Councilwoman Sandra Ung and Queens Chamber of Commerce (QCC) President and CEO Tom Grech on Thursday, Sept. 22, announced a partnership to provide free guidance to small business owners through the Small Business Resource Network (SBRN).
On the first and third Thursday of each month Suzan King, the chamber’s small business recovery specialist, will be at Ung’s district office, located at 135-27 38th Ave., Suite 388 in Flushing, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to provide a variety of services and assistance to local small businesses. Assistance will be offered in both English and Mandarin.
King will offer assistance and guidance in the areas of financing, grants, tech support, legal counseling, and business coaching.
“I am delighted to be joining Council member Ung at her office to provide guidance and support to small business owners in both English and Mandarin,” King said. “I am ready to get started and help these small business owners get access to resources integral to their growth and success.”
Ung thanked QCC and Grech for bringing these vital services to the community after the pandemic devastated businesses in Flushing, as it did citywide.
“I encourage local small business owners to take advantage of this opportunity to speak directly with an expert and learn about the many resources available to not just help you recover, but prosper,” Ung said.
According to Grech, small businesses are the heart of Queens, and QCC wants to ensure all small business owners have the resources and information they need to grow and succeed.
“This partnership with Council Member Ung will help to provide crucial information and advice to these small businesses and help them to continue to contribute to Queens economic growth well into the future,” Grech said.
The Small Business Resource Network is a public-private partnership between the New York City Economic Development Corporation, Partnership for New York City, Peter G. Peterson Foundation, and the Chambers of Commerce in each of the five boroughs. Mayor Eric Adams recently announced a $1.5 million investment in the initiative, which extends its programming through 2023.
Since its inception in 2020, the SBRN has assisted over 10,000 small businesses citywide, with 76 percent of those being minority or women-owned. Meanwhile, the Chamber’s Open + Online team has completed over 750 projects that have improved the digital presence of local businesses, including designing websites and logos and SEO consultations.
With the help of King, Anna Lo recently secured a $10,000 grant for her company, DMA Consulting. She used the money to pay back rent and cover other miscellaneous expenses.
“I encourage other local business owners to take advantage of this opportunity to speak with an expert and explore the many different ways to help your business grow and thrive,” Lo said.
Business owners interested in a free 30-minute consultation can schedule an appointment through Ung’s office by emailing district20@council.nyc.gov, or by calling (718) 888-8747.
