Tech & Small Businesses

UPDATE: Testimonies can be found at the following link.

Technology Committee to Review Ways to Boost NYC Small Business Tech Sector

Who:   Council Committee on Technology in Government, Council Committee on Economic Development, Technology Community, Entrepreneurs, and Developers

When: Wednesday, December 16, 2009 at 10 AM

What:  Public Hearing on Tech start-ups, their benefits to NYC, and methods to encourage digital entrepreneurship

Where: Council Chambers, City Hall

(The Hearing will be webcasted through www.livestream.com/nycctechcomm and tweeted on www.twitter.com/nycctechcomm. More details below.)

New York, NY – On Wednesday, December 16, 2009 at 10 AM in the Council Chambers of City Hall, the New York City Council Committees on Technology in Government and Economic Development will hold a joint public hearing to examine how small technology start-ups are surviving in this tough economy.  This hearing will help the Council understand the dynamics behind successful firms as well as what options are available to the City in aiding these important businesses in their struggle to remain competitive and viable in a global environment.

City lawmakers are seeking ways to foster small business growth and boost New York City’s image as technology and digital media leader.  Small businesses and information technology groups offer a myriad of job opportunities and ideas to the broader economy.  Current incubators, venture capitalist funds, and industry consortiums help improve the economy and provide support for future entrepreneurs.  By understanding the dynamics of how these firms operate, the City can help facilitate broader innovation and attract additional companies within knowledge-based industries.

The Committee on Technology in Government will be live twittering and webcasting this entire public hearing.

• You can follow us on twitter at www.twitter.com/nycctechcomm and use the tag #nycstartup if you have any comments, suggestions, and questions during the hearing.  Wireless Internet is available to attendees to tweet this hearing.
• If you are unable to attend the hearing, you can view the live webcast at www.livestream.com/nycctechcomm.  You may also use the chat function available on the site for comments, questions and suggestions.
• Furthermore, you can follow all of the Tech Committee’s activities on www.nycctechcomm.wordpress.com.

If you want to attend and/or testify at this hearing, please contact Kunal Malhotra, Legislative and Budget Director, at kmalhotra@council.nyc.gov or Samuel Wong, Legislative Aide on Technology, at samwong.nycc@gmail.com.  Both are reachable at our City Hall Office at (212) 788-6975.