On April 2, 2024, the Department of Small Business Services announced a new grant program to support small businesses in dealing with natural disasters. The Business Preparedness and Resiliency Program will offer free risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities and issue grants of up to $5,000 for small business owners and commercial property owners to use for infrastructure protection or upgrades, like generators or flood barriers.
Search Results for: Small Businesses
Small Business Services Launches “Live NYC Map” Tool to Show Small Businesses and Public-Facing Locations Citywide
On November 22, 2023, the Department of Small Business Services announced the launch of Live NYC Map, an interactive database that includes a searchable map of the city’s small businesses and public-facing locations. The map launches ahead of Small Business Saturday, the part of the Thanksgiving holiday weekend where consumers are encouraged to explore and support local businesses for their holiday shopping.
Council Passes Bill to Provide Small Businesses with More Financial Information
On September 14, 2023, the City Council passed Int. No. 969-A, which requires the Department of Small Business Services to provide information on local community development financial institutions on the city’s one-stop shop business services portal. According to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, community development financial institutions are financial lenders that help, “promote access to capital and local economic growth in…low-income communities… through monetary awards and the allocation of tax credits.”
Small Business Advisory Commission Releases Report with Recommendations to Support Small Businesses
On June 30, 2023, the Department of Small Business Services (SBS) released the inaugural report of its New York City Small Business Advisory Commission (“SBAC”), highlighting eight recommendations to assist small businesses in New York City.
DDC Announces Mentoring Program for Qualified M/WBE Construction Firms and Small Businesses
The program provides training, networking, and bidding opportunities. On November 10, 2021, the Department of Design and Construction (DDC) announced the launch of a DDC Mentoring Program designed to support and increase business opportunities for Minority- and Women- Owned Business Enterprises (M/WBEs). As the principal construction management agency for New York City, the DDC is responsible for many City contracting opportunities and projects with M/WBE firms. The program was modelled after successful mentoring programs at … <Read More>
City Council Changes Penalties for Certain Civil Violations to Help Small Businesses
The bill reduces or eliminates some fines. On June 17, 2021, the City Council voted to pass a bill that reduces fines and allows opportunities to remedy certain violations for 185 civil penalties. Int. No. 2233-A, sponsored by Council Member Vanessa Gibson, provides civil penalty relief from 185 different sanitation, health, transportation, consumer affairs, noise control and buildings violations.