NYC M/WBE Contracts: How to Win City Work After You Certify
NYC certified you as an M/WBE — now turn it into paid contracts. How PASSPort, the $1.5M Noncompetitive Small Purchase Method, and SBS programs put city work in your hands.
NYC Worker Rights: Paid Sick Leave, Minimum Wage, and Protections Every Employer and Employee Must Know
NYC requires paid sick leave for businesses with 5+ employees, a $16.50 minimum wage, Fair Workweek scheduling rules, and strong wage theft enforcement. What employers must provide and workers can demand.
NYC Sidewalk Café and Outdoor Dining Permits: How to Apply
NYC restaurants can expand outdoors through sidewalk café licenses (DCWP) or the Open Restaurant roadway program (DOT). Learn the application process, timelines, insurance requirements, and alcohol rules.
Commercial Lease Rights in NYC: What Small Business Tenants Need to Know
Commercial tenants have few automatic protections in NYC — everything depends on what you negotiate. Learn personal guarantees, good guy clauses, demolition clauses, renewal options, and where to get free lease review.
NYC Small Business Services: Free Help Most Business Owners Don’t Know About
NYC SBS offers free business advising, commercial lease review, training funding, M/WBE certification help, legal services, and financing connections at Business Centers in all five boroughs.
NYC M/WBE Certification: How Minority and Women-Owned Businesses Apply
NYC M/WBE certification unlocks city contract set-asides, bid preferences, and SBS business programs. Learn who qualifies, required documents, and the step-by-step application process.
NYC Restaurant Health Inspections: How the Grading System Works and How to Appeal
NYC DOHMH inspects all food service establishments and assigns A, B, or C letter grades. Learn the grading cycle, what inspectors check, how to prepare, and how to appeal a violation at OATH.
How to Appeal a NYC DCWP Violation: What Business Owners Need to Know
A DCWP violation doesn’t mean you automatically owe the fine. Request an OATH hearing, show compliance, and frequently reduce or dismiss the penalty. Free help available through NYC Small Business Services.
How to Get a NYC Business License: A Complete Guide
NYC has no single business license — requirements depend on your industry. Use the Business Wizard, register your entity, verify zoning, and get free help from NYC Small Business Services.