New York City Minority Small Business Chamber of Commerce Marks Historic Inaugural Times Square Event

NEW YORK, Nov. 5, 2026 — The New York City Minority Small Business Chamber of Commerce (NYCMSBCC) marked a significant milestone Nov. 4 with its inaugural Times Square networking event at Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley, located at 7 Times Square in Manhattan.

The event represented an important step in the chamber's mission to strengthen minority-owned businesses, expand economic opportunities and establish a powerful voice for entrepreneurs throughout New York City's five boroughs and Nassau and Suffolk counties.

Held in one of the world's most recognized commercial districts, the gathering brought the chamber's vision of business collaboration, economic empowerment and community advancement to the heart of New York City.

The event was hosted by the African American Small Business Foundation, Inc., in collaboration with the New York City Minority Small Business Chamber of Commerce, Inc., the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc., and One Hundred Black Men of Eastern New York, Inc.

A New Voice for Minority Small Businesses

Phil Andrews, founding president of the NYCMSBCC and president of the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the importance of creating a stronger regional network for minority entrepreneurs.

"This inaugural event in Times Square represents much more than a networking opportunity. It symbolizes the beginning of a movement to ensure minority small businesses have a stronger voice, greater visibility and meaningful access to the resources necessary to compete and succeed," Andrews said.

"New York City is one of the world's most powerful economic engines. Minority-owned businesses must be positioned not simply to participate in that economy, but to help shape its future. Our chamber is committed to building bridges between entrepreneurs, corporations, financial institutions and government agencies to create lasting economic opportunities."

Andrews added that the chamber's long-term vision includes business education, access to capital, procurement opportunities, strategic partnerships and increased visibility for entrepreneurs seeking sustainable growth.

Strengthening Regional Business Partnerships

Rose Ward, vice president of the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the importance of collaboration between established business organizations and emerging entrepreneurial networks.

"When chambers of commerce and business leaders come together with a shared purpose, we create opportunities that extend far beyond any single event," Ward said.

"The establishment of the New York City Minority Small Business Chamber of Commerce creates another important pathway for entrepreneurs to build relationships, exchange knowledge and gain access to opportunities that can strengthen their businesses and communities."

Ward emphasized that regional cooperation can help business owners expand their professional networks while developing the relationships needed for long-term success.

Building Economic Opportunities Across Communities

Ann Dumay, Nassau County director of the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, underscored the importance of connecting business owners across geographic boundaries.

"Small businesses are the foundation of strong communities, and minority entrepreneurs make tremendous contributions to economic development, job creation and neighborhood revitalization," Dumay said.

"This inaugural gathering demonstrates what becomes possible when business leaders work together to support entrepreneurship. By connecting New York City and Long Island, we can help create a broader network of opportunity for existing businesses and the next generation of entrepreneurs."

From Networking to Economic Empowerment

The inaugural event served as a platform for advancing the chamber's commitment to strengthening minority business participation in New York's competitive marketplace.

Through its developing network of partnerships, NYCMSBCC aims to support entrepreneurs by promoting:

• Access to capital and financial education.
• Business development and entrepreneurial training.
• Corporate and government procurement opportunities.
• Strategic networking and business-to-business relationships.
• Advocacy and increased visibility for minority-owned enterprises.
• Regional economic collaboration throughout New York City and Long Island.

The chamber's leadership views the Times Square gathering as an important milestone in its continuing effort to create a sustainable organization dedicated to the advancement of minority-owned businesses.

A Vision Beyond Times Square

As NYCMSBCC continues to expand its reach, the organization intends to build upon the momentum of its inaugural event by developing partnerships with business owners, corporations, community organizations and institutions committed to inclusive economic growth.

"The true measure of our success will not be the number of events we host, but the number of businesses we help grow, the opportunities we help create and the economic doors we help open," Andrews said.

"Our goal is to build an institution that will serve minority entrepreneurs for generations to come."

About: New York City Minority Small Business Chamber of Commerce, Inc.

The New York City Minority Small Business Chamber of Commerce, Inc., is a business advocacy and economic development organization dedicated to advancing the interests of minority-owned small businesses throughout New York City's five boroughs. With a focus on access to capital, business education, strategic partnerships, advocacy and economic empowerment, the chamber works to strengthen entrepreneurial opportunities and foster sustainable business growth.

NYCMSBCC — NYC's Voice for Minority Small Business.

Media Contact: NYCMSBCC@GMAIL.COM

New York City Minority Small Business Chamber of Commerce, Inc.

Office of the President