Since 2001, the Brooklyn-based Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CACCI) says the Flatbush-Caton Market has served as a “vibrant home to local businesses and micro-entrepreneurs.”
But, with more space, amenities and affordable housing, CACCI said the proposed BRP development project at the market “will soon become an even greater resource for the entire community in Brooklyn.”
In a special message, CACCI’s Grenadian-born president, Dr. Roy Hastick, noted that, recently, Martia Torres Springer, president, NYC Economic Development Corp. (EDC) announced the selection of the developer, BRP Development, “to make this vision a reality.”
Hastick complimented Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, Council Member Mathieu Eugene, Dr. Una Clarke, NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), and NYC Department of Small Business Services for their “relentless support and assistance with bringing this project to fruition.”
Last year, CACCI celebrated 30 years of service to the small business community.
“It is hard to believe that 30 years has passed since our Chamber of Commerce and Industry was launched in New York State,” Hastick said. “We wish to express our gratitude to our network of members and contributors.
“And we are also pleased to report that, over the past 30 years, with support from its Board of Directors, members, partners in the private and public sectors, the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry has grown from a virtual fledging micro-organism into a multi-dimensional institution,” he added.
Over the years, Hastick said CACCI has conducted more than 800 seminars, workshops and clinics, helped to launch small businesses and assisted emerging businesses in their efforts to grow and expand.
Because of a wide range of support, Hastick said CACCI has “evolved into an entity, which continues to advocate on behalf of the small business community and is poised to serve as a vital link between the Caribbean region and the USA.”
He said CACCI continues to host networking seminars, power breakfast meetings, and is working with its partners “to expand the reach and the scope of our business services to MWBE’s and emerging businesses.
“We are continuing to provide small business and financial literacy business services to micro entrepreneurs at the Flatbush-Caton Market, and continue our collaboration with public and private sector partners to provide seminars and services for emerging businesses with CACCI,” Hastick said.
Additionally, over the years, he said CACCI have continued to promote trade and investment in the Caribbean by continuing to host business and trade delegations from the Caribbean region on visits to New York.
For over two decades, Hastick said CACCI have worked with the leadership of the City of New York and explored several options for a site that would be appropriate for the Caribbean American Trade Center.
He said the selection of the developer “will transform the site on which the current Flatbush Caton Market is located in Brooklyn into a commercial and cultural institution, expanded and renovated market that will support the long-term growth and vitality of dozens of local vendors and entrepreneurs, new space for CACCI and affordable housing.”
