Small businesses are the lifeblood of New York City’s economy and character. From the corner coffee shop, deli, or bodega, to specialty shops that offer products from around the world, it's the small businessman and the mom and pops that neighborhood residents count on for the services they provide and more importantly as partners in protecting their quality of life.

But the current administration, supported by big corporations and big developers, seems more intent on tearing down and depersonalizing our neighborhoods than protecting their character.

I will strengthen the City's Small Business Services and create an Advocate for Small Business. One who will fight on behalf of the small business owner and require that new commercial developments be based upon community need not political or corporate greed.

As Mayor, I would expand the Office of Small Business Services to protect current small business owners from losing their investment because of Big Box corporations moving into areas and dominating the competition.  I would monitor, re-evaluate, and closely regulate zoning that would prove harmful to the lives of small businesses and their neighborhoods.

I will create incentives to increase the number of small businesses in lower income communities that aid in development and revitalization and increase city resources for individuals who seek to become entrepreneurs but lack the resources, education, and support to make the dream a reality.