Mayor Eric Adams announced the appointment of Dynishal Gross as the new commissioner of the New York City Department of Small Business Services (SBS) on Tuesday, September 17th. With Gross’ new appointment, the city aims to support small businesses, spur job growth, and bolster commercial corridors across all five boroughs. “Small businesses are the beating heart of our economy,” said Mayor Adams, emphasizing the importance of connecting small businesses with the resources they need to thrive in New York City.
Gross, a seasoned professional within SBS, previously served as both acting commissioner and executive deputy commissioner. She expressed her commitment to supporting New Yorkers’ entrepreneurial endeavors, stating, “When our workforce system makes strong matches between businesses and jobseekers, New York City wins.” Gross will lead efforts to strengthen New York City’s small business environment, which has reached a record 183,000 small businesses, with 55,000 created in the first two years of the Adams administration.
Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development, and Workforce Maria Torres-Springer commended Gross’s dedication, saying, “Dynishal is a focused and compassionate leader who has shown her unwavering commitment to improving the economic potential of the city’s entrepreneurs and workers.” Under Gross’s leadership, SBS will award nearly $5 million in neighborhood revitalization grants to support commercial corridors, address storefront vacancies, and create a safer, cleaner city environment.
Linda Baran, president and CEO of the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce, praised Gross’s appointment, highlighting her leadership qualities and understanding of the challenges small businesses face. “We look forward to continuing to work together in support of small businesses with Dynishal at the helm,” Baran said. Randy Peers, president and CEO of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, echoed similar sentiments, noting, “Nobody understands the challenges that our small businesses face better than Dynishal.”
These initiatives align with the city’s broader efforts to strengthen its commercial corridors and revitalize communities. New data reveals a decrease in storefront vacancies, with some boroughs like the Bronx achieving occupancy rates of 91.8 percent. “These grants will empower local businesses and create a more vibrant community,” remarked Lisa Sorin, president of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce.
