Love Your Local Businesses!

“Love Your Local” is a new program rolled out by Mayor de Blasio and the NYC Department of Small Business Services. It aims to celebrate and promote diverse, independent, small businesses that enrich neighborhoods across New York City, acknowledging that they are facing intensive competitive pressures.

We are all asked to pitch in and nominate a favorite neighborhood business online and on social media by using the hashtag #LoveYourLocalNYC. The business needs to be independent and non-franchise. Businesses that are shared will appear on an interactive map for other New Yorkers to discover. These businesses will also be eligible to apply for up to $90,000 in grant funding to help build their business.

“Small businesses not only are the backbone of a community, they also give a unique charm to neighborhoods and are reflective of the people who patron their establishments. I encourage all to nominate their favorite local businesses so that everyone can see just how diverse New York City’s small businesses are,” said Council Member Jumaane D. Williams.

Renee Giordano, Executive Director of the Sunset Park BID, said, “Sunset Park’s 5th Avenue has over 500 mostly small, Mom and Pop shops. They are owned by the many hard-working individuals, who strive each day to be successful while enhancing the quality of life in their community. These businesses represent the diverse fabric of the Sunset Park community, who respect and support them.”

Now, let’s get the good old (and new) mom and pop businesses some love! Nominate a favorite neighborhood business.