 36 in Lower Manhattan, drew a crowd of eager entrepreneurs who were greeted by Commissioner Kevin Kim with enthusiasm. Mayor Eric Adams stressed the importance of attending, highlighting the city’s commitment to supporting small businesses and encouraging attendees to take advantage of the opportunity to learn and grow.

With over 9,000 New Yorkers registered to attend, the expo offered more than 150 free city programs aimed at assisting business owners with various needs such as permits, financing, legal issues, and hiring. Attendees also had the chance to receive free updated headshots, adding a professional touch to their networking efforts.

Business owners like Chanel Jenkins of Artist Pajama House and Isseu Diouf Campbell of African Spot LLC shared their positive experiences at the expo, citing valuable connections made and opportunities seized. Andrea Young, CEO of Sweet Vegan, praised the event for providing exposure and a platform to showcase her business’s unique mission of working with high school students.

While the expo was a one-day affair, the Department of Small Business Services reassured those who missed it that resources are still available through their website. The success of the inaugural Small Business Month Expo signals a promising future for the city’s small business community and the support it can expect from local government agencies.