
The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce and Cross River Bank have partnered to create a small business grant program for Minority/Women-owned Business Enterprises and other small businesses, including start-ups.
The program will be one of the Brooklyn Chamber’s tools for assisting small businesses throughout the borough, along with other business technical assistance programs, like the Small Business Resource Network.
The Brooklyn Alliance, the economic development arm of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, will administer this grant program.
The grant program, exclusively branded as the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce – Cross River Small Business Grant Program, totals $200,000. Grants will be distributed in the amount of $5,000.
On Monday, Dec. 20, executive management from the Brooklyn Chamber and Cross River conducted site visits to the following first five grant recipients:
Upon receiving the grant, Myriam Simpierre, owner of Buy Better Foods, said, “Being a small business owner is empowering because it gives me the opportunity to use my talents and support the Bed-Stuy community. The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce – Cross River grant enables me to achieve my expansion goal of adding a fresh juice bar to my market.”
At a time when Brooklyn’s small businesses are still experiencing economic challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the grant programs offer a lifeline to business owners and reflects an investment in local communities throughout the borough, according to the Chamber.
This is the first of several initiatives encompassed in the partnership between Cross River and the Brooklyn Chamber. In September, Cross River kicked off its “Making Waves with Cross River” campaign, focused on further providing resources to small businesses in need. Cross River will also be providing small business and other support to the Chamber’s Community Development Financial Institution.
“As our small businesses continue to face the uncertainty of COVID, the Brooklyn Chamber team is on the ground providing direct financial support,” said Randy Peers, president & CEO of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce. “Champions emerge in times of crisis, and Cross River has been a steadfast small business champion throughout the pandemic. We are proud to partner with them on this new grant program.”
“At Cross River we are always looking for new ways to help our local businesses and community to provide them with the tools and resources they need to thrive,” said Phil Goldfeder, head of global public affairs at Cross River.












SUNSET PARK — “As a resident of Marine Park, one of the great surprises I found biking around Industry City and visiting Japan Village was to discover Bush Terminal Park. I continue to be amazed at the serene hideaways that the city offers in some of the busiest places — and, still, with an iconic view.”

BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — ‘A miracle that no one was killed …’ That’s what neighbors are saying about the collapse of the Hotel St. George marquee. Shown in this photograph are workmen beginning the removal and repair of the historic, old neon sign at the corner, referencing a relic of Brooklyn Heights’ past: the St. George Hotel.

ATLANTIC AVENUE — Exhausted shopper with cluster of bags and goods from mall at Boerum Place stops to look at huge construction site across the street. “Is that REALLY going to be a jail??” Her male companion is reassuring, “Nothing like Rikers … this is 21st Century.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — Overheard in line at one of most popular pastry outlets on Montague Street: “Hope I can get them into a camp …” A mother with two pre-schoolers in tow was showing a friend the Dodge Y flyer for Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 18.