Business Assistance Resources

There are a number of organizations that provide financial planning advice and low-cost financing to small businesses. There are also groups that provide one-on-one counseling and seminars on such topics as preparation of business plans, starting or growing a business, marketing and procurement. For the most part, this assistance is free of charge.

The following is a list of the key organizations working with small businesses and the services they offer.

New York City Business Express

www.www.nyc.gov/BusinessExpress
New York City Business Express is the one-stop, online tool for the license, permit, tax, incentive information and applications you need, for any business in New York City. The New York City Business Express Incentives Estimator provides a customized list of City, State, and Federal incentives for which your business may qualify.

Training Funds

www.nyc.gov/training
The New York City Department of Small Business Services offers training funds that provide up to $400,000 to allow New York City employers to invest in training their workforce. Awards can cover up to 70% of the total cost of training, and can be at a job site or off-site.

Small Firm Assistance Program

www.renewnyc.com/ProjectsAndPrograms/small_firms.asp
The Lower Manhattan Development Corporation (LMDC) is offering grants to existing retailers in Lower Manhattan who have been impacted by street or sidewalk closures due to publicly-funded construction projects.

Lower Manhattan Business Solutions Center

www.nyc.gov/smallbiz
An office of the New York City Department of Small Business Services and operated by Seedco, the Business Solutions Center offers various services, seminars, events, and one-on-one consulting to small businesses.

Seedco Financial

www.seedcofinancial.org
Seedco Financial, a subsidiary of Seedco, offers affordable financing and technical assistance services to businesses.

Manhattan Chamber of Commerce

www.manhattancc.org
The Manhattan Chamber of Commerce (MCC) is a membership-based nonprofit founded in 1920 that offers marketing services, networking, seminars and other services for businesses. The MCC offers a discount on membership for businesses located in the Downtown Alliance Business Improvement District.

New York City Economic Development Corporation

www.nycedc.com
The New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC) is responsible for promoting economic growth throughout the city.  The EDC can be a resource for information on real estate development, incentives and other city business assistance information.

United States Small Business Association

www.sba.gov
An independent agency of the federal government created to serve the needs of small businesses.

New York City Health Insurance Link

www.nyc.gov/hilink
New York City Health Insurance Link is a web site designed to help individuals and small businesses in New York City find affordable health insurance options that meet their specific needs and budgets. The site shows a wide range of plans and enables users to compare the benefits and costs of available plans offered by every New York City insurance carrier and does so on an impartial basis.

New York State Small Business Development Center

www.nyssbdc.org
With 24 centers throughout the state, the New York State Small Business Development Center provides management and technical assistance as well as access to a vast network of resources to start up an existing New York state business.

Service Corps of Retired Executives

www.scorenyc.org
The New York Service Corps of Retired Executives is a national nonprofit offering free counseling and training services to business owners through a network of volunteers.

Workshop in Business Opportunities

www.wibo.org
Workshop in Business Opportunities offers a flagship, 16-week free workshop, "How to Build a Growing Profitable Business."

Women's Venture Fund

www.wvf-ny.org
The Women's Venture Fund provides business services and training geared towards women entrepreneurs.

New York City Investment Fund

www.nycif.org
A private fund, founded in 1996, that offers financial support for non-profit and for-profit entrepreneurs in New York City. 

Nonprofit Finance Fund

www.nonprofitfinancefund.org
The Nonprofit Finance Fund, founded in 1980, serves the needs of nonprofits nationwide by providing financial services, loans and advisory services.