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Resources for Businesses
By supporting businesses through equitable enforcement and access to resources and by helping to resolve complaints, DCWP protects the marketplace from predatory practices and strives to create a culture of compliance.
DCWP Inspection Checklists
To help you avoid violations and see what our inspectors look for during inspections, read our inspection checklists.
Forms, Signs, and Templates
To ensure our records are up to date with your information and you have the right tools to use for your business, download forms, signs, and templates.
Visiting Inspector Program
Understanding the laws that apply to your business is key to operating responsibly and avoiding fines. As a new business, it can be hard to know what you need to do to comply. DCWP’s Visiting Inspector Program (VIP) provides a free visit by a senior inspector who will advise you on what you need to know to comply with DCWP regulations and avoid violations.
Businesses that are newly licensed by DCWP will be contacted to set up a VIP appointment, but any new brick-and-mortar retail business in New York City, regardless of whether it is licensed by DCWP, can request a VIP appointment to receive an educational, violation-free visit. These visits are designed to help business owners learn about and comply with the laws that DCWP enforces.
Request a VIP appointment online.
Workplace Laws
Learn about your responsibilities on workplace laws enforced by DCWP.
Tips for Businesses
DCWP offers important tips for businesses, including identity theft prevention tips, information about the Air Conditioning Law, and more. Learn more about tips for businesses.
FAQs for Businesses
Read Frequently Asked Questions – Curable Violations.
Read Frequently Asked Questions – Exams (Home Improvement Contractor, Process Service Individual, and Sightseeing Guide licenses).
Read Frequently Asked Questions – New Rules for Debt Collectors
Read Frequently Asked Questions – Online Services.
Read Frequently Asked Questions – Settlements.
Read Frequently Asked Questions – Specialized Vending Licenses for Mobile Food Vendors.
Resources for Self-Employed Filers
If you work for yourself as a freelancer, gig worker, or small business owner, learn more about the free resources DCWP offers.
NYC Business Express Service Team (BEST)
In September 2022, NYC launched the NYC Business Express Service Team (BEST) initiative to provide small businesses with one-on-one expert support and cut time spent navigating City government. Services are available in multiple languages. Download the outreach flyer in: English | Español (Spanish) | العربية (Arabic) | বাংলা (Bengali) | 简体中文 (Chinese - Simplified) | 繁體中文 (Chinese - Traditional) | Français (French) | Kreyòl Ayisyen (Haitian Creole) | 日本語 (Japanese) | 한국어 (Korean) | नेपाली (Nepali) | Język Polski (Polish) | Русский (Russian) | བོད་ཡིག (Tibetan) | ردو (Urdu) | דיש (Yiddish)
Additional Resources
If you have a question about laws that DCWP enforces, you can speak with DCWP’s Business Compliance Counsel.
Learn about the Small Business Services' Subcontractors Resource Guide
Visit nyc.gov/business to learn more about common business regulations and to access resources to assist your business.