FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, June 8, 2020

CITY ANNOUNCES RESOURCES AVAILABLE FOR PHASE 1 RE-OPENING

NEW YORK — The NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) Commissioner Jonnel Doris is equipping New York business owners with a new set of resources to help them navigate the recovery and re-opening process. Last month, the Mayor announced that the City would provide educational support to businesses as they re-open during Phase 1.

"New York City small businesses are tough and resilient, and as we all work towards re-opening we will provide them with every tool necessary to help them come back," said Jonnel Doris, Commissioner of the NYC Department of Small Business Services. "We are doing all we can to help and rolling out these new resources is a step to ensure these businesses come back stronger than ever."

SBS reopening resources will include:

SMALL BUSINESS HOTLINE
The City has launched a small business hotline to answer the most pressing questions of small business owners as they prepare to re-open. Small Business Advocates and Compliance Advisors will monitor the hotline and have been equipped with the latest guidelines and regulations to share with business owners. To reach the hotline, dial 888-SBS-4NYC or 888-727-4692.

PLAIN LANGUAGE INDUSTRY GUIDES
As manufacturing, wholesale trade, construction, agriculture, and retail businesses prepare to reopen, SBS has published plain language industry guides as a tool for small businesses to adhere to the latest mandatory guidance and to share best practices. For more information on the guides, visit nyc.gov/business.

DIGITAL RESOURCE FAIRS
SBS is hosting an inter-agency digital resource fair for New York City entrepreneurs looking for the latest up-to-date guidance on recovery and reopening. Representatives from various City agencies will be on hand to answer any questions. SBS and partners will provide information about requirements and guidelines to re-opening, safety plans, financial assistance, regulatory changes, employee support, licensing, inspections, and more. Registration for the Inter-agency Small Business Resource Fairs is now open. Please visit nycsmallbizcourses.eventbrite.com to sign up for this resource fair and to find all of our digital webinar offerings, which include financial assistance, building a business website, and preparing a business for emergencies.

FACE COVERING DISTRIBUTION
Distribution sites for small businesses looking to obtain face coverings, are now open. With the aid of community partners, these materials are being distributed in all five boroughs to help guarantee the health and safety of small businesses and their employees. Business owners are strongly advised to take advantage of these contactless stations if needed. For a list of distribution sites available, visit nyc.gov/business.

About the Department of Small Business Services (SBS)
SBS helps unlock economic potential and create economic security for all New Yorkers by connecting New Yorkers to good jobs, creating stronger businesses, and building vibrant neighborhoods across the five boroughs. For more information, visit nyc.gov/sbs, call 311, and follow us on Facebook,  Twitter, and Instagram.