N.Y.C. Minority Small Business Chamber of Commerce Officially Opens in the 5 Boroughs of New York City

Inaugural Manhattan networking event brings together business leaders, entrepreneurs and community organizations as the chamber advances its mission to expand opportunity, strengthen minority-owned businesses and build a more inclusive New York City economy.

NEW YORK — The New York City Minority Small Business Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (NYCMSBCC) is making a powerful entrance onto New York City's business landscape following its inaugural Manhattan networking event, held Nov. 4 at Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley in the heart of Times Square.

The upscale multicultural business networking event brought together entrepreneurs, business professionals, chamber leaders and community advocates committed to building a stronger, more inclusive economic future for New York City.

More than a networking gathering, the event represented the emergence of a new grassroots business movement dedicated to ensuring that minority-owned, women-owned and underserved small businesses have a stronger voice, greater visibility and meaningful access to the opportunities available in one of the world's most influential economic centers.

With the theme "NYC's Voice for Minority Small Business," the chamber is positioning itself to become a powerful advocate for entrepreneurs across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island, while establishing strategic connections with Nassau and Suffolk counties.

A Chamber Built for New York City's Economic Future

The NYCMSBCC was established with a mission to promote economic empowerment, business development, entrepreneurship and equitable access to opportunities for minority-owned and small businesses throughout New York City.

Its mission centers on expanding access to capital, strengthening business education, creating strategic networking opportunities, supporting supplier diversity, promoting government and corporate contracting opportunities, and advocating for policies that help small businesses grow.

As one of the world's leading centers of commerce, finance, tourism and international trade, New York City offers extraordinary opportunities. Yet many smaller enterprises continue to encounter challenges involving financing, business relationships, visibility and access to major contracts.

The chamber intends to help close these gaps by connecting entrepreneurs with resources, decision-makers and institutions that can contribute to long-term business success.

"New York City is one of the greatest economic engines in the world, but its prosperity must include the small businesses that serve as the backbone of our neighborhoods," said Phil Andrews, founding president of the NYC Minority Small Business Chamber of Commerce. "Our mission is to move entrepreneurs beyond simply attending networking events and toward building meaningful business relationships, securing contracts, accessing capital and creating generational wealth. We are building a chamber that will help small businesses become major participants in New York City's economic future."

Building on a Proven Legacy of Business Leadership

The NYCMSBCC is drawing upon the experience and economic development initiatives associated with Andrews' leadership of the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (LIAACC), an organization serving Nassau, Suffolk, Queens and Kings counties.

That body of work includes initiatives designed to elevate entrepreneurship, strengthen small business visibility and connect business owners with valuable resources.

Among the notable activities informing the chamber's vision are:

• Minority Enterprise Development Month: Programs bringing entrepreneurs together with financial institutions, government representatives, corporate leaders and business development professionals.
• National Small Business Week initiatives: Activities recognizing entrepreneurs, encouraging business growth and highlighting the contributions of small businesses.
• Minority-owned media recognition: Efforts to elevate minority-owned media outlets and recognize their importance in economic development, business visibility and community storytelling.
• Business mentoring and education: Workshops, networking programs and professional development opportunities focused on strengthening business operations and entrepreneurial leadership.
• Access to capital and contracting opportunities: Programs connecting entrepreneurs with banking professionals, supplier diversity representatives and technical assistance resources.

These initiatives provide an established foundation for the chamber's planned activities in New York City.

The organization also envisions bringing larger business expos, entrepreneurial conferences and economic empowerment programs to the five boroughs, creating opportunities for entrepreneurs to connect with local, regional and national business leaders.

A Historic Gathering in the Heart of Manhattan

The Times Square event demonstrated the importance of collaboration among organizations that share a commitment to entrepreneurship, leadership development and community economic advancement.

The gathering brought together the NYCMSBCC, the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, the African American Small Business Foundation, Inc., and One Hundred Black Men of Eastern New York, Inc.

The involvement of these organizations underscored a broader commitment to building relationships that extend beyond individual boroughs and organizational boundaries.

The participation of One Hundred Black Men of Eastern New York also highlighted the importance of connecting economic empowerment with mentoring, education, health and wellness, and leadership development for future generations.

By combining business advocacy with grassroots engagement, the chamber seeks to create a model in which economic opportunity benefits both established entrepreneurs and emerging business leaders.

Why the Chamber Matters to New York City

Small businesses are essential to New York City's neighborhoods, providing employment, services, innovation and economic activity. Minority-owned businesses also contribute to the city's cultural identity and entrepreneurial vitality.

The NYCMSBCC believes that expanding the success of these enterprises will help strengthen neighborhood commercial corridors, encourage local hiring, increase business ownership and support a more resilient regional economy.

Its long-term vision includes building a bridge between neighborhood entrepreneurs and the city's major economic institutions.

The chamber aims to become a trusted resource for entrepreneurs seeking access to financial institutions, corporate procurement departments, government agencies, business education and strategic partnerships.

The chamber's central message is clear: Economic opportunity should not be limited by a business owner's size, background, neighborhood or existing connections.

Membership Is Officially Open — A Call to New York City's Entrepreneurs

Following its inaugural Manhattan event, the NYC Minority Small Business Chamber of Commerce is inviting entrepreneurs, business owners, corporations, financial institutions, professional service providers and community partners to become part of its growing membership network.

Membership is intended to provide a platform for meaningful business connections, professional development, increased visibility, advocacy and participation in initiatives designed to support business growth.

The chamber is particularly encouraging minority-owned businesses, women-owned enterprises, startups and established small businesses seeking new markets and partnerships to join.

"Membership is more than belonging to an organization," Andrews said. "It is about becoming part of a movement that believes small businesses deserve a seat at the table where economic decisions are made. When entrepreneurs work together, share resources and create opportunities for one another, we strengthen not only individual businesses but the entire New York City economy."

The chamber also welcomes partnerships with major corporations, financial institutions, educational institutions and public agencies interested in expanding economic participation and supporting small business development.

The invitation is open: Join the chamber. Build relationships. Expand opportunities. Help shape the future of business in New York City.

From Times Square to All Five Boroughs

The chamber's growing public profile reflects increasing interest in its mission. Recent coverage in the Manhattan Press, Harlem Mood Magazine, Harlem World Magazine and Patch has helped introduce the organization to a broader audience.

Bed-Stuy, NY Patch+1

Building on its September 2026 soft launch in Queens and its November Times Square gathering, NYCMSBCC is entering its next phase with a citywide membership campaign, expanded partnerships and plans for a National Entrepreneur Summit and Expo in New York City.

The chamber's vision is ambitious: to make New York City not only a global capital of commerce, but also a leading center of opportunity for minority-owned and emerging businesses.

Join the Movement — Membership Now Open

Entrepreneurs and organizations interested in joining NYCMSBCC can register through its official membership portal: zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/new-york-city-minority-small-business-chamber-of-commerce-inc-membership-dues

New York City Minority Small Business Chamber of Commerce

Join the Chamber

Official membership registration through Zeffy

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

Founded in 2023, the New York City Minority Small Business Chamber of Commerce, Inc. is a business advocacy and economic development organization dedicated to advancing minority entrepreneurship, strengthening small businesses and expanding economic opportunity throughout New York City's five boroughs. Under the leadership of founding President Phil Andrews, the chamber promotes access to capital, business education, supplier diversity, professional networking, government and corporate contracting opportunities, and strategic partnerships.

Media Contact: NYC Minority Small Business Chamber of Commerce, Inc.

Email: NYCMSBCC@gmail.com