NEW YORK, NY — September 2, 2026 — The New York City Minority Small Business Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (NYCMSBCC) celebrated its upscale soft opening on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at Fogo de Chão in Elmhurst, Queens. The event brought together entrepreneurs, business professionals, corporate representatives and community stakeholders for an evening of networking, relationship-building and economic empowerment.
The soft opening officially introduced NYCMSBCC as a new and independent voice for minority-owned small businesses throughout New York City's five boroughs. Guests learned about the Chamber's mission, membership opportunities and plans to connect entrepreneurs with education, technical assistance, procurement opportunities, access-to-capital resources, strategic relationships and business advocacy.
"The successful soft opening demonstrated that New York City's minority entrepreneurs are ready for a chamber that understands their experiences, represents their interests and connects them with real opportunities," said Phil Andrews, Founder and President of NYCMSBCC. "This was more than a networking event it was the beginning of a movement to ensure that minority small businesses have a stronger voice and a greater opportunity to participate in the economic life of our city."
A Chamber Created for One of America's Most Diverse Cities
NYCMSBCC begins its work in a city with an estimated population of more than 8.5 million people. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, New York City's population is approximately 28.5% Hispanic or Latino, 21.9% Black, 14.7% Asian and 12.3% people identifying with two or more races. Approximately 36.6% of city residents are foreign-born, and 47.7% speak a language other than English at home.
These demographics illustrate both the extraordinary diversity of New York City and the importance of building an economic-development organization specifically committed to the entrepreneurs who reflect that diversity.
Minority-owned businesses help create jobs, stabilize commercial corridors, introduce new products and services, and circulate dollars throughout local communities. Nevertheless, many continue to face barriers involving access to affordable capital, government and corporate contracts, professional networks, technical assistance and the resources required to scale.
"Minority business owners possess the talent, creativity and determination to succeed, but they must also have access to information, relationships and decision-makers," said Rose Ward, Vice President. "NYCMSBCC will help entrepreneurs build meaningful connections while creating a supportive environment in which members can learn, collaborate and grow together."
Billions in Procurement and More Work to Be Done
The size of the public procurement marketplace demonstrates what is at stake for minority businesses.
According to the New York City Comptroller's Fiscal Year 2025 M/WBE procurement report, New York City registered approximately $45.7 billion in contracts and purchase orders. Approximately $2.4 billion, or 5.34% of the total value, was associated with certified minority- and women-owned businesses. Of the city's 11,382 certified M/WBEs, only 2,478—approximately 22%—received a new city contract or purchase order during the fiscal year.
At the state level, New York reported a record $3.3 billion in payments to certified minority- and women-owned businesses during Fiscal Year 2024–2025, representing an estimated 31.86% utilization rate.
While these figures demonstrate that significant opportunities exist, they also reveal the continued need to help minority businesses become certified, procurement-ready, financially prepared and connected to contracting opportunities.
"Business owners need more than encouragement; they need practical guidance that helps them prepare for opportunities and compete successfully," said Ann Dumay. "The Chamber will work to connect entrepreneurs with the knowledge, resources and relationships that can move their businesses from readiness to results."
Mission and Purpose of NYCMSBCC
The mission of the New York City Minority Small Business Chamber of Commerce, Inc. is to foster sustainable economic growth, equity and resilience for minority-owned small businesses throughout the five boroughs.
The Chamber was established to:
NYCMSBCC will serve startups, emerging entrepreneurs, established companies, professional service providers and corporate supporters that share its commitment to inclusive economic growth.
Experienced Leadership and a Record of Accomplishment
Founder and President Phil Andrews has decades of experience in entrepreneurship, chamber development, public service, networking and minority-business advocacy to NYCMSBCC.
Andrews has helped build one of New York State's most recognized minority-business networks, growing chamber participation from approximately 20 members to more than 500 and helping deliver business development programs, workshops, conferences, advocacy initiatives and strategic partnerships. His leadership has helped provide information, referrals, education and technical assistance to more than 1,500 entrepreneurs and small-business owners.
His honors include recognition as the U.S. Small Business Administration's 2019 Small Business Champion, induction into a regional business hall of fame, an Icon Award, a Corporate Citizenship Award and repeated recognition among Long Island's most influential and powerful leaders. He is also a former New York City correction officer whose professional journey reflects a longstanding commitment to public service, leadership and community development.
Andrews is widely recognized as a master networker and relationship builder who has used his experience to open doors, connect entrepreneurs with decision-makers and create platforms through which small businesses can increase their visibility.
Membership Is Now Open
Following the successful soft opening, NYCMSBCC is inviting entrepreneurs, small-business owners, professionals and corporate supporters to become founding members of the Chamber.
Membership will provide opportunities to:
Business owners from Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island are encouraged to join and become part of NYCMSBCC during its formative stage.
Join NYCMSBCC:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/new-york-city-minority-small-business-chamber-of-commerce-inc-membership-dues
About: New York City Minority Small Business Chamber of Commerce, Inc.
The New York City Minority Small Business Chamber of Commerce, Inc. is dedicated to advancing the growth, development and economic empowerment of minority-owned small businesses throughout New York City. Through advocacy, education, networking, strategic partnerships, technical assistance and access to opportunities, NYCMSBCC seeks to help entrepreneurs build sustainable, competitive and successful enterprises.
Tagline: "NYC's Voice for Minority Small Business."
MEDIA AND MEMBERSHIP CONTACT
New York City Minority Small Business Chamber of Commerce, Inc. - Email: NYCMSBCC@gmail.com
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