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Quinn discussed a four-point program to create more jobs, cultivate innovation, bolster small businesses, modify the taxing structure and increase the number of qualified employees.

"We can’t afford to wait for more sunny days to continue strengthening the foundations of our economy," said Quinn, alluding to the famous John F. Kennedy quote, “The time to fix the roof is when the sun is shining."

"There’s work we can do right now so that when the storm passes and the economy recovers, New York will be at the forefront of that recovery," Quinn continued.

The speaker says that New York is falling behind other cities when it comes to technology startups because the companies do not have enough support. As a result, Quinn announced NYC High-Tech Connect, which will help connect inventors with investors, workspaces and other resources.

The city will also look to expand its renewable energy industry, bringing new clean energy businesses -- and jobs -- to the five boroughs.

In addition to bringing new businesses to New York, the city is working harder to protect the small businesses already here. Among the changes being proposed are modifications to the inspections process.

Moreover, Quinn says the city will convene a summit to find new ways to get credit flowing to these businesses.

Another way Quinn says the city will help support existing businesses is through creating a tax environment to bolster growth. It will do this by instituting a tax credit to eliminate double taxation for small mom and pop retailers.

According to Quinn, about 19,000 small retailers will be eligible, and the credit will save them up to $3,400 a year.

Quinn is also looking to create jobs by redeveloping structures that are no longer in use. She wants to take the old Fulton Fish Market in Lower Manhattan and convert it into a culinary destination.

Quinn said she would like to see it modeled after Pike Place in Seattle -- a market where people can shop for and eat regionally-produced food.

The mayor's office said it would explore the idea. Many in the audience said Quinn hit the right notes.

"I think she also had a vision for the long-term for the future, in terms of what we can see accomplishing together to grow our economy," said Kathryn Wylde of the Partnership for New York City.

Quinn's long-time critic, Brooklyn Councilman Charles Barron dismissed the ideas as empty.

"There's no money connected to any of this stuff. The devil is always in the details," said Barron.

Lastly, the speaker says she wants more New Yorkers who have not graduated from high school to get their general equivalency diploma.

Quinn said the GED testing system is broken. According to Quinn, only 48 percent of city test takers pass the exam, with New York having the lowest GED pass rate in the nation.

"The GED isn’t a magic bullet. To compete for the jobs of the future, many New Yorkers will need to continue on for career and technical training or a college degree," Quinn said. "But for one in four working age New Yorkers, that missing diploma is the first and most intimidating hurdle to finding a good job."

She is proposing fixing the system by connecting those who visit city employment centers with GED testing and preparation courses. She also wants to make sure that those who sign up to take the GED exam are better prepared for it.

According to Quinn, currently 1.6 million New Yorkers do not have high school diplomas.