Shop Your City

Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
2024-05-15 09:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | Webinar
Did you know that 93% of people buying something online use a search engine? And when people use search engines, 92% of their clicks go to the first page that appears.
For business owners, this means that optimizing your website for search engines is essential.
This course will teach you the latest tools and practices in search engine optimization (SEO). By the end of this course, you will be able to:

Define the top 9 factors that search engines use to rank websites
Evaluate real websites (including your own) for their strengths and weaknesses
Raise your website’s ranking using keywords, tags, backlinks, and more

A computer is recommended, but not required, for this course.
This course is the fourth module in the NYC Department of Small Business Services’ (SBS) six-module Digital Marketing series. We encourage you to complete the prior module, “Building a Business Website,” before you take this course.

*IN PERSON* Social Media Marketing| LM 5/15
2024-05-15 10:00 - 12:00 | NYC Business Solutions Lower Manhattan Center, 14 Wall Street, 17th Floor, New York, NY, 10005, United States
Social media has become an essential tool of every modern business. The challenge for entrepreneurs, however, is knowing how to create the right content on the right platform for their target customers.
This course will teach you how to navigate the modern social media platforms as an entrepreneur. By the end of this course, you will be able to:

Determine the social media platforms that your target customers use
Operate these platforms as a business according to best practices
Create “repurposed content” that attracts social media users and links them to your website
Choose a social media management tool for your business

A computer is recommended, but not required, for this course.
This course is the sixth and final module in the NYC Department of Small Business Services’ (SBS) six-module Digital Marketing series. We encourage you to complete the five prior modules – “Developing a Marketing Strategy,” “Creating Content Your Customers Value,” “Building Your Own Business Website,” “Search Engine Optimization (SEO),” and “Email Marketing” – before you take this course.

Business Finances 1: Getting Started
2024-05-15 13:00 - 15:00 | Webinar
Financial management can be the most intimidating part of running a business. This course – intended for entrepreneurs unfamiliar with business financial management – introduces key terms and concepts in everyday language.
During this course, you will:

Develop an understanding of basic business financial terms, such as profit, cash flow, and gross margin
Work with basic financial statements, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements
Define the common business expenses at both the startup and operating stages
Calculate gross margins, breakeven points, and profit goals using a case study business

This course is the fourth module in the NYC Department of Small Business Services’ (SBS) five-course Introduction to Entrepreneurship series.
If you are a pre-startup, we recommend that you complete the first three modules in this series – “First Step to Starting a Business,” “Creating a Business Idea that Works,” and “Building Your Business Operations” – before taking this course.

New York Women's Chamber of Commerce - Networking Resource Fair
2024-05-15 13:00 - 16:00 | Harlem Hops, 2268 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard, New York, New York, 10030, United States
Join us for FREE at our Chamber On the Go Networking Resource event on May 15th! We have partnered with NYC Department of Small Business Services to network and provide free services to you and your business, with a side of refreshments to enjoy the day!

Queens Small Business Resources Expo
2024-05-16 07:00 - 11:00 | Astoria World Manor, 25-22 Astoria Boulevard, Astoria, New York, 11102, United States
Join the NYC Department of Small Business Services and the Queens Chamber of Commerce for a resource fair in celebration of NYC Small Business Month!
Featuring:

Access to Capital
Legal Assistance
Merchants Associations

Bronx Chamber of Commerce Resource Fair
2024-05-16 08:00 - 11:00 | Yankee Stadium, One East 161st Street, Gate 6, Bronx, NY, 10451, United States
Our Resource Fair is a can’t-miss opportunity for Bronx professionals and recent graduates to meet a diverse array of employers, refine career goals, and strengthen their candidacy.
The event will also provide a platform for businesses & organizations seeking new talent to augment their hiring efforts in the Bronx.
During the event, attendees will have access to:

Free Professional Headshots
One-on-One Resume Assistance
Employers Seeking New Hires
And Much More

Small businesses that participate in this event will also have access to City agencies on-site providing resources and assistance.
NOTE: Please enter at Gate 6 (East 161st Street and River Avenue), adjacent to right field.
This Bronx Chamber of Commerce event is made possible with support from Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts, and has been developed in partnership with the New York Yankees, NYC Department of Small Business Services, and the Bronx EDC.

Small Business Meet & Greet with the Office of Nightlife
2024-05-20 11:00 - 13:00 | Sofia’s Taqueria, 4370 Amboy Road, Staten Island, 10312
At this free meet & greet, you’ll have the opportunity to mingle with Jeffrey Garcia, Executive Director of the NYC Office of Nightlife at the NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS), and other representatives from SBS.

Nightlife Know-How: Get a comprehensive rundown of the NYC Office of Nightlife and how their services can boost your business.
Stay Ahead of the Curve: Learn about the latest rules and regulations affecting your industry, ensuring you’re always compliant.
Unlock Free Resources: Discover free city services designed to help your business thrive.

The program will be followed by a Q&A, during which you can have your issues addressed by industry experts on the spot.
Light refreshments will be served.

