New York City Minority Small Business Chamber of Commerce, Inc. Soft launch 9.1.2026 in New York City

NEW YORK, N.Y. — July 21, 2026 — The New York City Minority Small Business Chamber of Commerce, Inc. today announced that membership is officially open as the organization prepares for its highly anticipated soft launch and upscale networking event on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Fogo de Chão, located at 92-50 59th Avenue in Elmhurst, Queens.

Operating under the banner “NYC’s Voice for Minority Small Business,” the Chamber was established to strengthen minority-owned businesses throughout New York City and create greater access to capital, contracts, technical assistance, business education, networking opportunities and advocacy.

The September 1 event will bring together entrepreneurs, corporate representatives, community leaders, government stakeholders, procurement professionals and organizations committed to advancing minority enterprise. The evening will also formally introduce the Chamber’s mission, membership opportunities and plans for supporting businesses across New York City’s five boroughs.

“The launch of the New York City Minority Small Business Chamber of Commerce represents a major step forward for entrepreneurs who need stronger representation, meaningful relationships and greater access to economic opportunities,” said Phil Andrews, founding president of the Chamber.

“Minority-owned businesses contribute tremendously to New York City’s economy, neighborhoods and workforce. Our Chamber will work to ensure that these businesses have a respected voice and a platform for sustainable growth.”

Membership Is Now Open: Click on link here to join today: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/new-york-city-minority-small-business-chamber-of-commerce-inc-membership-dues

Membership is available to minority-owned businesses, emerging entrepreneurs, professional service providers, corporations, nonprofit organizations and community partners that support the Chamber’s mission.

Members will have opportunities to participate in:

• Business networking and relationship-building events
• Educational workshops and technical-assistance programs
• Procurement and contracting readiness initiatives
• Access-to-capital and financial-literacy programs
• Corporate and government engagement opportunities
• Marketing, visibility and promotional support
• Advocacy on issues affecting minority-owned businesses
• Leadership development and community partnerships

The Chamber will also provide a central platform through which entrepreneurs can exchange information, form strategic partnerships and identify new opportunities to grow their companies.

A Mission Focused on Economic Empowerment

The mission of the New York City Minority Small Business Chamber of Commerce, Inc. is to foster trade and commerce in New York City and beyond, with special emphasis on the advancement of minority-owned businesses.

The Chamber will promote the general welfare of the business community, encourage fair commercial practices, address barriers affecting minority entrepreneurs and advocate for an environment in which businesses of all sizes can compete and prosper.

New York City is home to one of the most diverse small-business communities in the nation. Despite their significant economic contributions, many minority entrepreneurs continue to face challenges involving financing, government contracting, professional networks, affordable commercial space and access to reliable technical assistance.

The Chamber intends to help close those gaps by serving as a convener, advocate and connector between minority businesses and the public, private and nonprofit sectors.

September 1 Soft Launch in Queens

The Chamber’s soft launch will be held at: Fogo de Chão

Tuesday, September 1, 2026
6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Fogo de Chão
92-50 59th Avenue
Elmhurst, Queens, New York 11373

To register for the Upscale Networking Event and Soft Launch visit: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/celebrating-communities-building-connections-creating-opportunities

The upscale networking reception will introduce attendees to the Chamber’s leadership, strategic vision, programs and membership structure. Guests will have the opportunity to meet business owners, professionals and community leaders from throughout the New York metropolitan area.

The launch is being supported by organizations with established records of service to small businesses and local communities, including the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc., the African American Small Business Foundation, Inc. and 100 Black Men of Eastern New York, Inc.

Expanding the Chamber’s National Reach

The New York City Minority Small Business Chamber of Commerce has also announced that it will be joining the United States Black Chambers, Inc., a national organization recognized as a leading voice for Black-owned businesses and Black chambers of commerce.

The affiliation will help connect New York City entrepreneurs to a broader national network of chamber leaders, corporate partners, policy advocates, procurement opportunities and business-development resources.

“Local chambers are strongest when they are connected to regional and national networks,” Andrews said. “Our relationship with the United States Black Chambers will expand the resources, relationships and visibility available to our members while ensuring that the concerns of New York City’s minority business community are represented at the national level.”

Experienced Leadership

Founding President Phil Andrews brings decades of experience in chamber leadership, business development, community engagement and minority-enterprise advocacy.

His leadership experience includes serving as president of the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc., founding president of 100 Black Men of Eastern New York, Inc. and founding president of the African American Small Business Foundation, Inc.

Andrews has been recognized for his service to entrepreneurs and communities, including being named a U.S. Small Business Administration Small Business Champion. His work has focused on building sustainable institutions, developing business leaders and connecting entrepreneurs with resources that support long-term growth.

A New Voice for New York City Entrepreneurs

The Chamber will work collaboratively with government agencies, financial institutions, corporations, educational institutions, community-based organizations and other chambers of commerce.

Its long-term goals include increasing minority-business participation in public and private contracting, strengthening access to capital, supporting business formation and expansion, promoting entrepreneurship among young adults and creating measurable pathways from business ownership to generational wealth.

“Minority businesses do not simply need recognition,” Andrews said. “They need access, infrastructure, advocacy and consistent opportunities to build relationships with decision-makers. This Chamber is being developed to help provide those essential connections.”

Business owners, corporations, community partners and professionals interested in joining the Chamber, attending the September 1 soft launch or receiving additional information may email nycmsbcc@gmail.com.

About: New York City Minority Small Business Chamber of Commerce, Inc. - The New York City Minority Small Business Chamber of Commerce, Inc. was incorporated in New York State on November 2, 2023.

The Chamber’s mission is to foster trade and commerce in New York City and beyond, with a special emphasis on minority-owned businesses.

Through advocacy, education, networking, access to resources and strategic partnerships, the Chamber seeks to become a leading voice for minority small businesses throughout the five boroughs.

Media Contact:
New York City Minority Small Business Chamber of Commerce, Inc.
Email: nycmsbcc@gmail.com
Tagline: NYC’s Voice for Minority Small Business