Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-N.Y.), hosted a fireside chat at Brooklyn Winery on May 9 to mark National Small Business Week. The event brought together small business owners from New York’s 7th Congressional District for a conversation on how digital tools, particularly social media platforms are shaping the future of entrepreneurship.
The discussion featured Rachel Nieves, owner of Buddies Coffee in Williamsburg, and Esme Lean, TikTok’s head of Small and Medium Businesses for the Americas. The pair explored how platforms like TikTok help small businesses reach broader audiences, build community and drive growth.
“It was a powerful reminder of the strength of our community, and of how online communities have a positive real world impact,” Velázquez said. “It was because of TikTok that millions of people who saw the video immediately showed up to provide support."
Nieves shared how the platform has transformed her business.
“I was born in Brooklyn. I’m from Brooklyn. TikTok changed my life. It’s grown my business, it’s helped me feel more confident. I can’t even keep count of the opportunities that have opened up,” she said.
Lean pointed to findings from a recent Oxford Economics report that estimated small businesses using TikTok contributed $1.8 billion to New York state’s GDP. The report also found that 438,000 businesses across the state use the platform to engage customers.
The event was part of Velázquez’s continued efforts as ranking member of the House Small Business Committee to support policies that strengthen small businesses and promote inclusive economic growth.
