Walsh is Fast Tracking BXEDC to Better Support Bronx Businesses and Communities
BRONX, NY – Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson named Rob Walsh, former Commissioner of New York City’s Department of Small Business Services, as President of the Bronx Economic Development Corporation (BXEDC). Walsh has served as Interim President since October 2022.
“Rob brings to his new role the expertise, experience, and enthusiasm needed to help Bronx businesses thrive,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. “His creativity and innovative approaches have produced remarkable results in his short time in the interim position. As President, I know he will continue to be a tremendous partner for us at Bronx Borough Hall, boosting our efforts to support the Bronx business community and show the world that the Bronx is a truly wonderful place to live and work.”
In the past six months, as interim president, Walsh has advanced the mission of the BXEDC by:
- Successfully being approved for the SBA Community Advantage Loan Program, which will allow the Business Initiative Corporation of New York (BICNY) to supply working capital loans from $5,000 to $350,000 to businesses throughout the borough.
- Initiating the $1 million Green Action Challenge for the borough’s 12 colleges and universities to boost environmental stewardship.
- Launching a Storefront Improvement Initiative under the State’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI), with the goal of transforming up to two commercial corridors by investing in the beautification of storefronts and reclaiming public space.
- Creating key partnerships with entities such as the New York Yankees and YES! Network and 1010 WINS to promote top attractions and small businesses in the Bronx.
- Forging working relationships with public/private partners in efforts to attract corporate tenants to the Bronx.
- Strengthening the organization by recruiting several new staff and board members, who are diverse and from various workforce sectors.
“I am honored to serve as president of the Bronx Economic Development Corporation. With the combined efforts of all those involved we can help ensure the vitality of the Bronx community, particularly small business owners from across the borough,” said Rob Walsh. “The Bronx truly represents the best our city has to offer with its culture, diversity, and attractions, and whether you’re a mom-and-pop shop with decades-long history of serving your community or a new startup, I will work tirelessly alongside my team to ensure you have the resources needed to grow and thrive.”
In addition to serving as BXEDC president, Walsh will maintain his role at 1010 WINS where he hosts the weekly “The Bottom Line for Small Business” segment and hosts and moderates the 1010 WINS Small Business Challenge.
Previously, Walsh served as senior advisor to the Manhattan College President. He also taught various courses at Columbia University’s School of Public and International Affairs. In January 2002, Mayor Michael Bloomberg appointed Walsh as Commissioner of the Department of Small Business Services (SBS). During his 12-year tenure, SBS became one of the city’s most innovative agencies, serving the needs of its 200,000 small businesses. Walsh re-energized the city’s business improvement districts and created an award-winning neighborhood leadership program in partnership with Coro New York. Additionally, seven NYC Business Solutions Centers were established and secured more than $200 million for small businesses. As Commissioner, Walsh also created various entrepreneurial courses and forged new group partnerships, including the Initiative for a Competitive Inner City, Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program, Interise, and the Kauffman Foundation.