Minority Chambers of Commerce Held Coalition Press Conference at City Hall

New York: A large coalition of minority chambers of commerce and small business organizations gathered on the steps of New York City Hall on March 6, 2026, to raise their voices over growing challenges faced by minority-owned businesses across New York.

The press conference, organized by the New York State Multicultural Chamber Coalition, brought together representatives from dozens of business organizations representing tens of thousands of small businesses throughout the state. The coalition highlighted concerns regarding discrimination in small business certification processes, complex compliance barriers, changes in Small Business Administration (SBA) policies, and increasing tax pressures on neighborhood businesses.

Speakers at the event included Anthony Pena, President of the National Supermarket Association; Francisco Marte, President of the Bodega and Small Business Group; Duvi Honig, Founder and CEO of the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce; and Greg Kirsopp of the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce.

A special guest at the gathering was Julie Menin, who attended the event in support of the small business community.

During the press conference, coalition members expressed concern about a recent SBA policy that restricts access to SBA-backed loan programs for legal permanent residents. Business leaders stated that immigrant entrepreneurs have historically relied on SBA financing to expand operations, purchase property, invest in equipment, and create jobs. They argued that limiting access to such programs could negatively impact thousands of small businesses and slow economic growth in immigrant communities.

Speakers also raised concerns about increasing difficulties in obtaining minority business certifications and navigating compliance requirements. According to business leaders, these programs were originally designed to support diverse entrepreneurs but have become more complicated and harder for small businesses to access.

The coalition further discussed a proposal by Zohran Mamdani to increase property taxes. Small business representatives warned that higher taxes could disproportionately affect neighborhood retailers, supermarkets, and bodegas that serve as the backbone of minority business communities across New York City.

More than thirty chambers of commerce and business organizations participated in the coalition effort, including Hispanic, African-American, Jewish, Korean, Chinese, Pakistani, Indian, Bangladeshi, Caribbean, and Latino business groups, as well as restaurant and supermarket associations.

Organizers concluded the event by emphasizing the importance of unity among diverse business communities and called on policymakers to ensure fair opportunities, access to capital, and supportive policies for minority-owned small businesses.The Greater New York Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with several ethnic chambers and minority business organizations, held a press conference on Friday, March 6, 2026, at the City Hall steps in New York to officially announce the formation of the Multi-Culture Business Coalition.

The event brought together representatives from diverse ethnic business communities who united to strengthen cooperation and advocacy for small businesses across the city. Leaders emphasized the importance of solidarity among immigrant and minority-owned businesses in addressing economic and regulatory challenges.

Speakers highlighted several key issues affecting small businesses, including the need for equal access to capital and SBA lending programs, fair treatment for green card holders and immigrant entrepreneurs, and concerns over corporate pricing pressures impacting ethnic supermarkets and bodegas. They also discussed certification and compliance challenges faced by small business owners, as well as public safety and tax issues affecting neighborhood businesses.

Organizers stated that the newly formed coalition would work collectively to ensure that ethnic chambers have a stronger voice in policy discussions and economic development initiatives in New York City.

Business leaders and community representatives expressed optimism that the Multi-Culture Business Coalition would create new opportunities for collaboration and advocacy while supporting the growth and sustainability of small businesses in multicultural communities.

The press conference concluded with a call for unity among business organizations and community leaders to continue working together to empower small businesses and strengthen the economic fabric of New York City.