Bodegas TV launched New York City's first in-store video network on June 4, 2026, at the #NYTechWeek Bodega & Small Business Innovation Summit, held at the Stuyvesant Yacht Club in The Bronx. The event, co-hosted by the Bodega & Small Business Group (BSBG) and Cortes Global Equity Partners, brought together over 100 bodega owners, startup founders, investors, and technologists to explore the 'Sovereign Bodega' framework—a concept that aims to modernize corner stores' digital infrastructure without displacing their cultural identity.
The summit featured panels focused on four pillars of bodega modernization: Media Tech & AI, FinTech, Security, and Infrastructure. Discussions centered on transforming storefronts into hyper-local media hubs, deploying integrated financial systems, implementing AI-powered security, and synchronizing inventory and data across locations. Panelists included Andre Ureña of Centro AI, Milbert Kiggundu-Bentham of Alvix Advisory, Samira O. of Building Experimental AI Products, Charlie Barnet of World Mobile, Arabel Alva Rosales of AAR Tech, Jean Michael Lif of RDÉ, Riya Goel of Bank of America, and Steve Yanovsky of Brand Alchemy.
Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson emphasized the role of bodegas in building relationships and creating jobs, stating, 'Our bodegas are always open. They are the ones who are building relationships, community, and they are the ones creating jobs.' Carlos Collado of the National Supermarket Association and Bodega and Small Business Association noted, 'Technology is something we can all integrate into our businesses. We are in every corner and we are here to stay.' Ozzie Cortes of Cortes Global Equity Partners highlighted the community's commitment, saying, 'I’m amazed by the level of support from all the participants and bodega owners... this is the beginning for bodegas to involve more technology.'
Bodegas.TV is a smart-screen video network that delivers hyper-local media and AI-curated content directly to the point of purchase, targeting Latino and urban communities. The launch marks the beginning of a planned expansion to 500 bodegas by end of 2026 and 2,000 bodegas within three years. For more information, visit the Bodegas TV website or contact Maria Probert at (332) 222-6640.
