NYC Council hearing examines proposed aid for small-business security technology

Council Member Oswald Feliz opened a Committee on Small Business hearing Tuesday about cybersecurity and retail security for small businesses and said the City should take steps to protect merchants: “Small businesses are the heart of our economy, and we must protect them from threats that hurt their ability to operate,” he said.

The hearing focused in part on Intro. 1180, sponsored by Chair Feliz, which would require the city to establish a program to provide financial assistance to small businesses that purchase security-system technology such as cameras, plexiglass and panic buttons. The proposal drew detailed testimony from Harish Khan, chief of staff at the New York City Department of Small Business Services (SBS), and public witnesses including representatives of the Bronx business community.

Why it matters: Council members framed the bill as an effort to lower the cost barrier to security technology for mom-and-pop retailers, bodegas and other storefronts that have reported losses from retail theft. Supporters said better equipment can protect merchandise and help employees and customers feel safer.

SBS testimony and city programs: Harish Khan described a portfolio of existing city and public‑private programs that already target retail safety and business resiliency. He said SBS offers a Business Preparedness and Resiliency program (BPrep) with a digital self‑assessment tool and grants of up to $5,000 for eligible businesses and properties to pay for items such as generators, flood protection and security cameras. Khan said the administration also helped form a mayoral retail‑theft task force and pointed to other initiatives, including the NYPD’s business camera registration program and a Silent Shield initiative to equip bodegas with panic buttons. Khan said the Silent Shield effort was announced in the summer, is managed by the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) in partnership with the United Bodega Association, and that EDC/UBA would have implementation details.

Khan also noted state support, saying the administration “continues to promote the state's $5,000,000 commercial security tax credit announced by Governor Hochul in last year's state budget,” and he said applications were open through Oct. 31, 2025. He added that NYPD reported a 10% decrease in retail theft since 2023.

Local business perspective: Darius Saldana, director of small business development at the Bronx Chamber of Commerce, testified in favor of Intro. 1180 and Intro. 1350, saying security equipment is costly and that financial assistance would make protections more accessible: “Security equipment can get pricey, especially for mom and pop shops already running on a tight margin,” he said. The Chamber urged passage of both bills and emphasized the importance of deterrence and employee and customer safety.

Council and agency discussion: Members pressed SBS on program design and overlaps with existing city and state programs. Khan recommended allowing time to assess outcomes from current initiatives before creating a new, standalone city program, saying that approach would “help ensure coordination, prevent duplication, and build on what is already working.” Chair Feliz and Majority Leader Amanda Farias signaled they would follow up with EDC, which is managing Silent Shield, to get implementation details.

How businesses can act now: Khan highlighted immediate resources available through SBS — the BPrep self‑assessment portal (nyc.gov/businessprep), educational webinars and on‑site risk assessments tied to the $5,000 grant — and encouraged merchants to consider the state tax credit and the NYPD camera integration program. He also recommended referrals to the Global Cyber Alliance and coordination with the Office of Technology and Innovation for cybersecurity materials.

What was not decided: No formal vote or binding decision on Intro. 1180 was taken at the hearing. SBS urged the Council to evaluate ongoing city and state efforts before creating a new program; Council members reserved follow-up. Public testimony was limited and supportive.

Looking ahead: Council staff and SBS said they will share additional procurement and implementation details from EDC and the United Bodega Association and review data from existing pilots before advancing a new city subsidy program for security technology.