News Summary
Bank of America has unveiled its 2025 Small Business Spotlight program, set to support local entrepreneurs with rent-free booths at the Bryant Park Winter Village Holiday Shops. This initiative aims to foster engagement during the holiday shopping season in New York City, providing chosen businesses with essential exposure and foot traffic. The program reflects Bank of America’s commitment to nurturing local entrepreneurship by showcasing the vitality of small businesses within the economy.
New York – Bank of America has announced the launch of its 2025 Small Business Spotlight program, highlighting four local small businesses that will benefit from rent-free booths at the Bank of America Winter Village Holiday Shops in Bryant Park. This initiative aims to support entrepreneurs and stimulate engagement during the bustling holiday shopping season in New York City.
The Holiday Shops at Bryant Park are set to open from October 24, 2025, to January 4, 2026. Each selected business will have the unique chance to showcase their products at one of the city’s premier winter shopping and tourist destinations, drawing significant foot traffic and exposure. Bank of America will handle the shop rental expenses and oversee the basic setup of the booths for these businesses.
In 2024, the Bryant Park Holiday Shops featured over 180 vendors, collectively generating approximately $50 million in sales throughout the holiday season. The success of these shops is a testament to their popularity and the potential benefits for small businesses participating in the program.
Bank of America emphasizes the vital role small businesses play in bolstering the local economy. Since its inception in 2020, the Small Business Spotlight program has supported over 20 entrepreneurs, showcasing the bank’s ongoing commitment to fostering local entrepreneurship.
Event Highlights
The Small Business Spotlight booths will be strategically located near the fountain, adjacent to the 41st Street and 6th Avenue entrance to Bryant Park. The Winter Village also features a unique ice skating experience known as The Rink, which is the only free-admission ice skating venue in the city, and The Lodge, a food hall and bar offering seasonal culinary delights. Both The Rink and The Lodge will be available for public enjoyment until March 1, 2026.
Engaging the Community
The Bank of America Winter Village celebrates over a decade of collaboration with the Bryant Park Corporation, creating a beloved cold-weather destination that attracts millions of visitors each year. The winter shopping arrangement aligns with the Holiday Shops by Urbanspace calendar, further enhancing the holiday atmosphere in the park.
With a client base of approximately 69 million consumer and small business clients nationwide, Bank of America continues to underscore the importance of local entrepreneurship. The initiatives designed to promote visibility for emerging businesses, such as the Small Business Spotlight, serve both the community and the economy.
Impact on Local Entrepreneurs
The Small Business Spotlight program is more than just an opportunity for free retail space; it is a platform designed to highlight the resilience and creativity of local entrepreneurs. Previous participants, such as Kalsang Chomphel of Kalsang Pottery, have expressed gratitude for the exposure and sales opportunities afforded through this initiative.
As the holiday season approaches, the Bank of America Winter Village and its array of shops will not only provide a festive experience for shoppers, but also vital support for small business owners looking to make their mark in the competitive market of New York City.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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- Encyclopedia Britannica: Small Business
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Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
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