Small-business owners and supporters gathered in Bushwick on Dec. 20 to encourage the surrounding community to support them during the holiday season.

“There are small-business members in the community who are fighting against income inequality and fighting for economic justice in the community,” said Cynthee Cortes of Make the Road New York (MRNY), an immigrant advocacy and support group. “Our goal today was to educate the community about how these particular small businesses are supporting the community, as opposed to big banks and corporations, which have been undermining our community.”

The small-business owners belong to Small Business United, a MRNY program consisting of 150 small businesses in Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island.

“Our message is basically that small businesses are not being represented equally,” said Edgar Andrade, owner of Wyckoff 99c and Hardware. “Neighbors approached us and we explained why we were outside. Some people support us, and some ask questions.”

Andrade said higher taxes and extra fines are hurting small businesses. He hopes to see the economy become more local and for people to remember how small businesses support the community, such as by providing jobs.

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