Supporting Our Storefronts
Services We Offer:
- Preliminary search of available storefront spaces.
- Neighborhood-based research including other retailers, hotels and nearby amenities.
- Grant programs to support small business.
- Promotional opportunities across Alliance communications and advertising campaigns.
- Support on navigating government regulations and additional public resources.
Heather Ducharme
Director of Storefront Engagement
(212) 835-2784
hducharme@downtownny.com
Meet the Faces Of Small Business Downtown
While a lot of businesses were forced to shutter during the pandemic, many stayed open to serve the community. The following are interviews we conducted with several local businesses who remained open through 2020.
Special Covid-Specific Grant Programs For Storefront Businesses
The Alliance launched a number of initiatives to support businesses that were being adversely impacted by the spread of Covid-19. The primary efforts were the Small Business Rental Assistance Grant and the Small Business Technical Assistance Program, which together awarded over $700,000 to local shop owners. Additionally, while advocating to cap fees on third-party food delivery providers, the Alliance also partnered with BentoBox to bring commission-free ordering to dozens of local restaurants. Read more about these programs.
Digital Innovation Grant Program
The Alliance for Downtown New York launched a digital innovation grant program in 2018 to award Lower Manhattan storefront businesses with $10,000 of services to improve their online presence or the digital tools within their stores. This program is currently on hold while we assist businesses facing pandemic-related challenges but is slated to return February 2022. In the meantime, learn more about our first recipients.
Need Info On Available Storefront Locations?
Fill out the form below and our team will be in touch with potential locations that could be a good fit.
Additional Resources
The Alliance can't solve every problem, but we can at least point you in the right direction. Here are various organizations offering small businesses support at city, state and federal levels.
The Department of Small Business Services unlocks innovative potential and creates economic security. It connects New Yorkers to good jobs, strengthens businesses and builds thriving neighborhoods across the five boroughs. The Business Solutions Center offers free advisory services to both startups and currently operating small businesses.
Pace SBDC provides in-depth and confidential one-on-one business advice, training and research for small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs to grow their businesses.
The Manhattan Chamber of Commerce is a membership-based nonprofit that offers marketing services, networking opportunities and seminars for businesses.
New York Business Express is an online tool for the license-, permit- and tax-related applications for any businesses in New York City. Its Incentives Estimator has a customized list of city, state and federal incentives for which your business may qualify.
The New York Service Corps of Retired Executives is a national nonprofit that offers free counseling and training services to business owners through a network of volunteers.
NYC Health Insurance Link helps individuals and small businesses find affordable health insurance that meets their specific needs and budgets. The site shows a range of options and enables users to compare benefits and costs of available plans offered by every New York City insurance carrier.
TruFund Financial Services offers affordable financing and technical assistance services.
The New York City Economic Development Corporation promotes economic growth throughout the city and provides resourceful information on real estate development and incentives.
A private fund that offers financial support for nonprofit and for-profit entrepreneurs.
The Women's Venture Fund provides business services and training geared towards women entrepreneurs.
The SB/SE Tax Center is the go-to page for everything small business.
An independent agency of the federal government created to serve the needs of small businesses.