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 network, named bodegas.tv, aims to transform corner stores into hyper-local media hubs by deploying smart screens that deliver advertising and AI-curated content directly to shoppers. The event, co-hosted by the Bodega & Small Business Group (BSBG) and Cortes Global Equity Partners, convened over 100 bodega owners, startup founders, investors, and technologists to discuss the "Sovereign Bodega" framework—a strategy to modernize digital infrastructure without displacing the cultural identity that makes bodegas essential to their communities.
The summit's programming focused on four pillars of modernization: Media Tech & AI, FinTech, Security, and Infrastructure. Panels explored how bodegas can serve as decentralized broadcasting hubs, deploy integrated financial systems for micro-payments, implement AI-powered security systems, and synchronize inventory and content across locations. Panelists included Andre Ureña, co-founder of Centro AI; Milbert Kiggundu-Bentham, former Bank of America executive; Charlie Barnet, co-founder of World Mobile; and Steve Yanovsky, founder of Brand Alchemy, who led digital strategies for Apple and ESPN. The discussions underscored the potential for technology to enhance—rather than erase—the role of bodegas as community anchors.
Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson emphasized the importance of bodegas, 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 added, "Technology is something we can all integrate into our businesses. We are in every corner and we are here to stay." Ozzie Cortes, founder of Cortes Global Equity Partners, noted, "I’m amazed by the level of support from all the participants and bodega owners... People really love and care about bodegas, this is the beginning for bodegas to involve more technology."
Bodegas TV plans to expand to 500 bodegas by the end of 2026 and 2,000 within three years, targeting the $45 billion in annual spending at NYC's corner stores, particularly in Latino and urban communities. The network aims to provide a new revenue stream for small business owners while delivering targeted advertising to consumers at the point of purchase. For more information about the network, visit bodegas.tv. The summit was part of #NYTechWeek, which highlights innovations in technology and small business.
