The companies on Wall Street are not the only ones who are feeling the heat with our declining economy; small businesses are also being severely impacted.  In fact, they employ more than half of the workforce in the city.  With this in mind, Mayor Bloomberg and Robert W. Walsh, the Commissioner of Small Business Services (SBS), announced that they are teaming up with the Chambers of Commerce from each borough to expand small business assistance through NYC Business Solutions Centers.  The partnership is intended to increase awareness of the resources that NYC Business Solutions Centers offers.

Walsh says, "Through NYC Business Solutions, we have account managers across our City who are experts in helping small businesses access capital, develop or refine business plans, and navigate City government." The SBS will give the chambers descriptions of their services and the qualifications that must be met by particular businesses in order to receive assistance.  Among the services being offered are legal aid (including pro-bono lawyers), business courses and business planning, hiring services, training, M/WBE Certification and perhaps one of the most important aid currently desired, connections in financing.  The present economic condition is making it difficult for many, including small businesses, to get a loan.  The SBS will hopefully be able to assist the businesses in meeting the necessary requirements of getting a loan, "[they will] help businesses package their applications and leverage existing relationships with lenders to increase the businesses' chances of successfully receiving a loan."          

It is reassuring to see that the government is taking action to ensure the survival of the small businesses of New York.  After speaking to several of those who are employees of small businesses, they said they were worried they would be left in the dark with all the attention focused on the dramatic events occurring on the streets of Downtown Manhattan.  It is not to be forgotten that what occurs on Wall Street effects the economy in its entirety, but as stated, small businesses employ over half of the workers of New York.  New York remains a city that requires attention to all spectrums of business.