Honoring Black Entrepreneurship and Economic Impact

A Message from Deputy Commissioner Tenisha Dyer

Black Business Month is a celebration of the vision, innovation, and resilience of Black entrepreneurs whose businesses help shape New York City's economy and strengthen our communities. At the NYC Department of Small Business Services, we believe that when Black-owned businesses have equitable access to opportunity, our entire city prospers. That is why we remain committed to expanding pathways to entrepreneurship, capital, contracting, and long-term business growth through our M/WBE Program and free business services.

Together, we are building a more inclusive economy where every entrepreneur has the opportunity to compete, succeed, and create lasting prosperity for future generations. 

BE NYC Resources for National Black Business Month

Our Black Entrepreneurs NYC (BE NYC) initiative has put together a collection of education programs to support entrepreneurs and business owners through their journey.

Unlock Free Advertising Secrets: Boost Your Business

BE NYC Small Business Resources: Start, Operate & Grow in NYC

Fund Your NYC Small Business

Support Black-Owned Businesses

NYC is home to thousands of Black-owned businesses - support the Black entrepreneurs essential to our city!

M/WBE Mentors Program Virtual Events

Selling to Government Webinar Series

Contract Management Webinar Series

Technical Assistance Webinar Series

Meet Edward Funches, founder of Inclusion Mobile Detailing, a Manhattan-based MBE providing mobile detailing and janitorial services. Edward launched the business with the goal of providing stable employment opportunities for individuals facing barriers to work, including people with disabilities and formally incarcerated individuals, helping to empower and strengthen communities through meaningful employment.  

Inclusion Mobile Detailing first became certified as an MBE in 2018. Since then, the firm has provided janitorial and fleet detailing services to the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission, and NYC Departments of Transportation, Finance, and Small Business Services. Edward has tapped into SBS services such as NYC SBS APEX Accelerator, and the M/WBE Mentors program to support his journey in government contracting.  

Working with NYC and earning MBE certification helped Edward to grow his business, build communities, and create employment opportunities for more than 100 individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. He believes that certification is “the best tool for small businesses in NYC” when used effectively and encourages all eligible businesses to pursue it. He also encourages attending as many SBS and other NYC M/WBE events as possible to build connections and maximize opportunities for success.

WE Connect: Building Against the Odds

Date: Wednesday, August 5

Time: 8:30 a.m.

Location: Automattic, 166 Crosby Street, New York, NY 10012

Join the NYC Department of Small Business Services' Women Entrepreneurs NYC (WE NYC) initiative for Building Against the Odds: A Fireside Chat with Cherae Robinson. This honest conversation with entrepreneurs, investors, and Tastemakers Africa founder Cherae Robinson will cover what it really takes to build a company when there isn’t a roadmap.

Doing Business with NYC Public Schools

Celebrate Black Business Month by learning how to do business with NYC Public Schools (NYCPS). Hear from three entrepreneurs who have successfully secured contracts, along with a NYCPS representative sharing practical guidance on navigating procurement and accessing public sector opportunities.

SBA Offers Relief to New York Businesses, Private Nonprofits, and Residents Affected by Severe Storms and Flooding

The U.S. Small Business Administration announced the availability of low-interest federal disaster loans for New York businesses, private nonprofits, and residents affected by severe storms and flooding occurring May 20. The SBA issued a disaster declaration in response to a request received from Governor Kathy Hochul on May 20.

The declaration covers the New York counties of Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Queens, and Richmond which are eligible for physical damage loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans from SBA.

Businesses and private nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.

The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is August 31, 2026. The deadline to return economic injury applications is March 30, 2027.

Grow Your Capacity with Contract Financing

Businesses working on or bidding for city contracts may be eligible for Contract Financing loans of up to $1 million. With low fixed interest rates of 3% and repayment terms aligned to project schedules, the program can help firms manage cash flow, cover equipment costs and beyond.

NYC Future Fund

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! 

NYC Funds Finder

Connect to NYC Funds Finder - a free, fast, and convenient online financial marketplace, to get:

• Custom lists of loans and grants, for your business through our Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) partners and other responsible lenders 
• Free one-on-one financial counseling 
• Help with documentation preparation 

SBS Hotline: (888) SBS-4NYC (888-727-4692)

Answers small business owners' most pressing questions and connects you to other SBS services. Services are available in multiple languages.

The Mayor's Office of Contract Services (MOCS) leads procurement for the City of New York, and ensures fair, responsible, and timely procurement. They are dedicated to making doing business with the city easier and accessible for all.

You can register for all of MOCS' free events and trainings, including Getting Started webinars and MOCS In Your Neighborhood events on Eventbrite.