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Resilience Under Pressure. That's how we could describe the nature of our small business community at this time. While there are positive signs and businesses continue to adapt, collaborate, and attract customers, there are still concerns pertaining to our long-term stability. As small businesses remain essential to our neighborhood's economic vitality, cultural identity, and quality of life, our future will require meaningful support from policymakers, landlords, residents, and community organizations such as ourselves. That's why we continue to feel strongly about our Love Local initiative. Continuing to direct local spending toward neighborhood establishments is essential, however those local businesses must remain in a position to be able to serve the public. That's where we come in. We continue to be here for you and we look forward to working with you to see what we can accomplish together.

North Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce
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In April 2025, the North Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce hosted the first-ever Love Local Small Business Expo at Arlo Williamsburg. The event featured nearly 20 informative tables and a curated series of panel discussions, attracting a strong mix of local business owners, operators, and aspiring entrepreneurs.

Based on that success, we’re excited to bring it back for Year 2 — bigger and better.

Join us on Tuesday, April 28 | 12PM–5PM at Arlo Williamsburg for a full afternoon of panels, networking, and direct access to the organizations that support small businesses across North Brooklyn.

Panel Schedule:

  • 12:30–1:30 PM — Whiskey Wednesday (Whiskey Helps)
  • 1:50–2:40 PM — Party of One: Freelancers as Small Businesses

Tools, benefits, and real stories from independent workers building sustainable careers

  • 2:40–3:40 PM — Nightlife Panel

Featuring:

Jeffrey Garcia (Executive Director, Office of Nightlife)

Raffaello Van Couten (Executive Chair, BABAR; CB1 SLA Committee Member)

  • 3:55–4:55 PM — Hospitality Panel

Featuring Andrew Rigie (Executive Director, NYC Hospitality Alliance), along with leaders from Brooklyn Allied Bars & Restaurants:

Raffaello Van Couten (Dolly’s Swing & Dive, Midnights, Hank’s Bar, Vantage Point Hospitality)

Megan Richardson (Someday Bar, Mayor’s Small Business Council, Save NYC Bars)

TJ Gargan (Teddy’s Bar & Grill)

“Come With Questions. Leave With Answers.”

Connect face-to-face with an impressive group of city agencies, business organizations, and local leaders — including NYC Small Business Services, NYC Office of Nightlife, Freelancers Union, Northside Business Improvement District, FDNY, NYPD, NYC Department of Environmental Protection, local banks, and elected officials.

It’s a challenging time for small businesses in North Brooklyn, and our goal is to provide meaningful resources, connections, and insights to help businesses grow and thrive.

RSVP here.

The event will continue to be free for everyone, thanks to funding (in part) through a Grant with the U.S. Small Business Administration. 



Owen Lavine for the Brooklyn Daily Eagle
Owen Lavine for the Brooklyn Daily Eagle
Owen Lavine for the Brooklyn Daily Eagle
Paul Samulski of NBk Chamber
Owen Lavine for the Brooklyn Daily Eagle