Brooklyn Leaders Host Awards Amid Storefront Vacancy Crisis

Women Who Influence highlights small business hurdles at a recent event in Brooklyn Borough Hall.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Bold vector editorial illustration of an empty, classic brick storefront window at dusk, symbolizing current urban business vacancies. — Brooklyn community leaders and business owners met at Borough Hall to address rising operational costs and persistent storefront vacancies in the borough. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you believe your local government is providing enough support to help small businesses succeed?

Women Who Influence hosted the 2026 Pink Apple Awards at Brooklyn Borough Hall to celebrate local leaders while addressing rising storefront vacancies. The event underscored the ongoing struggles facing Brooklyn entrepreneurs in an era of high operational costs.

Why it matters

Local businesses continue to face significant strain from rising rent, utility costs, and insurance premiums. These financial pressures often limit the ability of small shops to remain open and thrive in their communities.

Brooklyn currently faces a 12.3 percent storefront vacancy rate, with figures rising above 15 percent in neighborhoods including East New York, Ocean Hill, Bedford-Stuy, and Crown Heights. Meanwhile, 68 percent of surveyed businesses cite limited access to resources as a primary barrier to success.

The players

Gabrieline Reece

She is the founder of the organization Women Who Influence, which she established in 2021.

Delia Awusi

She serves as the New York City mom-and-pop czar, a role she has held since April 2026.

Pamela Morgan

She is a recipient of a 2026 Pink Apple Award for her influence in the local business community.

Kanchana Suggu

She was honored with a 2026 Pink Apple Award during the event held at Brooklyn Borough Hall.

Erica Ford

She received a 2026 Pink Apple Award for her contributions and influence.

The details

During the event, organizers and attendees discussed the critical need for better funding access and support networks for mom-and-pop shops. Initiatives like the NYCEDC contract awards and programs from The Yard Opportunity Shop aim to provide the necessary capital and space for small business growth.

2021: Gabrieline Reece founded the organization Women Who Influence.
April 2026: Delia Awusi was appointed as the New York City mom-and-pop czar.
June 2026: The NYC Comptroller released a report detailing regional vacancy rates.
October 22, 2026: The Pink Apple Awards and panel took place at Brooklyn Borough Hall.
Fiscal 2026: The NYCEDC awarded 43 million in contracts and provided training to 61 firms.

Market Landscape

The push to revitalize vacant storefronts mirrors the broader city strategy to integrate support services directly into local districts. This effort follows the pattern established by the NYCEDC's small business funding contracts, which seek to offset market volatility for independent retailers.

Small business owners may find new support through city-funded training and grant programs aimed at increasing access to retail space. Residents can expect to see ongoing efforts to activate empty storefronts as the city works to stabilize vacancy rates in neighborhoods like Crown Heights.

The takeaway

Small business owners should explore city-led resource programs that offer training and financial support for operational challenges. Engaging with local advocacy groups can provide additional pathways to secure affordable retail space in competitive urban markets.