Lisa Sorin of Bronx Chamber of Commerce testifies in support of Intro 408
Lisa Sorin of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce supports Intro 408, noting that AI training and website creation programs have been among the chamber's most popular offerings. She argues the bill bridges the digital divide and positions NYC as a national leader in leveraging the creative economy for local development.
Okay.
Thank you, Madam Chair and City Council members.
My name is Lisa Soren.
I am the president of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce.
The Bronx Chamber is dedicated to supporting and advocating for small businesses and local entrepreneurs across our borough.
Thank you to the council for your continued engagement and collaboration with the small business community on issues that impact affordability, stability, and economic growth.
I am submitting testimony in support of 0408, which would establish a pilot program to match small businesses with social media content creators for assistance in marketing and advertising.
I first want to extend my thanks to Councilmember Riley, who has shown continued leadership and dedication to supporting New York City's entrepreneurs and helping small businesses thrive.
Although many entrepreneurs are eager to engage more effectively on social media, oftentimes they lack the resources, expertise, or time to do so.
Through the Small Business Resource Network, the Chamber has seen this firsthand.
For example, programs such as an AI training in partnership with Google and
Website creation services have been among the most popular programs, demonstrating a growing eagerness to engage and advertise digitally.
Council member Riley's legislation represents a crucial step in bridging the digital divide for our small businesses.
It has the potential to deliver real measurable impact by increasing foot traffic for storefronts, boosting neighborhoods, supporting job creation, and fostering media literacy and marketing ability among the small business community.
It also positions New York City as a national leader in policies that leverage a creative economy to advance local economic development.
Overall, we encourage the council to advance and adopt 408.
We also stand ready to work with the council and SBS in ensuring this program reaches as many small businesses as possible.
Thank you for your opportunity to testify and for your ongoing commitment to supporting New York City's entrepreneurs and small businesses.
Thank you.