Please see our dedicated COVID-19 page for information and resources pertaining to COVID-19.

NYSSBDC Business Consulting

The New York State SBDC offers free business consulting to any New Yorker hoping to start or grow a small business. The SBDC also offers a host of programs designed for specific groups of entrepreneurs.

• Find in-person business consulting
• Find online business consulting via email
• Services for Small Businesses in New York

(NY) SCORE.org

SCORE small business mentoring is offered through the national nonprofit, Service Corps of Retired Entrepreneurs (SCORE). The program is free and matches business owners with volunteer mentors. There are thousands of mentors nationwide, making it possible to find an experienced mentor whose expertise matches your business needs.

Find a business mentor
Take a workshop
Browse online resource library

NYFA Coaching

NYFA Coaching sessions are customized to your needs, either in-person, or remotely. Services include personalized feedback, recommendations, and guidance to artists.

NYFA Coaching:

• Offers cover letter & resume review
• Feedback on grant & residency applications
• Supports fundraising & marketing plans
• Helps identify best professional business strategies

How it Works:

• NYFA Coaching sessions are open to anyone.
• Session prices range from $40-$80.
• All sessions include a high level of dedicated staff time for material review and direct feedback in person or via phone.

*Be prepared for a thoughtful and productive conversation with your NYFA Coach about your materials and next steps.

Make an Appointment:

Interested in scheduling a one-on-one appointment with a NYFA coach? Click here for more and to register.

NYFA – Immigrant Artist Program (IAP)

The NY Foundation for the Arts Immigrant Artist Program (IAP), serves a community of artists with diverse backgrounds who share the experience of immigration. IAP pairs emerging foreign-born artists with artists who have received a NYSCA/NYFA Artist Fellowship and/or past participants of the program.

BOC – Business Outreach Center Network

The BOC is a micro-enterprise/small business development organization with over a decade-long record of delivering customized business services to under-served entrepreneurs in New York City.

Map of BOC Network Centers
Chinatown/LES
North Brooklyn
Queens
Staten Island
Upper Manhattan

BOC WBC – Women’s Business Center

WBC – the BOC Women’s Business Center offers business training, one-on-one counseling and financing resources to help women entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses.

Locations
On-line Business Counseling
Small Business Resources

CANDID – Foundation Center

The New York-based Foundation Center (CANDID), offers events, classes, and other resources. Candid provides knowledge-building tools, all available to you at no charge. Visit Candid New York during their hours of operation—Tuesday through Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Visiting the library
Use our Resources
Rent our meeting space
Program Calendar

NAWBO – Nat’l Association of Women Business Owners

NAWBO Institute for Entrepreneurial Development, a 501(c)3 non-profit educational foundation provides opportunities for capacity building and organizational development for emerging and established women entrepreneurs.

NAWBO Institute – a new virtual online learning platform.
NAWBO Resources
Events Calendar

NYC M/WBE – Mayor’s Office of Minority & Women-owned Business Enterprises

The Mayor’s Office of Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises (M/WBE) was created to address historic disparities in City contracting and provide minority and women entrepreneurs increased opportunities to do business with the City. The Office is responsible for developing policy, enhancing coordination among City agencies, and providing oversight and accountability of the City’s M/WBE Program. It serves as a One-Stop-Shop for M/WBEs interested in doing business with the city and its agencies.

Training Resources
Contracts & Requests for Proposals (RFPs)
M/WBE Events
About the M/WBE
Contact

NYC Financial Empowerment Centers

NYC Financial Empowerment Centers provide FREE one-on-one professional, financial counseling. Reduce your debt, understand your student loans, strengthen your credit score, start saving, balance a budget, separate personal and business finances, and much more.

Book an appointment online today!
Create a Financial Empowerment Portal account

NYC SBS – Small Business Services

The NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) helps unlock economic potential and create economic security for all New Yorkers. Connecting New Yorkers to good jobs, creating stronger businesses, and building thriving neighborhoods across the five boroughs.

Contact
Online Business Course Listing

NYSSBDC – New York Small Business Development Center

NYSSBDC provides entrepreneurs with FREE business counseling, training, and business research.

• Midtown Manhattan @Baruch SBDC
• Manhattan @Pace SBDC
• Brooklyn SBDC
• Bronx @Lehman SBDC
• Queens @LaGuardia SBDC
• Queens @York SBDC
• Staten Island SBDC
• Long Island SBDC
• Westchester SBDC

NYC SBSC – Small Business Support Center

The NYC Small Business Support Center offers easy access to services from multiple agencies to help businesses start, operate, and grow.

