NYC Department of Small Business Services is the city agency most New York business owners eventually need but few discover until well into their venture. Headquartered at 110 William Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10038, in Lower Manhattan, the NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) operates the citywide network of no-cost business assistance programs, contracting certifications, and workforce services available to businesses across all five boroughs.
What this office covers
SBS operates NYC Business Solutions Centers offering free one-on-one business courses, legal and financial guidance, and access to city-backed financing programs for small businesses. The agency administers the Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE) certification program, which qualifies eligible businesses to compete for a share of New York City’s contracting opportunities. SBS also runs Workforce1 Career Centers connecting employers with job-ready candidates and administers the NYC Business Express Service Team (BEST), a single point of contact designed to help business owners navigate permitting and licensing requirements across multiple city agencies. Additional current initiatives include Shop Your City (a campaign supporting neighborhood retail and dining), Cannabis NYC (resources for the licensed cannabis business sector), and the SBS APEX Accelerator, which helps businesses compete for city, state, and federal government contracts.
Business context
Most SBS programs are free to New York City businesses regardless of size, industry, or borough, and services are delivered both at the William Street headquarters and through NYC Business Solutions Centers located in each borough. Business owners seeking financing referrals, M/WBE certification, contract-readiness training, or general help understanding city licensing requirements are the primary audience for this office; SBS does not issue business licenses directly for most industries (those come from other city or state agencies) but the BEST program is designed specifically to help business owners identify which agency they actually need.
Languages & accessibility
SBS publishes outreach materials in multiple languages reflecting the top languages spoken across New York City and operates an accessibility plan (2024–2028) alongside a published website accessibility statement. Confirm current in-person language support and accessibility accommodations directly with the borough Business Solutions Center nearest you.
Location & contact
- Address: 110 William Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10038, United States
- Phone: 212-513-6300 (general) · SBS hotline: 888-727-4692 · or dial 311
- Website: nyc.gov/sbs
- Service area: All five NYC boroughs, via headquarters and borough-based NYC Business Solutions Centers
Profile compiled from the agency’s official nyc.gov/sbs website and NYC interagency contact directories. Programs, hours, and contact points change; confirm current details directly with NYC SBS or by calling 311. This is an informational directory listing of a public government office, not an endorsement or partnership claim. Last verified: August 2026.