The Dominican American Chamber of Commerce hosted a small business conference entitled “The Reset 2026” at Bedford Park’s Lehman College on Wednesday, July 29, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  According to organizers of the event, the aim was to connect Bronx and citywide small business owners with government, academic, and community partners to access resources for business growth.

They added that the free, application-based event was built around practical solutions for small business owners across the Bronx and New York City.

Manuel Lebron, president of the Dominican American Chamber of Commerce, said, “For four years, business owners have told us the same thing. They want real access, not another panel.” He added, “The Reset is our answer, and the support of both Lehman College and Borough President Gibson’s office tells every owner in the room that the borough is behind this work.”

Rather than just another panel discussion, organizers said The Reset 2026 put business owners in the room with the banks, agencies, service providers, and community resources that can help move their business forward.

Among the participating partners were Ponce Bank, which organizers said connected business owners to capital and banking relationships, and Con Edison, which provided energy and small business support.

Through the Chamber’s partnership with SCPS, organizers said the conference also featured faculty-led breakout sessions on entrepreneurship, business expansion, and the practical use of AI for small businesses, among other topics. It also offered attendees “practical insights and real-world strategies” to support their growth.

Additionally, the event featured a town hall with NYC SBS Commissioner Kenny Minaya and one-on-one sessions for business owners with agencies such as New York State Workers’ Compensation Board, NYC Department of Transportation, Verizon, and Con Edison.

Chamber organizers said the collaboration with the various partners reflected a shared commitment to equitable economic development in The Bronx, home to the highest concentration of Latino-owned businesses of any borough in New York City.

For her part, Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson said, “We are proud to stand alongside the Dominican American Chamber of Commerce and Lehman College’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies to bring The Reset 2026 to The Bronx.”

She added, “Our small businesses need access to resources, community partners, and real opportunities to grow. This conference delivers exactly that. By bringing banks, agencies, educators, and service providers directly to the table, we are making sure every entrepreneur in our borough has the tools they need to thrive.”

Following the announcement, City officials said small business owners, advocacy groups, community leaders, housing and transit experts and more applauded COGE’s efforts. COGE members voted on the adoption of the final report and ballot proposals later that day.

Cristy Moya, director of the Bronx Women’s Business Center, said, “Every step toward a more efficient and responsive government is a step toward stronger small businesses. Reducing red tape allows entrepreneurs to focus on what they do best—building businesses and creating economic opportunity.”

Meanwhile, Constance D. Barnes, Ed.D, PMP, chair of Bronx Community Board 8’s economic development committee, said in part, “Small and ‘Mom and Pop’ businesses embody the ‘American Dream’ multitudes of New Yorkers embrace. Yet cumbersome processes have halted progress towards that Northstar. As an MWBE, I appreciate the mayor’s responsiveness, and look forward to supporting new businesses with these expanded opportunities.” Bronx Community Board 8 covers the Bronx neighborhoods of Fieldston, Kingsbridge, Kingsbridge Heights, Marble Hill, Riverdale, Spuyten Duyvil, and Van Cortlandt Village.