Growing Your Business as AAPI Entrepreneurs in NYC
2024-05-23 07:00 - 09:00 | Korean Cultural Center New York, 122 East 32nd Street, New York, 10016
Join the NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) and the Korean Cultural Center New York (KCCNY) to celebrate NYC Small Business Month and Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) month.
SBS Commissioner Kevin D. Kim will share personal insights about his journey as an AAPI entrepreneur and the SBS team will share tools and resources to help you start and grow your business in NYC.

Asian American Heritage Month Celebration & Night Market
2024-05-23 12:00 - 17:00 | Industry City, 35th and 36th streets, Brooklyn, NY, NY, 11232, United States
The first ever Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce Asian Heritage Month Celebration and Night Market – Spring Festival will include artisan crafts, games, cultural performances, live music, and more than 60 food and drink vendors.
This timely landmark celebration of Asian culture will welcome 2,000-3,000 guests to Industry City in Sunset Park, Brooklyn!

NYC Small Business Month Expo
2024-05-29 05:00 - 11:00 | Pier 36, 299 South Street, New York, New York, 10002, United States
The NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) is hosting the first-ever NYC Small Business Month Expo to provide a variety of free information, resources, and direct services that address the needs of small business owners of all stages, industries, and boroughs.

Access 100+ free city programs, agencies, and partner resources – all under one roof:

Faster city permits and licenses

Financing and legal assistance

Hire workers

Contract with NYC through the M/WBE Borough Forum

Free consultations, workshops, and networking

… and much more!

Prepare Your Small Business for Capital
2024-05-30 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
Looking to level up and better understand your financial statements?
Join RBxA for their upcoming event, Prepare Your Small Business for Capital.
This session will equip you to better understand your business bank statements and more — improving your chances to access capital.

Manhattan Business Conference: Empowering Grassroots Entrepreneurs
2025-05-03 05:00 - 12:00 | The Forum at Columbia University, 601 West 125th Street, New York, New York, 10027, United States
Learn how to grow, adapt, and thrive – now and in the future!

Topics include:

funding opportunities

credit repair

legal and licensing requirements

business disaster relief

building powerful community partnerships

Light breakfast and lunch will be served.

Queens Small Business Resource Expo
2025-05-08 07:00 - 11:00 | Astoria World Manor, 25-22 Astoria Boulevard, Astoria, New York, 11102, United States
In honor of this year’s NYC Small Business Month, the Queens Chamber of Commerce and the NYC Department of Small Business Services are proud to host the Queens Small Business Resource Expo at the Astoria World Manor. More than two dozen agencies from the city will be exhibiting at this event, ready to answer questions and provide complimentary information about programs and services available to small businesses and to learn about Chamber on the Go.

Topics that will be covered at this event include:

Business resources

Access to capital information.

Merchants’ organizations in Queens.

Wellness in the workplace

Legal assistance

Brooklyn Small Business Resource Fair
2025-05-14 07:00 - 11:00 | Restoration Plaza, 1368 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, New York, 11216, United States
Join us for a special NYC Small Business Month event. Refreshments will be served.

Featuring:

Workshops

Resources

DJ & Musical Performance

… and more!

NYC Small Business Month: Afternoon Tea with SBS Commissioner Dynishal Gross
2025-05-19 09:30 - 11:00 | Island Chateau, 900 W. Fingerboard Road, Staten Island, New York, 10305, United States
As a small business, you probably have lots of questions. Here is your chance to be heard!

In honor of NYC Small Business Month, the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce is hosting NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) Commissioner Dynishal Gross for an afternoon Q&A.

Commissioner Gross will meet with small businesses, detail the free resources available at SBS, provide updates on upcoming events, and more.

Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to network with other small businesses.

Grow and Secure Your Business with Google
2025-05-20 06:00 - 09:30 | NYC Department of Small Business Services, 1 Liberty Plaza, 11th Floor, New York, NY, 10006, United States
Join the NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) and Google for an in-person session on essential digital tools to grow your business, improve operational efficiency, and protect your business against cybersecurity threats.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to sign up for free, onsite consultations with SBS’s NYC Business Solutions Center (BSC) advisors.

Note: Light refreshments will be available.

State of NYC Nightlife Town Hall 2025
2025-05-28 12:00 - 15:00 | Center415, 415 5th Avenue, New York, New York, 10016, United States
In celebration of NYC Small Business Month, the NYC Office of Nightlife invites the entire nightlife industry and community — including bar, club, and restaurant owners, performers, DJs, workers, patrons, and residents — to come together to learn about our ongoing work, city programs, and resources.

You will also have the opportunity to connect with representatives from various city agencies and, most importantly, share your comments, concerns, and recommendations to help shape the future of NYC nightlife.

We want to hear from you — your voice matters.

NYC Small Business Month Expo 2025
2025-05-29 05:00 - 12:00 | Center415, 415 5th Avenue, New York, New York, 10016, United States
The NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) is hosting the NYC Small Business Month Expo to provide a variety of free information, resources, and direct services* that address the needs of small business owners of all stages, industries, and boroughs.

Access 100+ free city programs, agencies, and partner resources – all under one roof:

Faster city permits and licenses

Financing and legal assistance

Hire workers

Government contracting

Free resource fair, consultations, workshops, and networking

… and much more!

