NYC Business Solutions Centers bring the services of the Department of Small
Business Services to 5 boroughs through 5 convenient locations.
The staff at each NYC Business Solutions Center work to help New York City
businesses open, operate and expand through providing the following
services:
2. Do you offer any free classes or
workshops for business owners?
NYC Business Solutions provides a variety of business courses at all
six NYC Business Solutions Centers. Courses are offered in three
different languages across the Centers and cover topics such as business
planning, computer applications, financing, and marketing.
3. What grants or loans are available
for starting my business?
The City of New York does not provide start-up loans or grants. However, you
can contact a NYC Business Solutions Center where our counselors can quickly
assess the right lending opportunities for you, help you package a loan
application and leverage existing relationships with lenders to increase the
chances of you successfully receiving a loan.
4. Are there any other funds available for
business owners trying to get ahead?
NYC Business Solutions Training Funds provide New York City employers with
funding and support to develop the skills of their workers and promote career
advancement for their employees.
5. Where can I get assistance with writing my
business plan?
NYC Business Solutions offers free courses that will assist
you with writing a business plan. To find a NYC Business Solutions
Center near you, call 3-1-1 or click here for a list of centers. You can also click below for a
step by step guide to writing your own business plan.
You must first decide which business structure (corporation, sole
proprietor, or partnership) is right for you. To register as a corporation, you
must contact the NYS Department of State, Division of Corporations, State
Records and Uniform Commercial Code at (518)473-2492. To register as a sole
proprietor or partnership, you must obtain appropriate forms and file them with
the County Clerk's office. These forms can be purchased at commercial stationery
stores near you.
7. If I want to start a business, what
licenses/permits do I need?
The type of business you register as determines the licenses and permits you
may need. Contact NYC Business Solutions for help obtaining the proper licenses
and permits.
8. Can NYC Business Solutions help me find
qualified employees?
Our industry specialists can help you recruit and hire employees based upon
your company’s immediate needs. Identify and pre-screen candidates in specified
neighborhoods, boroughs, or across the City. Upgrade the skills of your
workforce through grant supported programs. Partner with a far-reaching network
of staffing sources including public and private agencies, schools, and
community based organizations to execute the actual recruiting and training.
9. How do I obtain a sales tax ID
(Certificate of Authority)?
To obtain a Certificate of Authority, you must file form DTF-17 “Application
for Registration as a Sales Tax Vendor” with the NYS Department of Taxation and
Finance at 20 days but no more than 90 days before you begin operating your
business. If your application is approved, your Certificate of Authority
will be mailed to you. You cannot legally conduct business until you have
received your valid Certificate of Authority. To order forms and
publications, call 1-800-462-8100. For general business tax information,
call 1-800-972-1233.
NYC Business Solutions hosts a free procurement workshop on the first Tuesday
of every month from 10AM to 12PM and 3PM to 5PM. The workshop is held at
the NYC Department of Small Business Services located on 110 William Street in
Lower Manhattan. Call 3-1-1 or register for this free workshop.
You can also contact the NYC Vendor Enrollment Center at (212) 857-1680 to
get more information or obtain a Vendor Enrollment Application.
11. How do I know if my business qualifies to
receive incentives?
If you are relocating to New York City, purchasing and improving
property, investing in equipment and/or hiring and training employees you may be
able to access business incentives.
NYC Department of Consumer Affairs regulates and issues licenses for vending
general merchandise. NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene regulates
and issues licenses and permits for food related street vending. For your
convenience, the two agencies have established a joint office at 42 Broadway,
5th floor, New York, NY 10004. To contact either agency, call
3-1-1.
Visit NYC Industrial Business Solutions if you operate an industrial or manufacturing business. Get the license, permit, tax, incentive information and applications you need to start your business with NYC Business Express