STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Is New York City a good place to start a small business? In his weekly radio address, Mayor Michael Bloomberg touted his administration’s recent accomplishments as evidence that the answer is “yes.”
“Businesses that want to stay competitive can’t rest on their laurels,
and to keep our economy growing and creating jobs, neither can we,” Bloomberg said.
The mayor pointed to a new citywide competition, called “New York’s Next Top Makers.” It’s designed to promote 3D printing and innovation. Bloomberg said the competition will help entrepreneurs, inventors and designers bring
their creative ideas to reality. A team of experts will choose five winners, and NYC residents will choose a sixth. A cash prize will be awarded to the top winner next year.
Bloomberg pointed to Long Island City-based Pathways, a 3D printing facility under construction that will provide 50 permanent jobs, as an example of innovation in action. The firm will help mentor the competition’s finalists.
Bloomberg also touted the city’s Workforce I Career centers, which connect job seekers and small businesses. He said the city’s Business Solutions Centers have
provided “more than 6,300 free services to over 4,200 businesses, including helping 140 entrepreneurs open their doors.”
Lastly, the mayor called attention to new resources through the city’s small business website at nyc.gov. The resources help small businesses “comply with City regulations while saving time and money.” Ten new “starter guides” are available on site.