Location:
90-27 Sutphin Boulevard, 4th Floor
Jamaica, NY 11435

Business Support Resources

Public Library – NYPL: SIBL Small Business Resource Center

NYPL SIBL – the New York Public Library of Science, Industry and Business offers events and business seminars.

Manhattan SIBL Location & Hours – (34th Street & Madison Ave)
Brooklyn Business & Career Library
Smallbiz Calendar of Events
Smallbiz Services Directory
Smallbiz Handouts & Videos
SCORE at SIBL

Public Library – Brooklyn: BPL Business & Career Center

BPL Business & Career Services – Visit the new Career Center on the Central Library at 10 Grand Army Plaza (2nd floor), to find books, eResources, assistance and more.

Location & Hours
Business & Career Services
Small Business Services
Personal Finance Services
Resume & Career Help Calendar

SCORE “Service Corps of Retired Executives”

What is “SCORE”?

SCORE provides free and confidential business resource services to entrepreneurs. SCORE’s website offers free live and recorded webinars & interactive courses on demand on small business topics. There are 300 chapters nationwide which also host in-person events.

Mentoring
Free and low-cost educational workshops
Live Webinars
Recorded Webinars
Courses on Demand
Local Workshops & Events
Browse the library
Contact us

US Small Business Administration – SBA.gov

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) helps small business owners and entrepreneurs pursue the American dream. The SBA is the only cabinet-level federal agency fully dedicated to small business. SBA provides counseling, capital, and contracting expertise as the nation’s go-to resource and voice for small businesses.

10 Steps To Start Your Business
Market Research and Competitive Analysis
Write Your Business Plan
Calculate Your Startup Costs
Fund Your Business
Launch Your Business
Manage Your Business
Grow Your Business
Funding Programs
Grants
Online Learning Center
Get Local Assistance
Find Free Business Counseling

WVF – Women’s Venture Fund

Women’s Venture Fund is a nonprofit organization that helps women to establish thriving businesses. Located at 50 Broadway, 29th floor, NYC.
Contact: 212-563-0499

Training programs
Advisory services
Business loans
Build a Great Business
Contact

Actors Fund – Entrepreneurship Program

The Actors Fund Creative Entrepreneur Project equips performing artists and entertainment professionals with resources to successfully navigate the entrepreneurial journey and increase their income and independence through business ownership.

America’s SBDC

America’s SBDC represents America’s nationwide network of Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) – the most comprehensive small business assistance network in the United States and its territories. Get FREE business consulting and at-cost training.

eLearning Videos

Element 46 – Westchester StartUp Incubator

Element 46 provides programming, mentoring and free workspace. Entrepreneurs will be situated in one of a thriving co-working space in urban centers within Westchester, embedded in an existing start-up community.

How to Start an LLC in New York

https://www.howtostartanllc.org/new-york-llc/ Registering an LLC in the state of New York shouldn’t be an intimidating process. This guide reviews specific steps needed in New York State to properly established and register your Limited Liability Corporation the right way.

NYC Business Support Center

The NYC Small Business Support Center offers easy access to services from multiple agencies to help businesses start, operate, and grow.

NYC Business Start Up Step-by-Step

NYC Start Up Step-by-Step. Get a customized list of requirements for your business. Answer the questions on the to get a list of the City, State, and Federal licenses and permits you need, as well as additional information.

NYC Business Start Up Quick Guide

NYC Business Start Up Quick Guide. What’s required to do business in New York City? Select your business type for a summary of key steps for meeting government regulations when starting your business.

NYFA – “New York Foundation for the Arts”

New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) is a nonprofit service organization that empowers working artists and emerging arts organizations across all disciplines at critical stages in their creative lives and professional/organizational development.

NYFA – Arts Business Incubator

NYFA Arts Business Incubator (ABI) Program provides a small cohort of NYC-based arts startups with 18 months of custom-tailored, formalized support from NYFA’s knowledgeable staff and network of experts. Learn to apply business principles to the growth and sustainability of your career.

NYFA – Boot Camp “Artist as Entreprenuer”

The “Artist as Entrepreneur” Boot Camp teaches fundamental principles of sustainability and profitability in the arts: finance, law, marketing, and fundraising through a blend of formal lectures, breakout groups, and one-on-one meetings.

NYFA – Business Models

NYFA “Business Models” helps you design a business to survive and grow. Plans consists of two parts: (1) your product (and the work that goes into its production) and (2) identifying and building your audience, getting your art out in the world, and making sales.

