Funding & Grants
- NYC Small Business Services (SBS) — free business courses, financing connections, and the NYC Business Portal.
- SBA microloans — up to $50K through SBA-approved intermediaries; good for inventory and working capital.
- CDFIs — Community Development Financial Institutions lend to businesses banks pass on. Often the fastest path for newer shops.
- Industry grants — Check sector-specific city and state grants (restaurants, retail corridors, manufacturing) — they rotate, so check quarterly.
Permits & Licenses
- DCWP (Consumer & Worker Protection) — most retail/food licenses run through here. Start at the licensing center.
- Health permits — food businesses need DOHMH approval; budget 4-8 weeks.
- Sidewalk café / Dining Out NYC — the permanent outdoor dining program replaced the pandemic setup; apply via DOT.
- Step-by-step — the city's free startup wizard lists exactly which permits your business type needs.
Free Help
- Business Solution Centers — free one-on-one advising in every borough.
- SCORE NYC — free mentorship from retired executives.
- Commercial lease assistance — free legal help reviewing your lease before you sign.
- NYC Business Express — single dashboard to track all your applications.