Small Business Services Directory

Use the search fields below to find hundreds of organizations in New York City that can provide you with help in starting or running your small business. Included in this searchable database are programs which offer business advice, loans, grants, location assistance, and a wide range of other services for small businesses throughout the city — often at no cost or for a low fee.

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If your business needs a Public Assembly permit (required if your place of business holds 75 or more people), Certificate of Occupancy, or if you are planning to engage in renovations, call or visit the DOB office in the borough where your business is located. Customer service can be reached at 718-802-3675. The Brooklyn DOB's TTY number is 718-802-4330.

New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection's Licensing Center formerly the Department of Consumer Affairs administers licensing and permits for the New York City Department of Health. DCWP's many online services include applying for and renewing licenses, paying fines, learning the laws and regulations, reviewing model contracts, guides and tips for businesses and consumers, FAQs and more. 

In-Person Licensing and Collections Services available by appointment only!

Food stores, restaurants, bakeries, food vendors, pet shops, bathing establishments, businesses with radiation equipment are among the many types of businesses that need licenses and / or permits from The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Applications and information are available at the Department of Consumer Affairs Licensing Center, 42 Broadway, 5th Floor, Manhattan.  Telephone: 212-487-4104 or 311.

The Bureau's Crime Prevention Division provides a number of services to assist in safeguarding property and oneself. For more information, visit Property Protection Services, and Security and Safety Services or visit the Crime Prevention Officer at your local police precinct. 

For contact information for the City's police precincts please visit: https://www.nyc.gov/site/nypd/bureaus/patrol/find-your-precinct.page

The New York State Department of Labor / Division of Employment and Workforce Solutions provides convenient "one-stop shopping" for employment-related needs for individuals and businesses in the five boroughs and in the Hudson Valley. They offer a variety of career and employment resources and services for individuals, veterans, and businesses.

Our Business Services staff across the state can help you compete in today's tough business environment. We offer many services and resources to help you with your workforce needs. These free services include Job & Career Information, Business Support, Workforce Protections, Labor Data, and Unemployment Benefits.

The primary mission of the New York State Department of Public Service is to ensure affordable, safe, secure, and reliable access to electric, gas, steam, telecommunications, and water services for New York State's residential and business consumers, while protecting the natural environment. The Department also seeks to stimulate effective competitive markets for clean, renewable, and distributed energy resources that benefit New York consumers, as well as product and service innovations. You can contact the Department by telephone, fax, US mail, or email.

Department Consumers hotline: 1-800-342-3377

The Division of Labor Standards protects all workers, including those that are undocumented or paid off the books, and ensures employers are following Labor laws. Their goal is to ensure that all New York workers are being paid the proper wages, do not have their right to a meal period or day of rest violated, and to uphold New York State Labor Laws.

The Division enforces the State Labor Laws for minimum wage, hours of work, employment of minors, payment of wages, farm labor, nursing mothers in the workplace, and more. They issue fines and penalties, as well as investigate complaints regarding Labor Law violations.

A wide range of technical assistance and advisory services are provided to New York State employers at no charge. 

You must obtain a NYS Sales Tax Certificate of Authority/Sales Tax ID Number if your business sells taxable goods or is engaged in resale. In most cases, this certificate must be posted in your place of business.

 

The New York State Restaurant Association [NYSRA] is a non-for-profit trade association working to promote, represent and educate the food service industy of New York State. NYSRA acts an an industry liaison with regulatory agencies that govern the commercial food service industry. NYSRA also acts as the "legislative watchdog" and is the official voice of the food service industry.

This mission positions NYSRA to promote the hospitality profession, while serving and representing its members and their customers through advocacy, innovation, and education.

 

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