Remarks
Chair Thomas-Henry on small businesses as economic backbone and barriers to opening
New York City Council · Jul 16, 2026 · starts 0:01:15 · 18 sec
Thomas-Henry describes small businesses as the backbone of the local economy and the gateway to opportunity, noting the difficulty of getting a new business up and running due to sequential, often unknown inspection requirements.
Shanel Thomas-Henry
Our small businesses are the backbone of our local economy.
Shanel Thomas-Henry
They fuel growth, innovation, and job creation in our city.
Shanel Thomas-Henry
They are also the gateway to opportunity for many New Yorkers.
Shanel Thomas-Henry
Unfortunately, it is not
Shanel Thomas-Henry
easy getting a new business up and running.