The NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) helps your business open its doors faster and stay open. SBS offers in-person support through one-on-one conversations with Small Business Advocates. Connect with a Small Business Advocate.
MyCity Business Site: An easily accessible, all-in-one resource for applications, permits, licenses, and related information needed to open and operate a business in New York City. Features an AI virtual assistant, step-by-step guides, emergency preparedness resources, and connections to financial assistance.
Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) has announced the expansion of the Visiting Inspector Program (VIP). The VIP offers any new business the opportunity to receive an educational, violation-free visit from an inspector to help them learn about and comply with the laws that DCWP enforces. This opportunity is only for new, brick and mortar businesses. Previously, only brick-and-mortar businesses that were newly licensed by DCWP were eligible to receive a VIP visit, but now, any new brick-and-mortar businesses in NYC, regardless of whether they are licensed by DCWP can request a VIP visit. New businesses in NYC can schedule a VIP visit by visiting nyc.gov/BusinessToolbox or by contacting 311.
Financial Assistance
BX-Factor Grant: The BX-Factor is a grant specifically designed to support promising local businesses funding for growth and sustainability. It’s a competition that will showcase the entrepreneurial spirit of the Bronx. The top five applicants will be invited to participate in a pitch competition during Bronx Week for a chance to win a $10,000 cash prize. Applications open February 1st. The deadline to apply for this grant is March 15th. Finalists will be notified by April 15th.
NYC Funds Finder: The Department of Small Business Services has partnered with Next Street to make affordable financing more accessible to all NYC entrepreneurs. It is the City’s first online funding marketplace for small businesses. The Funds Finder offers complimentary financial counseling, assistance with preparing documents, and custom lists of funding opportunities.
Find grants and loans you might be eligible for, access 1-on-1 support, webinars & more. Learn more here.
Childcare Business Tax Credit Incentives: 1. Property tax abatement for property owners who retrofit space to accommodate childcare centers. Property owners who create a childcare center or increase the number of seats at an existing childcare center may be eligible for a property tax abatement covering up to $225,000 of construction costs. 2. Income tax credit for businesses that provide free or subsidized infant/toddler care for their employees.
If You Are A Small Business Owner And You Do Not Have A Lawyer Or A Paid, Professional, Registered Representative: OATH will provide you with the opportunity to speak with an OATH Procedural Justice Coordinator who can provide you with legal information and resources to help you prepare for your case. These individuals can provide you with information about the hearing process, the options available to you, and answer questions that you may have.
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Know Your Rights: Employers with at least 15 employees are required to post the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s mandatory “Know Your Rights” poster, which updates and replaces the previous “EEO is the Law” poster. The new poster must be placed in a conspicuous location in the workplace.
The Office of Nightlife introduces Nite School, a series of monthly classes to educate industry owners, workers and patrons about City agency resources, best practices as well as safety and harm reduction programs. Learn more here.
Verizon Small Business Digital Ready is a free learning program developed to help small businesses grow and build their skills to succeed in the digital economy. Access courses, events, coaching sessions, and grant opportunities.
Legal Assistance
The Commercial Lease Assistance Program through the Department of Small Business Services offers free legal services to eligible small businesses, assisting with signing new commercial leases, amending or renewing existing leases, and addressing lease-related issues. Interested businesses can apply through the online portal or call 888-SBS-4NYC (888-727-4692).
Brooklyn Legal Services Corporation A provides free legal services to small businesses across NYC regarding assistance with commercial leases. It offers a free virtual clinic for small business owners seeking legal assistance. This resource offers business owners the opportunity to meet with one of their attorneys in a 30-minute session to discuss needs related to their commercial lease—including lease renewal, termination, negotiating a sublet, landlord harassment, and more. The clinic runs Tuesdays from 4PM to 6PM on Zoom. Check out the flyer here and sign up here. For more information, contact the intake team at 718-487-1340 or CLAhelp@bka.org
Business & Employee Training
This provides federally funded grants to help NYC-based businesses train and retain their employees. This competitive, reimbursable training grant is available for businesses that are for-profit, operating for at least one year, and able to pay for training upfront. Learn how it works and determine if your business is eligible.
SBS’s Training for Your Employees program provides no-cost, online training to help business owners and employees with essential technology tools and COVID-19 safety. Learn more about how it works and what to expect.
Veteran Owned Businesses & Entrepreneurs
Veteran Business Owners can fill out this online form to be included on an interactive map of NYC Veteran Businesses by NYC Department of Veterans’ Services.
Through the Veteran Business Leadership Association (VBLA) NYC Department of Veteran’s Services offers free one-on-one business counseling, access to capital, and help with government contracting.
Emergency Response Assistance
The SBS Emergency Response Unit can help local businesses impacted by emergencies through providing the latest emergency information, helping business owners regain access to their location and recover items, coordinate with the NYC Police Department and other responders, connect businesses to attorneys and business organizations, and help accelerate the restoration of business operations. For assistance, businesses should contact our Emergency Response Unit through the SBS Hotline at 888-SBS-4NYC (888-727-4692) or via email at eru@sbs.nyc.gov.
The Sanitation Foundation, the official nonprofit of the NYC Department of Sanitation, runs the biannual Food Waste Fair. The Food Waste Toolkit is a digital directory that walks business owners through various strategies for reducing food waste.
Internet Access
Internet Advisor offers a comprehensive listing of internet providers searchable by coverage area, price, and rating.
NYC’s MOPD, SBS and BID Association provide this online resource for new and existing businesses to be ADA compliant and businesses navigating ADA violation lawsuits.