Public Library – SIBL Business StartUp Workshops

Science, Industry & Business Library Start Up Workshops. Each workshop will be offered three times at the Science, Industry & Business Library (SIBL) – located at 188 Madison Avenue @34th Street. Note: The workshop schedule is subject to change. Please check back for updates.

StartUp Digest

The Start Up Digest. The personalized insider newsletter for all things startup in New York City and around the world. Tailored reading lists keep you connected to topics of your choice.

SBA.gov – US Small Business Administration

Created in 1953, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) continues to help small business owners and entrepreneurs pursue the American dream. The SBA is the only cabinet-level federal agency fully dedicated to small business and provides counseling, capital, and contracting expertise as the nation’s only go-to resource and voice for small businesses.

SBA Online Learning Center
The SBA offers a variety of online courses to help you plan, launch, manage and grow your business.

Plan Your Business
Launch Your Business
Manage Your Business
Grow Your Business
View Full Course Library

SCORE.org – “Service Corps of Retired Executives”

SCORE is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). SCORE provides mentoring and education to thousands of startup and existing businesses. These FAQs may help as you start your small business journey with SCORE.

SCORE Webinars and Courses on Demand: SCORE offers free online workshops on topics ranging from startup strategies to marketing and finance. Attendees can watch webinars live, view recordings online on their own time or learn through interactive courses on demand, so you can walk through each module at your own pace.

• Live Webinars
• Recorded Webinars
• Courses on Demand

NYSSBDC.org – New York Small Business Development Center

The New York Small Business Development Center (NYSSBDC) offers an Entrepreneurial Training Course – Entreskills. This is a self-paced online course in entrepreneurial education, which can be used to start a business, grow a business, and to write a business plan.

Watch an Introduction to Entreskills
Recent Webinars

NYC.gov – Small Business Services

NYC Small Business Services (SBS) partners with Coursera to offer free online classes. Programs include: Building Your Own Business, Operating and Financing Your Business, Mastering Marketing & Sales, Managing & Leading People, Achieving Your Growth Potential.

Register for free events on Eventbrite

Eligibility:
Live or operate a business in NYC.
Internet-connected device.
2hrs per week for 4-weeks commitment.

Apply: Complete this 3-minute application.

Websites for Entrepreneurs

For entrepreneurs, time is especially precious. Every wasted minute is a lost opportunity for networking, growing the business, and of course making money.

ForEntrepreneurs.com

ACM Lifting Lives

ACM Lifting Lives is the philanthropic arm of the Academy of Country Music dedicated to improving lives through the power of music. Lifting Lives funds programs that promote healing through the power of music. Only 501(c)(3) entities are eligible.

Grant Recipients
Grant Guidlines
Grant Application

The Alice M Ditson Fund

The Ditson Fund, established in 1945, funds of performances and recordings of music by emerging American composers. Having awarded over 2,000 grants starting in 1940, the Ditson Fund plays an important role in support of contemporary American music.

Grant Programs
FAQ’s

CANDID – Foundation Center

Foundation Center and GuideStar are now CANDID. Need a Grant? Candid is the smartest, fastest way to find scholarships, fellowships and awards for students, artists, researchers, and individuals.

GrantCraft
Grants for Individuals
RFP’s – Request for Proposals
FDO – Foundation Directory Online
FDO Quickstart

The Frank Huntington Beebe Fund for Musicians

The Frank Beebe Fund provides fellowships for gifted young musicians, performers and composers in classical disciplines, who wish to pursue advanced music study and performance abroad, usually in Europe. Apply Online

GrantNews

GrantNews is the premier newspaper for nonprofit and business leaders. GrantsNews.com/arts serves nonprofits, government agencies, grant recipients, individuals, small businesses, funders, nonprofit and small business industry leaders writers.

Arts News
Nonprofit News

GrantSpace

GrantSpace offers training focused on Fundraising, Organizational Sustainability, and Leadership/Management. Learning opportunities are designed to develop skills, practices, and behaviors which best prepare individuals for success.

Live Training
On-Demand Training
For Organizations

GrantWatch

GrantWatch – Find Nonprofit and Individual Grants. Grant Watch has a wide array of grants for individuals representing the diverse population of the USA. Serving teachers, students, homeowners, veterans, minorities, Native Americans, new immigrants, American Citizens.

Grants for individuals
Foundation Grants
GrantWatch Resources
GrantWatch Toolkits

MAAF Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation

Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation provides opportunities for artists to explore and create, assists with audience building, and provides support services for career development.

Grants for Artists
Grants for Organizations
Living Legacy Jazz Award

MPTF – Music Performance Trust Fund

The Music Performance Trust Fund brings free, live, professional music programs to multiple types of communities through large-scale festivals and park concerts, educational activities, teacher training and assemblies in schools; intimate assisted living facility and senior center events; and more.

