In an initiative aimed to educate small businesses about tourism – total numbers of tourists visiting the borough, their interests, expenditures and how small businesses can capitalize on visitors to Brooklyn – The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, Explore Brooklyn and Airbnb will connect local businesses to their Airbnb neighbors throughout eight neighborhood-oriented meet-ups to continue to improve business opportunities in Brooklyn and further develop tourism.
The first Small Business Social meet-up for 2017 took place on January 31st at Bedford Hall The venue is a remarkably preserved slice of the Prohibition Era, with its perfect combination of a bar, lounge, and event space.
Approximately 95% of Airbnb hosts encourage tourists, who are staying with them, to visit their favorite local businesses. During this meet-up, the people in attendance were able to learn more about their community partners.
Photo by Explore Brooklyn
Businesses and hosts begin to arrive.
From left to right: Kristal Haynes, Digna Estrella
Photo by Maura McGill / Airbnb
Businesses and hosts mingle at Bedford Hall.
Photo by Maura McGill / Airbnb
Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Andrew Hoan emcees the night and invites Hon. Robert E. Cornegy, Jr., NYC Council member for the 36th District and NYC Council Committee Chair on Small Business, on stage.
From left to right: Andrew Hoan, Robert E. Cornegy, Jr.
Photo by Explore Brooklyn
Michael Lambert, Executive Director of the Bed-Stuy Gateway Improvement District, addresses the crowd.
From Left to right: Andrew Hoan, Michael Lambert
Photo by Maura McGill / Airbnb
From left to right: Andrew Hoan, Richard Flateau, Chair, Community Board 3
Photo by Maura McGill / Airbnb
From left to right: Calvin Clark, Owner of Bedford Hall, and Josh Levine, Director of Business Development in the office of Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams
Photo by Maura McGill / Airbnb
Andrew Hoan with Council Member Robert E. Cornegy, Jr. Roberto Celestine from Airbnb, Richard Flateau, Michael Lambert, and Michael Brooks
Photo by Explore Brooklyn