Noëlle Santos, owner of the Lit. Bar in the Bronx, has been appointed to New York City's small business reopening advisory council. On Facebook, Santos posted: "I'm proud to be appointed to NYC's Advisory Board and help shape our reopening alongside these brilliant leaders. The Bronx is the epicenter of COVID-19's epicenter; rest assured I will be shaking the table on behalf of our community's small businesses, families, and city-wide bookstores."
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| Noelle Santos | |
In anticipation of the gradual reopening of businesses in the city, Mayor Bill de Blasio put together 10 industry-specific advisory councils. EATER reported that the reopening strategy for the city's restaurants and bars will be guided by the small business advisory council, led by deputy mayors Vicki Been and Phil Thompson.
According to the mayor's office, the advisors will act as "critical links" to guide city officials on best reopening practices. Each member will also be responsible for disseminating information about the reopening among their local communities.
EATER noted that "small businesses located in the Bronx have been particularly underrepresented in local financial aid disbursements throughout the crisis," citing a Gothamist report that out of the $20 million in relief loans provided by NYC's Small Business Services, Bronx business owners have received only $80,000, or about 1% of the total aid available.