The easiest way to apply for a grant is to seek the assistance of the AFM Local in your geographic area. Use the Local Office Locator.

How to Apply
Music in the Schools
Community Programs
Festivals & Park Concerts
Musician Fest
National Programs

New Music USA

New Music USA fosters connections, encourages appreciation, and provides financial support for new music created in the United States

Project Grants
New Music Box
Events & Performances

NYC Women’s Fund: Media, Music & Theatre

The NYC Women’s Fund for Media, Music and Theatre provides grants to encourage and support the creation of digital, film, music, television, and live theatre content that reflects the voices and perspectives of all who identify as women. NYC MOME initiative provides finishing funds for film, television, and digital projects; funds for the creation of music recordings or videos; and production funds for live theatre.

NYFA – New York Foundation for the Arts

NYFA provides over $2 million in cash grants every year to individuals pursuing artistic excellence in all forms.

NYSCA/NYFA Artist Fellowship

NYFA provides unrestricted grants of $7,000 to New York-based artists through NYSCA/NYFA Artist Fellowships. The funds can be used in any manner the artists deem necessary to further their careers. The 2022 NYSCA/NYFA Artist Fellowship Categories include Music/Sound.

SBA.gov – US Small Business Administration Grants

Learn about available SBA grants and cooperative agreements and find out if you meet the requirements to apply.

US Small Business Administration Grants
General Requirements
Apply Now

Statera Arts

StateraArts directly serves marginalized populations working in the Arts sector, who self-identify as creators, educators, and administrators. StateraArts works to uplift, amplify, and advance women* and non-binary people in the Arts.

*Women: Statera recognizes the limiting nature of the binary use of woman. We serve and welcome anyone on the gender spectrum who identifies either always or some of the time as a woman. We also serve and welcome those who are non-binary, while recognizing that not all non-binary people identify with aspects of femininity.

Education and Training
Grants & Grant Writing

Counsel to 802, Harvey Mars

802 members are entitled to free legal advice and, in some instances, representation. If you have legal questions, contact Harvey Mars, counsel to Local 802.

Contact information: https://www.harveymarsattorney.com/contact-us/

Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts (VLA)

Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts is the leading legal aid and education organization dedicated to New York artists and its arts and cultural organizations. VLA serves the artistic community’s need for legal services by providing access to free or low fee legal services. Qualifying artists can request legal assistance on all arts-related legal matters.

Contact 212-319-2787, ext.1 or submit online application:

Intake Form – Individual
Intake Form – For-Profit Entity
Intake Form – Non-Profit Organization Formation
Intake Form – Non-Profit Organization

VLA Classes & Workshops

VLA provides industry specific classes and workshops to more than 5,000 participants annually.  View Course Calendar

VLA Private Classes

Our Department of Education offers a wide variety of discipline-specific and general educational programs, both at its office and privately on location for law firms and art, cultural and service organizations.

To suggest a topic or to request for VLA to present educational programming to your constituents, members or employees, please contact us at registrations@vlany.org or call 212.319.2787, ext. 12.

VLA Financial Aid

Financial aid is available for qualified individuals. Please note that your application does not guarantee a full or partial scholarship. Some classes are exempt.

To apply for a scholarship, applicants must provide VLA with a letter explaining which financial bracket they fall under and which class and date they would like to register.

E-mail: registrations@vlany.org

Financial Brackets Guidelines
Unemployed (no income): 75% scholarship
Income up to $35,000: 50% scholarship
Income $35,000 to $50,000: 25% scholarship
Income over $50,000: No Discount

NYC.gov

NYC.gov – Get free legal advice. Legal matters are important to small businesses, but legal terms and fees can be daunting. The NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) can connect you to free one-on-one legal services, helping you to:

• Choose a legal structure for your business (ex. LLC, S Corporation, etc.)
• Answer questions about your commercial lease or contract
• Protect your intellectual property
• Review human resource and employment laws

Contact Form

Union Plus Legal Program

Get quality legal assistance at a reasonable price – https://www.unionplus.org/benefits/home/legal-help

You can find reliable advice at an affordable price if you need legal help or simply have a question of a legal nature. Union members have free access to basic legal services or can upgrade to a higher level of legal service at a discounted price.

