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The NYC Business Express Service Team (BEST) serves as a single point of contact between city agencies and small businesses operating in the five boroughs to help:
- streamline interactions with city agencies
- navigate permit and licensing processes
- connect you to government resources
- educate you on city rules and regulations
| | NYC BEST Bootcamp is Coming in January | |
This winter we are hosting another series of virtual sessions in collaboration with enforcement agencies (Buildings, Health, Parks, and more) and utility companies.
These sessions provide industry-specific guidance on business operations and the inspection process.
| Be sure to check out our newest sessions: Waste Management and New York State Resources! | | | This monthly newsletter raises awareness about new rules and regulations and shares information from our partner agencies, including: | | NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) | |
Effective: July 1, 2026
- Horizontal sliding or vertical security grilles are allowed at main entrances if essential to operations.
- Grilles must be openable from the inside without a key or special effort when occupied.
- During public occupancy, grilles must stay secured in the fully open position.
- Except for Group S or landmark/historic buildings, grilles that face sidewalks must allow at least 70% visibility when closed (effective from July 1, 2011).
- By July 1, 2026, all Group B and M occupancy grilles must comply with the visibility requirement above.
| | NYC Department of Consumer & Worker Protection (DCWP) | | |
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Pay: Apps must pay at least $21.44/hour (excluding tips) for delivery time, increasing annually on April 1. Payment must be weekly with a no-fee option, and apps must disclose daily pay and tip totals.
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Routes: Apps must show pickup address, time, distance, tip, and pay before you accept. You set limits on bridges, tunnels, and delivery distance — apps must honor them.
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Access: After 6 deliveries, you get a free insulated bag
- You may also receive better access to restaurant bathrooms during pickups.
| | NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) | | |
Effective: October 24, 2025
To ensure safety for all road users, the following rules apply to electric-assisted bicycles, electric scooters, and pedal-assist commercial bikes:
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Default Speed Limit: Riders must not exceed 15 miles per hour, unless official signage indicates a different speed limit specifically for these vehicles.
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Posted Speed Limits: If signs are present with designated speed limit for e-bikes, e-scooters, or pedal-assist commercial bicycles, riders must adhere to that posted limit — no exceptions.
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David Burgoa
David has more than a decade of experience in public service, working alongside elected officials and housing organizations to improve the lives of New Yorkers. At NYC BEST, he brings that same dedication to supporting small businesses, using his deep knowledge of city and state agencies to help entrepreneurs navigate complex government regulations. David is passionate about making government more accessible and ensuring that small businesses have the tools they need to thrive in New York City's dynamic and competitive marketplace.
Fun Fact: David is a huge soccer fan with a growing jersey collection from teams around the world. He loves how each one tells a story — just like NYC's small businesses, each with their own style, hustle, and hometown pride.
| | Stronger Together: Empowering Veteran-Owned Businesses | | |
Wednesday, November 12 | 9:30 a.m.
Join us for a day dedicated to empowering veteran and military-connected entrepreneurs.
This resource event brings together key partners — including city agencies, nonprofit service providers, lenders, and veteran-run organizations — all committed to providing resources and support to veteran-owned businesses and those owned by their immediate family members.
This is an in-person event in Downtown Manhattan and registration is required.
| | | Worker Co-op Webinars: From Worker to Owner | | |
Interested in starting a business, but don't want to do it alone? Worker cooperatives offer a way to build meaningful jobs while ensuring that profits and control stay with the people doing the work.
Whether you are exploring new business ideas or looking for an alternative to traditional employment, these webinars will provide the foundational knowledge you need to get started.
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Your small business revenue isn’t the same every month — why should your loan payments be?
NYC Future Fund offers loans that adjust to your revenue for flexible repayment!
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Sheel and Mashi have officially opened its doors, bringing the rich and savory flavors of Yemeni cuisine to Brooklyn.
When Ali Atiah arrived in New York City, he carried with him a dream: to share the tastes of his homeland with a new community. Like many immigrants New Yorkers before him, he pursued that dream by opening a restaurant. With support from the Alliance of Yemeni American Businesses (AYAB) and Bay Ridge Fifth Avenue BID, he secured an ideal location on Brooklyn’s iconic Fifth Avenue in Bay Ridge — known for its vibrant culinary scene.
To help ensure a smooth launch, NYC BEST’s Katherine Smith worked closely with Mr. Atiah to confirm all necessary permits were in place. Angel Pagan from NYC BEST also conducted an on-site consultation, where General Manager Mr. Mustafa received guidance on key compliance areas involving the Fire Department of New York (FDNY), the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), and the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT).
Our NYC BEST team visited Sheel and Mashi right before their grand opening to provide additional support and ensure the business is fully prepared to meet regulatory standards from day one.
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Find out how the NYC Business Express Service Team can save your business time and money:
📞 888-SBS-4NYC [888-727-4692] and ask for NYC BEST
📧 nycbest@sbs.nyc.gov
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Week in Review
October 25 - October 31
The NYC Week In Review videos are available weekly on the Mayor's Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube!
Sign up to "Hear From Eric" and get direct messages from City Hall, tailored to your interests and neighborhood, sent directly to you – at nyc.gov/hearfromeric!
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