Shop Your City

Getting Your Books in Order, QuickBooks 101
2024-05-09 08:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Webinar
Business owners need to monitor their spending and expenses in order to maintain a healthy profit. QuickBooks can help you keep track of daily transactions, as well as develop financial reports such as income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements. This course will teach you how this software program can help you track your business financials effectively and efficiently.
You will learn about:

Setting up your chart of accounts
Recording purchases, bills and accounts payable
Recording your sales, receive payments and make deposits
Creating reports that help you understand business performance

NOTE: This course is designed to teach owners of existing businesses how to use the software application. To benefit from this course, you must have a basic knowledge of business financials and computer applications. You should also have a working knowledge of: categorizing revenues and expenses on an income statement, using a balance sheet, creating and using a cash flow statement, and accounting and bookkeeping methodology. If you do not, please take our Business Financial Management course first.

Building Your Own Business Website
2024-05-09 09:00 - 11:00 | Webinar
In the past, building a business website could be expensive and complicated. But today, there are website builders that are affordable and easy-to-use for almost any entrepreneur.
This course will teach you how to create a professional business website with the latest tools. You will leave this course with a real business website and the information to build and launch it on your own.
This course is the third module in the NYC Department of Small Business Services’ (SBS) six-module Digital Marketing series.
We encourage you to complete the prior two modules, “Developing a Marketing Strategy” and “Creating Content Your Customers Value,” before you take this course.

Get M/WBE Certified with NYC!
2024-05-13 13:00 - 14:30 | The Canvas 3.0, 185 Greenwich Street, New York, NY, 10007, United States
Join the NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) and Westfield at Canvas 3.0 to learn about the benefits of becoming a NYC-certified minority and/or woman-owned enterprise (M/WBE).
The SBS team will also share tools and resources to help you start and grow your business in NYC.
How to get there:
South Concourse, Lower Level (C2)
From the main Oculus floor, remain on the same level and follow the signs to the South Concourse. The venue (Canvas 3.0) is located on the corner halfway along the concourse, just beyond Sephora and opposite M.A.C Cosmetics.

Programming will include:
5:00 PM: Check-in
5:15 PM: Welcoming remarks
5:20 PM: M/WBE Overview by David Coreas, Executive Director, Outreach and M/WBE Recruitment
6:00 PM: SBS Financial Assistance by NYC Business Solutions Center
6:15 PM: Q&A
6:20 PM: Closing Remarks

Applying for Loans & Grants for NYC Small Businesses
2024-05-14 06:00 - 07:00 | NYC Business Solutions Queens Center at the NYC Small Business Support Center, 90-27 Sutphin Boulevard, 4th Floor, Jamaica, NY, 11435, United States
This class will provide guidance for businesses interested in applying for loans and grants.
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 businesses.

Choosing a Business Legal Structure
2024-05-14 13:30 - 15:30 | Webinar
The goal of this course is to help you understand the importance of your business structure, and to help you protect your assets.
During the course, you will:

Understand why choice of business entity matters, and how to pick the right one for your business
Know how to avoid making the most common mistakes business owners make with waivers, disclaimers and contracts
Understand how to insure against risks: the types of policies that will best serve your business in today’s social and political climate
Understand the fundamental importance of managing cash flow effectively, and the need to balance stakeholder interests in your business, including existing and potential debt and equity obligations

This course is the Legal Structure module in the NYC Department of Small Business Services’ (SBS) Introduction to Entrepreneurship series.

Thriving as a Small Business - Small Business Workshop
2024-05-23 14:00 - 16:30 | CHASE BANK, 55 West 125th Street, Harlem, 10027
The “Thriving as a Small Business: Strategies for Success” workshop will be held at the Chase Bank Harlem Community Center Branch.
In this engaging session, you’ll learn how to:

Master operations management for maximum efficiency
Implement effective cash flow management for financial stability
Network with fellow entrepreneurs and industry experts

Space is limited, so reserve your spot today! Scan the QR code on the attached flyer, use this link to register, or call 212-862-7200 to secure your place.
Don’t miss this opportunity to unlock the secrets to achieving your business goals. We look forward to seeing you on May 23rd!

Choosing the Right Legal Structure
2024-05-15 09:00 - 10:30 | Webinar
One of the most crucial decisions you’ll make when starting a business is selecting its structure.
Your choice of structure will depend on the size and type of business, your personal circumstances and how much you plan to grow the business.
Your selection may impact tax liabilities, potential personal liability, asset protection, your responsibilities as a business owner and more.
This workshop includes an in-depth discussion about the pros and cons of the available options in New York State, such as sole proprietorship, partnership, “c” or “s” corporation, and the limited liability company (LLC), so you can determine which one is best for you.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
2024-05-15 09:00 - 11:00 | 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 | 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.
