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Frequently Asked Questions

         
  1. What is a NYC Business Solutions Center?
  2. Do you offer any free classes or workshops for business owners?
  3. What grants or loans are available for starting my business?
  4. Are there any other funds for business owners trying to get ahead?
  5. How do I register my business?
  6. What licenses/permits do I need to start my business?
  7. Can NYC Business Solutions help me find qualified employees? 
  8. How do I obtain a sales tax ID (Certificate of Authority)?
  9. How can I contract with the City of New York?
  10. How do I know if my business qualifies for incentives?
  11. How do I obtain a street vendors' license?

1. What is a NYC Business Solutions Center?

NYC Business Solutions Centers bring the services of the Department of Small Business Services to 5 boroughs through 5 convenient locations. The staff at each NYC Business Solutions Center work to help New York City businesses open, operate and expand through providing the following services:

  • Recruitment 
  • Training Funds
  • M/WBE Certification
  • Financing
  • Business Establishment and Contract Review
  • Navigating Government
  • Incentives
  • Business Planning and Business Education

More information on starting your business

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2. Do you offer any free classes or workshops for business owners?

NYC Business Solutions provides a variety of business courses at all six NYC Business Solutions Centers. Courses are offered in three different languages across the Centers and cover topics such as business planning, computer applications, financing, and marketing.

More information on business courses

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3. What grants or loans are available for starting my business?

The City of New York does not provide start-up loans or grants. However, you can contact a NYC Business Solutions Center where our counselors can quickly assess the right lending opportunities for you, help you package a loan application and leverage existing relationships with lenders to increase the chances of you successfully receiving a loan.

More information on starting your business
More information on finding financing 

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4. Are there any other funds available for business owners trying to get ahead?

NYC Business Solutions Training Funds provide New York City employers with funding and support to develop the skills of their workers and promote career advancement for their employees.

More information on training funds

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5. Where can I get assistance with writing my business plan?

NYC Business Solutions offers free courses that will assist you with writing a business plan. To find a NYC Business Solutions Center near you, call 3-1-1 or click here for a list of centers. You can also click below for a step by step guide to writing your own business plan.

More information on developing your business plan

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6. How do I register my business?

You must first decide which business structure (corporation, sole proprietor, or partnership) is right for you. To register as a corporation, you must contact the NYS Department of State, Division of Corporations, State Records and Uniform Commercial Code at (518)473-2492. To register as a sole proprietor or partnership, you must obtain appropriate forms and file them with the County Clerk's office. These forms can be purchased at commercial stationery stores near you.

More information on structuring your business
More information on registering your business
 

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7.  If I want to start a business, what licenses/permits do I need?

The type of business you register as determines the licenses and permits you may need. Contact NYC Business Solutions for help obtaining the proper licenses and permits.

More information on permits and licenses

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8. Can NYC Business Solutions help me find qualified employees?

Our industry specialists can help you recruit and hire employees based upon your company’s immediate needs. Identify and pre-screen candidates in specified neighborhoods, boroughs, or across the City. Upgrade the skills of your workforce through grant supported programs. Partner with a far-reaching network of staffing sources including public and private agencies, schools, and community based organizations to execute the actual recruiting and training.

More information on hiring assistance

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9. How do I obtain a sales tax ID (Certificate of Authority)?

To obtain a Certificate of Authority, you must file form DTF-17 “Application for Registration as a Sales Tax Vendor” with the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance at 20 days but no more than 90 days before you begin operating your business.  If your application is approved, your Certificate of Authority will be mailed to you.  You cannot legally conduct business until you have received your valid Certificate of Authority.  To order forms and publications, call 1-800-462-8100.  For general business tax information, call 1-800-972-1233. 

More information on obtaining a sales tax ID

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10.  How can I contract with the City of New York?

NYC Business Solutions hosts a free procurement workshop on the first Tuesday of every month from 10AM to 12PM and 3PM to 5PM.  The workshop is held at the NYC Department of Small Business Services located on 110 William Street in Lower Manhattan.  Call 3-1-1 or register for this free workshop.

You can also contact the NYC Vendor Enrollment Center at (212) 857-1680 to get more information or obtain a Vendor Enrollment Application.

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11. How do I know if my business qualifies to receive incentives?

If you are relocating to New York City, purchasing and improving property, investing in equipment and/or hiring and training employees you may be able to access business incentives.

More information on Incentives

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12.  How do I obtain a street vendors license?

NYC Department of Consumer Affairs regulates and issues licenses for vending general merchandise.  NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene regulates and issues licenses and permits for food related street vending.  For your convenience, the two agencies have established a joint office at 42 Broadway, 5th floor, New York, NY 10004.  To contact either agency, call 3-1-1.   

More information on street vending
More information on permits and licenses >

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