March 2025 Newsletter

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 in Your Community

Interagency Connections

New York State Liquor Authority (SLA)

The New York State Liquor Authority (SLA) and the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law (ABC Law) were established to protect the health, welfare, and safety of New Yorkers. The SLA issues licenses and permits and ensures compliance with the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law.

The Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) grants public access to government records and serves as a resource for businesses applying for a liquor license.

The four main types of liquor licenses are:

• On-premises licenses (bars, restaurants, taverns, hotels)
• Off-premises licenses (liquor stores, wine stores, grocery stores, convenience stores, drug stores)
• Manufacturing licenses (breweries)
• Wholesale licenses (beer or wine wholesalers)

Save the Date

NYC Small Business Month Expo

Thursday, May 29

Center415

415 5th Avenue

(between 37th & 38th streets)

Manhattan

Did You Know?

New Revenue Stream for Independent Restaurants

The Restaurant Meals Program allows restaurants to sell meals to certain Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients. Other states have implemented this program successfully, and after a successful pilot last year, New York State has now opened the program up to restaurants citywide.

Do not miss this opportunity to increase your revenue!

Help Improve the Street Vending System

The NYC Department of Small Business Services and Mayor’s Office for Economic Opportunity are gathering perspectives from NYC storefront businesses about street vending to help us design solutions that support communities and improve the street vending system.

The first 150 eligible storefront business owners to complete this 10-minute survey will receive $10!

It's Tax Time!

💵 Accurate tax filing.

💵 Full credits.

💵 Your small business deserves it.

💵 Get it back.

If you earn $93,000 or less (families) or $65,000 or less (single filers) with business expenses of $250,000 or less, file for FREE!

Prepare Your Business for Unexpected Emergencies

From gas leaks and fires, to major storms and cyber threats, NYC business owners face a variety of unexpected emergencies. SBS offers free emergency preparedness workshops and webinars for businesses across New York City.

Building Your Business Resilience

Risk Assessment & Grant Program Information Session

Expand Your Workforce Through the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP)

SYEP, the largest summer jobs program in the nation, caters to New Yorkers aged 14 to 24. By participating, you can offer paid work experience, help build essential skills, and contribute to shaping the future of our youth.

There is no cost to participating – SYEP youth are paid directly by the City of New York.

Resources for Immigrant New Yorkers

The Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) created newly designed & updated booklets with guidance for immigrant New Yorkers:

• Learn what to do after a friend or family member is detained by ICE
• Know Your Rights with ICE
• Guidance on Sanctuary City Laws in NYC

NYC BEST Stories

Visiting Businesses in Cypress Hills, Brooklyn

NYC BEST’s Blanca Terejanu, Ben Vazquez, and Melody Li, visited 10 businesses in Cypress Hills, Brooklyn, with staff from the Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation, and the NYC Departments of Sanitation (DSNY), and Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP).

Primary concerns raised by these businesses included food processing licenses from the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets (NYSADM), Food Service Establishment Permits from the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), commercial lease renewal processes and assistance, and guidance on applying for licenses from the NYS Liquor Authority (SLA).

The NYC BEST team provided clarification on these questions and shared information about SBS services and resources. 

Connect with Us

A Message From the Mayor

Week in Review

March 1 - 7, 2025

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!