The Covid-19 pandemic and resulting economic fallout has created unprecedented challenges for New York City’s small business. Many such as hospitality and small properties face existential threats. As such, the Five Borough Chambers of Commerce, as well as support from the Partnership for New York City, NYC Small Business Services (SBS), and the NYC Economic Development Corporation (EDC) formed the NYC Small Business Resource Network. This network represents over 230,000 small businesses throughout New York City.
The NYC Small Business Resource Network will be able to assist in technology, real estate, legal and accounting services, procurement opportunities, marketing, loans, and grants, and more. Here is how it works:
- Sign up by submitting your business profile
- You will then be assigned a small business support specialist through your local Chamber of Commerce
- The specialist will work with you to assess your business needs
- You will receive personalized guidance and access resources for your business
For more information or to contact your local Chamber of Commerce directly:
- Bronx: Helpdesk@bronxchamber.org
- Brooklyn: BCC-covid@brooklynchamber.com
- Manhattan: Helpdesk@manhattancc.org
- Queens: Recovery@queenschamber.org
- Staten Island: Businesshelp@sichamber.com
In addition to this, there are still local loan and grant programs available to some small businesses. For example, the LISC NYC Small Business Relief & Recovery Fund is designed to support small businesses in underserved communities impacted by Covid-19. For small businesses with 20 or fewer full-time equivalent employees, nonprofits, and small landlords, the state created the New York Forward Loan Fund. For certain restaurants looking for help preparing for outdoor dining during the winter, DoorDash is providing grants of up to $5,000.
The five local chambers of commerce as well as SBS and EDC have done herculean work during the pandemic. It should come as no surprise that they created this new resource center to help ensure that the backbone of New York’s various communities and neighborhoods survive.
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