Board members plan outreach to BIDs, theaters and small businesses amid steep revenue concerns

Community Board 2 members discussed the looming financial impact on small businesses and cultural institutions and agreed to coordinate outreach with business improvement districts (BIDs) and elected officials.

Carter and other board members said borough-level reports suggest a substantial portion of small businesses and nonprofits may not resume operations; board members described an urgent need for information-sharing and direct outreach to business owners who may not be plugged into existing programs.

Matt, a board member, summarized what he said he is hearing from the small-business community: "I'm finding small business owners have no idea about the resources that are available to them." He urged more direct outreach beyond email and webinar notices.

Dan, who represents local small-business interests on the board, said practical, timely information can provide relief: "When I get information, it gives me hope." Board members proposed convening BID representatives and using BID events and channels to reach nonmember merchants.

Members also described steps already taken: several BIDs held sector-specific calls (restaurants, theaters) with legal and accounting advisers and shared practical application-level advice. Chenault noted that performing-arts operators fear theaters will be among the last venues to resume because of proximate seating and audience behavior.

Board leadership and committee chairs agreed to: 1) assemble a meeting with one representative from each BID to map outreach efforts; 2) coordinate a focused call for theater and performance-arts operators to capture specific reopening needs; and 3) promote consolidated resources on the board's links page to help owners find legal, financial and grant assistance.

The board did not take a formal vote but tasked staff and committee chairs with organizing the proposed outreach sessions.