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.

››› Reset Search Form

The Building Congress provides a unique forum to advance an industry-wide agenda focusing on economic and infrastructure investment, job creation, and professional exchange. These goals require the dedicated involvement and cooperation of the contractors, architects, engineers, unions, real estate managers, developers, and owners who comprise the building community.

On behalf of constituent organizations comprising skilled tradespeople and professionals, the Building Congress supports sound public policy, promotes productive capital spending, encourages public/private partnerships, and evaluates the implementation of major government projects.

To foster relationships and cooperation, the Building Congress sponsors consensus-building activities and encourages a free exchange of ideas among leaders of industry associations, businesses, and the public sector.

New York Business Express is designed to steamline the process of starting, running, and growing a business In New york State, Key features offered through the website include a Business Wizard that leads users through a series of questions to create a Custom Business Checklist that helps determine which New York State, Federal and local requirements apply to their business; an Incentive Guide to find out what New York State incentives and support programs they may be eligible for; and a Business Index to search and access the forums they need to start, run, and grow a business. Assistance is available at +1-518-485-5000 for business and professional licensing questions.

New York City Economic Development Corporation's (NYCEDC) NYC Capital Access Loan Guaranty Program (Cap Access) provides up to 40 percent guarantee on loans for qualified New York City micro and small businesses having trouble accessing loans. Loans created through this program can be used for working capital, tenant improvements, equipment purchases, and refinancing of exisiting loans. For this program, micro-businesses are business that have 20 employees or less. Small businesses are defined as having between 21 and 100 employees.

NYC Business Solutions has partnered with NYCEDC to provide FREE Capital Access advisory services to small businesses interested in applying for Capital Access loans. A full list of lenders, their contact information , and the amount of money they are eligible to lend is available at the NYC Capital Access homepage.

Please note: NYCEDC does not directly lend money to businesses. NYCEDC oversees the loan providers for this program. Interest raes are negotiated between the borrower and the lender.

This program provides abatements for property taxes for periods of up to 25 years. To be eligible, industrial and commercial buildings must be built, modernized, expanded, or otherwise physically improved. ICAP replaced the Industrial Commercial Exemption Program (ICIP) which ended in 2008. Previously approved ICIP benefits were not affected.

Applicants that successfully submitted their preliminary application within the required timeframe can use the combined Final ICIP/ICAP application found in https://www.nyc.gov/site/finance/benefits/benefits-industrial-and-commercial-abatement-program-icap.page

The Department of Buildings promotes the safety of all people that build, work, and live in New York City by regulating the lawful use of over one million buildings and construction sites across the five boroughs. With a focus on safety, service, and integrity, the Department enforces the City’s Construction Codes, Zoning Resolution, and the New York State Multiple Dwelling Law.

The Department enforces compliance with these regulations and promotes worker and public safety through its review and approval of building plans, permitting and licensing functions, and inspections. In addition to Code and Zoning compliance review, emergency response and professional analysis of accidents to prevent future incidents, the Department has strengthened its education and outreach programs to provide the construction industry, property owners and tenants with a heightened understanding of safety awareness.

 

 

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 where your business is located. The Bronx DOB's TTY number is 718-960-4710

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.

The NYC Department of Buildings ensures the safe and lawful use of over 950,000 buildings and properties by enforcing the City's Building Code, Electrical Code, Zoning Resolution, New York State Labor Law and New York State Multiple Dwelling Law. Our main activities include performing plan examinations, issuing construction permits, inspecting properties, and licensing trades. We also issue Certificates of Occupancy and Place of Assembly permits. Anyone who intends to demolish, alter, build an addition or erect a new structure must obtain a building permit from the Department to ensure that the resulting house, loft, apartment, office, garage, house of worship or any other residential, commercial or industrial structure complies with all applicable laws. Fees are based on the size of the structure for new buildings/enlargements or, for alteration or demolition work, the estimated cost of the project.

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 where your business is located. The Staten Island DOB's TTY number is 718-420-5400

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!

Pages

CSV