Union Plus Legal Program — Basic

Your registration gives you free access to basic legal benefits.
Free initial thirty-minute consultation

• 25% discount off attorney’s hourly or flat rate fees
• Over 6,800 participating law firms
• Virtually all types of legal matters are eligible
• After registration, you’ll be provided with the toll-free number to call for a referral

Register Now for Access: https://referral.unionpluslegal.com/

Union Plus Legal Program — Premium

For a low fee of $22.95 a month*, you’ll have access to a network of experienced attorneys, ready whenever you are.

• Unlimited access to legal assistance
• All attorney fees are paid by the plan for covered matters
• Expert legal advice and representation, in person or by phone
• Network of 15,000+ attorneys
• No limitations such as hour or dollar caps on covered matters

Enroll Now: https://metlaw.unionpluslegal.com/

802’s Online Referral Directory

NewYorkMusicians.com – Create your own Local 802 Musician profile page! Use the NYMusicians Quick Start Form to create your online profile. Please see quick start form for content requirements. FREE for active status Local 802 members.

Quick Start Form
View Registered Members
Required Agreements

AFMEntertainment.org – American Federation of Musicians Booking Services

AFM Entertainment: The American Federation of Musicians Booking Service. Music is Our Business
Create a profile on the AFM’s Booking Service website. For more information log into the Musician’s Area. (You must be logged into the AFM website to view this information.)

Code Academy

Code Academy – From building websites to analyzing data, the choice is yours. No matter your experience level, you’ll be writing real, working code in minutes. Offering: Web Development, HTML/CSS, JavaScript, Python, SQL and more.

Get Started for Free

How to Create a Website

www.websitesetup.org Have you always wanted to create a website but don’t know how? Or maybe you always thought it was too hard? This step-by-step tutorial is for you. Create a website without having to learn coding, or read long tutorial articles.

SCORE.org – Simple Social Media Must-Do’s for Small Business Owners

SCORE offers a 1hr webinar on Simple Social Media Must-Do’s. For small business owners, keeping connected with customers on social media can feel overwhelming. In this webinar, SBS’s Director of Social Media Strategy highlights some simple social must-do’s and shares tips for keeping up with ever-changing social media platforms.

View Webinar

Includes topics:

• Why build a social presence?
• How to engage customers on social channels
• Social content strategy and publishing calendars
• Photo & video tips
• Why use hashtags?
• Paid social ads
• Success stories

Website Builders for Search Engine Optimization

Best Website Builders for Search Engine Optimization. (SEO) should be a key feature when building a website. Your website needs to show up on the first page of a Google Search. Some platforms come with built-in SEO tools, making it easy to get your website to rank higher.

• WordPress.org (best website builder, with unlimited possibilities and SEO add-ons)
• Wix (great visual editor with a useful SEO Wiz app)
• Squarespace (every website comes with built-in SEO tools)
• Weebly (all the basic SEO features already included)
• GoDaddy (Business plan comes with an SEO wizard)

Word Press Beginner’s Guide

Word Press offers WPBeginner.com/Guides for free step-by-step instructions on how to make a website without learning how to code.

Video Link: How To Set Up Your Website

NY SBDC – New York Small Business Development Center

The New York Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides customized solutions through advisement, education, research and advocacy for Entrepreneurs, Innovators and the Small & Medium Enterprise community.

Find a training session:

• Midtown Manhattan (Baruch) SBDC
• Stonybrook, Long Island SBDC
• Downtown Manhattan (Pace) SBDC
• Brooklyn SBDC
• Queens (LaGuardia) SBDC
• Bronx SBDC

NYC SBS – Department of Small Business Services

NYC’s Department of Small Business Services. SBS offers free in-person courses on entrepreneurship at locations across New York City. Courses are available in Business Planning and Operations, Finance, Marketing, Selling to Government, Live Webinars.

Register for FREE in-person courses

Public Library – NY Library of Science, Industry & Business (SIBL)

New York City’s Science, Industry and Business Library (SIBL) Programs offers in-person seminars on career, jobs and small business topics.

Location:
188 Madison Avenue (34th St and Madison Ave)
New York, NY, 10016
(917) 275-6975
Get Directions

SCORE.org – “Service Corps of Retired Executives”

SCORE – Take a Workshop. SCORE offers in-person workshops and events in 300 chapters nationwide. Get advice from mentors, and network with other small business owners in your community.

Find Local Workshops and Events.

WEDC – Women’s Enterprise Development Center

Women’s Development Center. WEDC Helps Your Business Thrive. Learn how to plan a winning strategy, grow with discipline and achieve smart business goals. Our experienced staff and trainers can assist your business at every stage. WEDC supports the talented women entrepreneurs of Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, Duchess, Ulster, Orange and Sullivan Counties.

Events Calendar