FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, May 17, 2022

CITY LAUNCHES NEW EDUCATIONAL SERIES ON THE BLOCKCHAIN INDUSTRY TO HELP SMALL BUSINESSES RECOVER AND GROW

NEW YORK – The NYC Department of Small Business Services today announced a new four-part educational series of forums to help local entrepreneurs leverage opportunities in the emerging blockchain industry to grow their small businesses. The first of these forums, which will be held virtually, Future Forward: Exploring Opportunities for Small Business in the Growing Blockchain Industry is presented in partnership with the Blockchain Foundation, a 501(c)(3), and will introduce the growing crypto industry and blockchain technology to the local small business community. This new series underscores the City’s commitment to ensuring economic equity in its recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, lifting up small business owners in BIPOC communities and beyond who stand to benefit from these new technologies.

The forums will cover the digitalization of assets, how these assets are bought and sold, and how value is transferred. Business owners will learn about how they can use blockchain to help them optimize business operations, access new revenue streams, and compete effectively in the emerging crypto industry.

The blockchain industry continues to experience exponential growth in New York City, presenting a tremendous opportunity for local entrepreneurs. Over the past five years, there has been an 872 percent increase in blockchain postings in the city, outpacing the growth of all other tech job postings.

Each virtual forum will feature a roundtable of experts moderated by Cleve Mesidor, Executive Director of the Blockchain Foundation, with time for Q&A. The speakers at the inaugural session will include:

• Kevin D. Kim, Commissioner NYC Department of Small Business Services
• Cleve Mesidor, Executive Director, The Blockchain Foundation
• Thessy Mehrain, Liquality
• Beth Patterson, Electric Coin Company
• Thomas Rush, ConsenSys Mesh
• Carmelle Cadet, EMTECH

The first forum will take place today, Tuesday, May 17, at 11 a.m. Interested parties can register here and visit nycsmallbizcourses.eventbrite.com for information on upcoming forums.

"As blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies become more integrated into our economy, it is imperative that small businesses in New York City understand the full range of opportunities afforded to them by this emerging industry. This partnership between SBS and the Blockchain Foundation will ensure that New York City small businesses have access to, and benefit from, the most updated information about developments in this field," said NYC Department of Small Business Services Commissioner Kevin D. Kim.

"New York City continues to be the financial capital of the world and it is well-positioned to become a key innovation center of the booming crypto industry. The Blockchain Foundation is pleased to collaborate with the NYC Department of Small Business Services to convene the Future Forward Blockchain series to foster understanding and increase accessibility. I commend SBS Commissioner Kevin Kim for his visionary leadership and commitment to preparing entrepreneurs and SMEs to innovate and compete," said Cleve Mesidor, Executive Director of the Blockchain Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

About the NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS)
SBS helps unlock economic potential and create economic security for all New Yorkers by connecting New Yorkers to good jobs, creating stronger businesses, and building vibrant neighborhoods across the five boroughs. For more information on all SBS services, go to nyc.gov/sbs, call 311, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

About The Blockchain Foundation
The Blockchain Foundation, is a 501(c)(3) organization, leading an industry-wide blockchain and cryptocurrency education movement collaborating with local organizations and engaging mainstream Americans. For more information, visit TheBlockFound.com.