Stressing the importance of providing assistance on a wide variety of fronts to local businesses, Assemblyman William Colton (D—Gravesend, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach and Dyker Heights) joined representatives of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce in a visit to merchants along a portion of the Bath Avenue shopping strip on Tuesday, September 9.

The Chamber, which offers a wide range of programs and assistance meant to ease the often-complicated path faced by small businesses, which are particularly vulnerable to various economic stresses, also provided a presentation to Assemblyman Colton and staff members on its offerings, which generally fall into one of three categories: Support, promotion and advocacy.

“In the current economic climate, businesses may struggle to succeed,” said Assemblyman Colton. “I want to be able to help them make the most of their opportunities because local merchants and the shopping strips they are located on are truly at the heart of the community. Our visit – which gave us also the chance to learn first-hand about the challenges that various business owners face – had the goal of helping our small businesses make the most of their potential, so they not only survive, but thrive, and help to support the community which in turn supports them.”

Businesses visited by Assemblyman Colton, Brooklyn Chamber President Randy Peers and members of his team ranged from a driving school to a deli, restaurants to a shared space occupied by a pharmacy and a coffee bar. In particular, they let the business owners know about the NYC Small Business Resource Network, which is comprised of the chambers of commerce from all five boroughs, and which serves to connect individual merchants and entrepreneurs with a panoply of free resources, from financing opportunities to marketing expertise to advice for working with government agencies.

“Our visit was to a small portion of the neighborhood,” said Assemblyman Colton. “But I want to make sure that merchants across the district know that if they have issues or concerns, my door is always open, and my staff and I will be happy to help them connect with resources or assist them in detangling governmental red tape.”

Assemblyman Colton’s district office is located at 155 Kings Highway. For further assistance, call 718-236-1598.