*NEW THIS YEAR! Make an appointment for an on-site consultation (i.e. financing, legal, M/WBE certification, winning government contracts, and more). Make sure to check your Expo confirmation email for details and a link to register for a timeslot.

Small Business Resources: Start, Operate & Grow in NYC Webinar
2026-05-01 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-05-08 08:00 - 11:00 | Webinar
Discover free resources, training, and support available to entrepreneurs across New York City.
Join the NYC Department of Small Business Services to discover free resources designed to help entrepreneurs start, operate, and grow their businesses in New York City. Learn how to access support, training, and programs that can help you succeed at every stage of your business journey, including:

Finding educational resources for your business
Securing the financing that you need
Get free legal advice
Get help with licenses and permits
Sell to government and corporations
Prepare for emergencies
Build and train your team

M/WBE Certification Webinar
2026-05-04 17:00 - 18:30 | Webinar
The NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) will be hosting a webinar on the City’s M/WBE Certification Program in collaboration with NY Beauty Suites.
Join us to learn about the following:

Certification program overview
Registering in the Payee Information Portal (PIP)
Registering for product service (NIGP) codes
Starting a M/WBE certification application
Other business support services through SBS

Selling to Government - Procurement Basics
2026-05-05 10:00 - 12:00 | Webinar
Every day, the government buys billions of dollars’ worth of goods and services from businesses.
To help businesses interested in selling to the government, the NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) APEX Accelerator offers this four-part Selling to Government Series.

Determine if public contracting is right for your business
Register your business with different government entities
Identify the right Commodity Codes for your business
Recognize the various procurement methods and process
Register to learn how to pursue contracts for your business at the City, State, and Federal government levels.

Grow and Secure Your Business with Google x NYC SBS
2026-05-05 10:00 - 14:30 | 111 8th Ave, 111 8th Ave, New York, 10011
Join the NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) and Google for an in-person session on essential digital tools (including AI) to grow your business, improve operational efficiency, and protect your business against cybersecurity threats.
Note: Registration is required to attend. There are limited spots and venue details will only be shared with confirmed attendees. Please make sure to RSVP by 5/1/26 to receive the location and access information.

Fund Your NYC Small Business
2026-05-05 12:00 - 13:00 | Webinar
This online workshop will guide businesses interested in applying for loans and grants.
In addition to providing an overview of available financing options, we will share tips before taking on debt, an overview of documents commonly required to apply for a loan, and a summary of other loans and grants currently available for NYC businesses.

Unlock the Power of AI for Your Business
2026-05-05 13:00 - 14:00 | Webinar
Free session designed specifically for small business owners who are curious about AI but don’t know where to start.
Imagine snapping a photo of your inventory to catalog it instantly. Writing a week’s worth of social media posts in seconds. Turning data into actionable insights without hiring an analyst. AI isn’t just a trend — it’s a practical tool that can save time and support your growth.
The NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) and The Acceleration Project (TAP) are hosting a free session designed specifically for small business owners who are curious about AI but don’t know where to start.

Bronx Chamber of Commerce: Small Business Month Resource Fair
2026-05-06 11:00 - 14:00 | Bronx Borough Hall Rotunda, 851 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY, 10451, United States
Celebrate Small Business Month with us at a special Chamber-On-the-Go event, in partnership with the NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS).
This borough-wide resource fair is your opportunity to connect, learn, and tap into the tools, resources, and support you need to start, grow, and scale your business.

Unlock Free Advertising Secrets: Boost Your Business Today
2026-05-06 12:00 - 13:00 | Webinar
Get useful tools to advertise your small business!
Learn more about LinkLocal, a program that provides free advertisements for small businesses, community groups, and local events.
LinkLocal provides pre-designed advertising templates that can be featured on up to 8 selected LinkNYC kiosks.

Fund Your NYC Small Business
2026-05-07 13:00 - 14:00 | Webinar
Join this webinar for information on funding programs and get tips to help you apply for financing opportunities.
In addition to providing an overview of available financing options, we will share tips to consider before taking on debt, an overview of documents commonly required to apply for a loan, and a summary of other loans and grants that are currently available for NYC small businesses.

Want to Become M/WBE Certified? Join Our Clinic!
2026-05-07 18:00 - 19:30 | Webinar
The City spends up to $20 billion per year on goods and services. Getting certified will help you compete for these opportunities and access exclusive programs to help your small business grow.
Join our clinic and learn about:

Certification program overview
Registering in the Payee Information Portal (PIP)
Registering for product service (NIGP) codes
Starting a M/WBE certification application

Participants will also have the opportunity to work with someone one-on-one after the informational presentation to begin the application process or address specific questions.
This is brought to you by our partners at NYC Department of Small Business Services.

M/WBE Recertification Webinar
2026-05-08 11:00 - 12:30 | Webinar
The NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) is hosting a recertification workshop.
Being certified with the City of New York is an investment in the future of your business and gives you competitive advantages when it comes to helping your business grow.
Join us to learn about:

Recertification process
Recertification options
Accessing the system
Connecting to your records
Applying
Annual Affirmation
