News Summary
Bank of America has chosen four local businesses for its Small Business Spotlight program at Bryant Park. These businesses will have rent-free booths at the upcoming Winter Village Holiday Shops, allowing them to showcase their products without financial burdens. The initiative aims to support small businesses, which are vital to local economies, especially during the holiday season. Last year’s event saw significant sales, emphasizing the program’s importance in fostering entrepreneurial growth and community engagement.
New York City—Bank of America has announced the selection of four local businesses to benefit from the 2025 Small Business Spotlight program at Bryant Park. These businesses will have the opportunity to showcase and sell their products at rent-free booths during the Bank of America Winter Village Holiday Shops, which will run from October 24, 2025, to January 4, 2026.
During last year’s event, vendors at Bryant Park’s holiday shops, including those in the Small Business Spotlight program, generated approximately $50 million in sales. This success highlights the significance of such initiatives in fostering entrepreneurial growth and local economic development.
José Tavarez, the president of Bank of America New York City, noted the crucial role that small businesses play in strengthening local economies. Under the Small Business Spotlight program, more than 20 entrepreneurs have received support since its inception in 2020, helping them alleviate overhead costs associated with participating in the event.
The booths for the Small Business Spotlight program will be strategically located near the fountain at the 41st Street and 6th Avenue entrance to Bryant Park. This prime location among more than 180 vendors offers excellent visibility, likely contributing to increased foot traffic and sales potential for the selected businesses.
The Winter Village is set to be more than just a marketplace; it will also offer visitors a range of attractions, including dining options and ice skating at The Rink. Ice skating is scheduled to remain open until March 1, 2026, providing a festive atmosphere for attendees throughout the winter season.
Advocacy for small businesses has become a central focus for the program, which aims to alleviate some financial burdens and create opportunities for local entrepreneurs. Participants like Kalsang Chomphel from Kalsang Pottery have expressed gratitude for the program’s impact, noting that it has significantly advanced their retail journey and provided them with exposure to a wider market.
This initiative is just one example of how organizations are working to promote small businesses, which are often seen as the backbone of local economies. Programs like the Small Business Spotlight can make a substantial difference in the lives of these business owners by providing them with the necessary resources to thrive during critical sales periods such as the holiday season.
As anticipation builds for the upcoming Winter Village, the selected businesses are preparing to engage with the community and share their products with a broader audience. The program continues to demonstrate the importance of supporting local entrepreneurs and fostering a vibrant economic landscape in New York City.
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Additional Resources
- amNY: NYC Small Business Spotlight
- The New York Times: Trump Tariffs and Small Businesses
- Crain’s New York: Biotechs and Small Business Innovation
- NY Daily News: City Consumer Dept Hurts Small Business
- Wikipedia: Small Business
- Google Search: Small Business Support Programs
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