Kenny Minaya has been appointed as the new Commissioner of the New York City Department of Small Business Services (SBS), Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani announced on March 2, 2026.
“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,” said Mayor Mamdani. “With Kenny Minaya as Commissioner of Small Business Services, we’ll cut the bureaucracy and make it easier to start and run a small business — because when our neighborhood businesses thrive, New York thrives.”
Minaya previously served as First Deputy Commissioner at the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP), overseeing operations and finances since 2022 after joining DCWP in 2016. Before his government service, he worked with Catholic Migration Services and Make the Road New York, representing immigrant tenants in Brooklyn and Queens.
“Under Mayor Mamdani, we are ushering in a new era for small businesses in our city. I am deeply thankful for the Mayor’s trust and confidence and am proud to take on this responsibility,” said Kenny Minaya. “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.”
Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice Julie Su commented: “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.”
Leaders from organizations supporting local businesses expressed their support for Minaya’s appointment. Jeffrey LeFrancois and Erin Piscopink from NYC BID Association noted his background in city government as well as his personal connection to small businesses. Arlenis Morel from Make the Road New York described him as someone who has worked hard so regular people can contribute economically to New York City.
Youssef Mubarez from Yemeni American Merchants Association stated: “His experience, integrity and dedication to public service make him exceptionally well suited for this important role… We look forward to working together to ensure that immigrant-owned and community-based businesses have the resources and support they need to grow and thrive.”
Sandra Jaquez from NYS Latino Restaurant Association highlighted Minaya’s understanding of small business ownership through family experience: “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.” Anthony Pena from National Supermarket Association emphasized Minaya’s knowledge about independent supermarkets’ importance.
Former DCWP Commissioner Lorelei Salas praised Minaya’s commitment: “Commissioner Minaya has shown deep commitment to public service excellence… Our small businesses will have no better advocate…”
Samuel A.A. Levine, current DCWP Commissioner, said: “In the short time that I have come to know… Commissioner Minaya… he is a leader with a deep commitment to making government work efficiently… As Commissioner of Small Business Services, Kenny Minaya will be a passionate advocate for our small businesses…”
Mayor Mamdani has prioritized support for local enterprises as part of addressing affordability issues across New York City by signing Executive Order 11 soon after taking office. This order requires agencies under city control—including seven specific agencies—to review existing fines imposed on these enterprises with an aim toward reducing or streamlining them; currently more than 6,000 rules affect these entities.
The Department of Small Business Services provides resources such as training programs along with technical assistance aimed at helping companies begin operations or expand within any borough while also supporting workforce development efforts throughout commercial districts.
Minaya was born in New York City; his parents emigrated from Dominican Republic over four decades ago before opening their own bakery which they still run today in Inwood. He attended local public schools before earning degrees from both City College of New York (BA) & CUNY School Of Law (JD). He resides with his wife in The Bronx; they expect their first child.
