Supporting Small Business

As a former Small Business Owner, Julie was thrilled to take on the role of Chair of the Council’s Small Business Committee in January. In her time as a business owner and as the City’s former Commissioner of Consumer Affairs, she has amassed unique experience that provides a strong understanding of the landscape small businesses face. In her time as Small Business Chair, Julie has delivered major victories for the small business community:

Introducing and passing monumental legislation creating a one-stop-shop for small businesses to navigate city agencies. This legislation will streamline small business interactions with the City’s vast bureaucracy and provide significant relief to small business owners.

Introducing legislation to create an Office of Small Business Digitalization to provide digital support for businesses across the City. Recent data supports that 28% of small businesses do not even have a website and the City must work to bridge that divide and empower businesses.

Working with the Administration to deliver an increase in funding to support Business Improvement Districts across the CIty with a special focus on smaller BIDs in underserved communities.

Introducing legislation to expand the City’s Summer Youth Employment Program by facilitating more private sector partnerships and securing employment opportunities within a myriad of city agencies.

Julie looks forward to continuing her advocacy for the small businesses of our city in her role as Small Business Chair.