City Council focusing on small businesses

Councilor Janey introduced the first docket to be assigned to the new Committee on Small Business and Consumer Affairs. Janey, who is also the Chair of this Committee, called for a hearing regarding the opportunities and challenges facing small businesses in the City of Boston.

Introducing the order, Janey said, "This hearing order will allow us to examine how we can remove barriers and utilize existing opportunities, as well as create new ones. We must seek creative solutions to help established businesses remain in our city, and to allow new businesses to open here. We need policies responding to the pressures of commercial gentrification. And we still have work to do in addressing the many permitting and licensing processes that can be a roadblock for many small businesses. Finally, there is much more to do in supporting our small businesses owned by women, immigrants, and people of color."

The Committee will hold its first hearing later this year.