Image of current districts under the FRESH program. One of the Mayor’s proposed zoning amendments will expand the FRESH program in outer boroughs. Image Credit: NYC DCP

The zoning proposals include allowing gyms and spas to open as-of-right. On March 9, 2021, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced several proposed zoning changes to support small businesses, create more groceries stores and improve accessibility across the city. The zoning proposals will enter the public review process later this year. (more…)

Image Credit: Small Business Services

A new training recourse is available to small businesses and their employees and offers free classes on digital platforms like Zoom, Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and more. On February 4, 2021, Major Bill De Blasio and NYC Department of Small Business Services Commissioner Jonnel Doris announced the launch of “Training for Your Employees.” The program provides business owners and their employees with no-cost training courses in digital literacy, marketing tools, online security, and COVID-19 safety. (more…)

Image Credit: Small Business Services

New federal relief funds are available for minority-owned, female-owned, and other small businesses. On January 13, 2021, Mayor Bill de Blasio and NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) Commissioner Jonnel Doris launched Fair Share NYC. The campaign aims to support small businesses and to keep thousands of New Yorkers employed by connecting small business owners to federal relief funds. (more…)

Governor Cuomo addressing the COVID-19 Crisis Image Credit:
Mike Groll/Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

Governor Cuomo further encouraging New Yorkers to telecommute and stay home. On March 18, 2020,  the Empire State Development Corporation issued guidance for Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Executive Order Number 202.6, which requires that to the maximum extent possible, all businesses and not-for profit entities throughout the state utilize work from home and telecommuting procedures. This executive order comes as an update to Executive Order 202, which, on March 7, 2020, declared a state of emergency over the COVID-19 outbreak.

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Mayor Bill de Blasio. Image Credit: NYC Mayor’s Office.

Small businesses will now receive free legal services for issues related to a business lease. On February 6, 2018, the de Blasio administration announced the launch of the new Commercial Lease Assistance Program, which will offer assistance to small business owners with lease negotiation, landlord issues, lease renewal, and eviction notices. Non-franchise businesses that meet an income requirements will be eligible for this program. (more…)