September 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 Bootcamp is Back!

This fall 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 new modules, Waste Management and New York State Resources!

Monday, 9/8

NYC Small Business Services Resources

Tuesday, 9/9

New York State Resources

Wednesday, 9/10

Infrastructure

Thursday, 9/11

Utilities

Monday, 9/15

Responding to Summonses or Violations

Tuesday, 9/16

Food Industry

Wednesday, 9/17

Retail/Grocery Business

Thursday, 9/18

Childcare

Monday, 9/22

Outdoor Vending

Thursday, 9/23

Waste Management

Partner Spotlight

New York State Worker’s Compensation Board

The Office of the Advocate for Business is the liaison between New York’s business community and the Workers’ Compensation Board, giving employers one place to contact for issues related to workers’ compensation, disability benefits, and Paid Family Leave insurance coverage.

The Advocate for Business:

• Works with employers (particularly small business), business associations and employer groups to hear, report and offer solutions to issues they’ve been unable to resolve elsewhere
• Assists businesses with insurance coverage problems and compliance with the Workers’ Compensation Law
• Educates employers and government personnel on their responsibilities and how the New York State workers’ compensation system works
• Hosts monthly webinars to educate business owners/employers on the basics of the workers' compensation system, including insurance types, coverage requirements, and employers' obligations under the law

The Advocate for Business works with employers of all sizes in all industries, particularly small business owners, on issues they have been unable to resolve elsewhere.

For assistance:

Call: (518) 486-3331

Email: AdvocateBusiness@wcb.ny.gov

Did You Know?

This monthly newsletter raises awareness about new rules and regulations and shares information from our partner agencies, including: 

NYC Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD)

Tips for New York City Small Businesses

All new and existing businesses in New York City are required to comply with federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as well as state and city anti-discrimination and accessibility requirements under the NYS Human Rights Law (NYSHRL), NYC Human Rights Law (NYCHRL), and other local laws such as the Building Code.

Under the ADA, businesses have an obligation to engage in “readily achievable barrier removal.”

• Learn more about ADA Standards for Accessible Design
• Learn more about Barrier Free Access for Historic Buildings
• Learn more about the Chapter 11 waiver process
• Learn more about ADA Checklist for Existing Facilities 

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) provides federal tax incentives to businesses to cover the costs of making access improvements for customers with disabilities.

Ensure Your Web Content is Accessible

Check that your website meets the most current Web Content Accessibility Guidelines to make your web content more accessible for a wider range of people with disabilities.

Ask your web developer or test your site for compliance using free online screening tools.

The Smoke Free Air Act (SFAA) prohibits smoking and the use of electronic cigarettes (vaping) in most workplaces and public spaces.

Smoking or vaping any product containing tobacco or cannabis is prohibited at New York City restaurants and bars, including all indoor and outdoor dining areas. Serving non-tobacco shisha for on-site smoking is only allowed with a permit to operate as a non-tobacco hookah establishment.

The SFAA requires the posting of “No Smoking, Electronic Cigarette Use, and Smokeless Use” signs to be clear and visible in any indoor space where smoking, using e-cigarettes or using smokeless tobacco is not allowed. These signs may be requested by calling 311.

Business owners and employers are required to create a smoking and e-cigarette use policy. It should be posted for all employees and shared with new hires. In most cases, the policy should prohibit any smoking and e-cigarette use in indoor workplace spaces.

• Sample Smoke-Free Workplace Policy 
• Regulation of smoking, and use of electronic cigarettes, in places of employment

Additional Resources

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!

Help Us Understand the Regulations & Violations Impacting Your Small Business

Small business owners can face significant costs when receiving and resolving city-issued violations, including:

• direct financial costs in the form of fines and penalties
• indirect costs like time spent complying with administrative requirements and attending hearings

Complete this short, anonymous survey to help us assess these costs and improve support for small businesses. 

NYC BEST Stories

NYC BEST at Buildings After Hours Event in Queens

The NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) hosts Buildings After Hours events every 1st and 3rd week of the month at their borough offices located throughout the 5 boroughs.

Small business owners are welcome!

Thanks to a strong collaboration with DOB, our NYC Business Express Service Team (NYC BEST) will be present to answer questions and share information about our services to help brick-and-mortar business owners throughout the five boroughs launch and operate efficiently and in compliance.

Last month, NYC BEST participated in Buildings After Hours in Kew Gardens, Queens, offering vital support to small businesses working to stay compliant with New York City regulations.

NYC BEST's Ben Vazquez and David Burgoa provided personalized consultations and guided business owners through the licensing and permitting processes required to launch their ventures.

Among the most common concerns raised were how to locate and address violations issued by various NYC agencies, and which agencies are responsible for inspecting food service establishments across the city.

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