The Rockefeller Foundation announced a $100,000 grant Wednesday aimed at ensuring business concerns are part of the debate in the 2013 race to replace New York Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, writes The New York Times.

The funds will go the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce to explore ways to compel mayoral candidates to address business issues. The grant is believed to be the first direct attempt to influence a municipal election by the Rockefeller Foundation, which has worked with the Bloomberg administration on poverty, volunteerism, and other initiatives.

“With this transition, and this change in administration, it’s important to us that whoever is coming is in active dialogue with the small-business community,” said Edwin Torres, a Rockefeller associate director.