Mayor Mamdani Names Minaya as Small Biz Chief

Appointment of Kenny Minaya as Commissioner of the New York City Department of Small Business Services

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

New York City Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani announced the appointment of Kenny Minaya as Commissioner of the New York City Department of Small Business Services (SBS). Minaya, who has served as the First Deputy Commissioner of the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection since 2022, will lead SBS with a focus on making it simpler to open, operate and grow a small business and ensuring every neighborhood entrepreneur has a fair shot at success.

Why it matters

Small businesses are the backbone of New York City's economy, and the new administration is making support for them a central part of its agenda to tackle the city's affordability crisis. The appointment of Minaya, who has experience in city government and a personal connection to small businesses, signals the mayor's commitment to cutting bureaucracy and empowering local entrepreneurs.

The details

Minaya previously worked at Catholic Migration Services and Make the Road New York, where he represented immigrant tenants fighting to keep their homes affordable. As Commissioner of SBS, he will partner with the agency's dedicated public servants to support businesses in every neighborhood across the five boroughs.

  • Minaya has served as the First Deputy Commissioner of the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection since 2022.
  • Minaya joined the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection in 2016 as Deputy Chief of Staff.

The players

Zohran Kwame Mamdani

The Mayor of New York City.

Kenny Minaya

The newly appointed Commissioner of the New York City Department of Small Business Services, who previously served as the First Deputy Commissioner of the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection.

Julie Su

The Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice.

Jeffrey LeFrancois and Erin Piscopink

The Co-Chairs of the NYC BID Association.

Arlenis Morel

The co-Executive Director of Make the Road New York.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“From the bodega on your corner to the laundromat that's anchored your block for decades, small businesses are the lifeblood of New York City. They're where working people build dreams - and for too long, City Hall has made that harder than it needs to be, burying storefronts in red tape while corporate chains get the fast lane. That ends now.”

— Zohran Kwame Mamdani, Mayor of New York City (Mirage News)

“As the son of immigrant small business owners, I know firsthand the challenges that our entrepreneurs face. I am excited to partner with the dedicated public servants at SBS - whose work every day supports businesses in every neighborhood - and to bring both my experience in City government and my lived experience to this role as we work side-by-side with small business owners in all five boroughs.”

— Kenny Minaya, Commissioner of the Department of Small Business Services (Mirage News)

“Small businesses are where New Yorkers take risks, create jobs and build generational opportunity. Commissioner Minaya will lead SBS with a clear mandate: make it simpler to open, operate and grow a small business - and ensure every neighborhood entrepreneur has a fair shot at success.”

— Julie Su, Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice (Mirage News)

“Kenny Minaya has long been a champion for working class New Yorkers, including those who dream to build their own small businesses. Kenny has worked tirelessly to harness the economic potential of regular people so that they may contribute to our City. He will be a visionary commissioner for the Department of Small Business Services, bringing a unique combination of skills, experience in City government and strong connections to the communities that make up our vibrant City.”

— Arlenis Morel, co-Executive Director of Make the Road New York (Mirage News)

“Having grown up visiting his family's bakery, I know that he and his family understand the dedication and hard work small business ownership demands. I look forward to working with Commissioner Minaya to support small businesses-many of which are still struggling-and to advance policies that help small businesses across New York City grow and thrive.”

— Sandra Jaquez, President of the NYS Latino Restaurant Association (Mirage News)

What’s next

The Department of Small Business Services will work with the Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice and seven agencies to review existing fines and fees and advance reforms in the months ahead to reduce bureaucracy and make it easier for small businesses to operate.

The takeaway

The appointment of Kenny Minaya, who has both government experience and a personal connection to small businesses, signals the new administration's commitment to empowering local entrepreneurs and supporting the small businesses that are the lifeblood of New York City's communities and economy.