Small Business Services Awards $3.8 Million in Nonprofit Grants

Funding from the Avenue NYC and Neighborhood 360 grant programs will be awarded to 24 nonprofits working towards pandemic recovery in low to moderate income neighborhoods. On July 13, 2022, the NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) announced it will award $3.8 million in multi-year grants through the Avenue NYC and Neighborhood 360 programs. This investment will be divided among 24 community-based development organizations working in low-to-moderate income neighborhoods.


Mayor Announces Proposed Zoning Changes to Affordable Housing, Small Business Restrictions and Sustainability

The zoning text amendments are in development and will be drafted with input from stakeholders before undergoing public review later this year. On June 1, 2022, Mayor Eric Adams announced a plan for a series of new zoning text amendments and programs aimed at removing obstacles for the recovery of small businesses, increased affordable housing, and the expansion of green technology to promote sustainability. The three zoning text amendments – the Zoning for Economic Opportunity, … <Read More>


Mayor Signs Executive Order for Small Business Violations Reform

The executive order requires agencies to evaluate their most common summonses issued. On January 4, 2022, Mayor Eric Adams signed the “Small Business Forward” Executive Order to help small businesses face fewer fines and penalties as they continue to recover from the impacts of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The executive order requests that agencies like the Department of Buildings, Fire Department, Department of Consumer Worker and Protection, Department of Sanitation, Department of Environmental Protection and <Read More>


DDC Announces Mentoring Program for Qualified M/WBE Construction Firms and Small Businesses

The program provides training, networking, and bidding opportunities. On November 10, 2021, the Department of Design and Construction (DDC) announced the launch of a DDC Mentoring Program designed to support and increase business opportunities for Minority- and Women- Owned Business Enterprises (M/WBEs). As the principal construction management agency for New York City, the DDC is responsible for many City contracting opportunities and projects with M/WBE firms. The program was modelled after successful mentoring programs at <Read More>


City Council Changes Penalties for Certain Civil Violations to Help Small Businesses

The bill reduces or eliminates some fines. On June 17, 2021, the City Council voted to pass a bill that reduces fines and allows opportunities to remedy certain violations for 185 civil penalties. Int. No. 2233-A, sponsored by Council Member Vanessa Gibson, provides civil penalty relief from 185 different sanitation, health, transportation, consumer affairs, noise control and buildings violations.