FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PR- 079-05 March 3, 2005 MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG ANNOUNCES $140,000 IN GRANTS TO CITY'S SMALL BUSINESSES AS PART OF WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION Commission on Women's Issues Celebrates 30th Anniversary, Launches Public Awareness Campaign and an online Guide for Families Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg announced today that 16 City small businesses which shape, serve and improve the lives of women will receive $140,000 in "NYC Small Business Awards" grants. The awards were created by New York City Commission on Women's Issues and the New York City Department of Small Business Services (SBS) and are privately funded. Mayor Bloomberg also marked the 30th Anniversary of the New York City Commission on Women's Issues by announcing the launch of a comprehensive public awareness campaign, "New York Loves Women," which will promote the opportunities and services available to women in New York City. A user-friendly online Family Guide will also be made available by the New York City Commission on Women's Issues. Joining Mayor Bloomberg in announcing the administration's commemoration of Women's History Month was Chair of the New York City Commission on Women's Issues Anne Sutherland Fuchs and New York City Department of Small Business Services Commissioner Robert W. Walsh. "As we celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Women's History Month and the 30th Anniversary of the New York City Commission on Women's Issues, it is important to recognize the efforts that our administration has made towards making New York, the City of Opportunity for all women," said Mayor Bloomberg. "It is an honor to present these awards to businesses that have made exemplary contributions to the success of New York City women. It is their ingenuity in entrepreneurship that makes New York City a global leader when it comes to doing business. We are committed to continue to play a vital role in encouraging women to thrive both personally and professionally in this City." The recipients of the "New York City Small Business Awards," were required to be in business for a minimum of two years, have fewer than 100 employees, demonstrate an entrepreneurial spirit, have annual revenue not exceeding $2.5 million, and provide measurable benefits to the women of New York City. The private underwriters of the grants include Federated Department Stores, JP Morgan Chase Bank, Deloitte & Touche LLP, Esteé Lauder, Jones Apparel Group, Tommy Hilfiger, VF Corporation, Women's Venture Fund, Kellwood, Health Plus, Kenneth Cole Productions and Meyer Corporation U.S. "New York City women are the most dedicated and successful in the world," said Anne Sutherland Fuchs, Chair of the New York City Commission on Women's Issues. "Women in New York meet the biggest challenges and hardships head on with their drive to succeed, and help make this City flourish with opportunity. We are pleased to award those entrepreneurs who demonstrate strength, perseverance, and a dedication to benefiting women and giving back to the New York City community." "Small businesses shoulder the lion's share of the City's economy, and the Mayor has made them a priority since his first day in office," said SBS Commissioner Robert W. Walsh. "The NYC Small Business Awards have been a remarkable success in highlighting the contributions these recipients make to women in business throughout the five boroughs, and I commend the New York City Commission on Women's Issues for spearheading such a great program." The New York City Commission on Women's Issues' online Family Guide aims to be a comprehensive source on child care for families. Drawing upon the expertise and knowledge of a variety of City agencies and organizations, this website includes information on health insurance, nutrition, tax credits, early intervention, and child care options ranging from locating services to child care subsidies and early education. The Commission created the Family Guide website as an easily accessible "one-stop shop" resource for information on raising a family in New York City. It can be accessed through www.nyc.gov. The NYC Small Business Awardees include: JAZZ WOMEN INC. NEW BEIN' ENTERPRISES NEW DESIGNS FOR LIFE, INC. DEFRAN SYSTEMS MALIA MILLS, LLC. SUPERFINE The NYC Small Business Awards Runners-up include: Alice's Tea Cup, LLC MEDIA CONTACT: Edward Skyler / Silvia Alvarez (212) 788-2958 Ben Branham (Small Business Services) (212) 513-6318 |
View the photos Watch the video in 56k or 300k |