As used in this chapter, the following terms have the following meanings:
Commissioner. The term "commissioner" means the commissioner of small business services.
Department. The term "department" means the department of small business services.
Local CDFI. The term “local CDFI” means a financial institution that: (i) is certified as a community development financial institution by the federal department of the treasury; (ii) is authorized to do business in the state of New York; (iii) provides services to persons or businesses in the city; and (iv) has agreed to provide the department with information relating to services it provides, in order to be included on the department’s website in accordance with subparagraph (a) of paragraph 4 of subdivision a of section 22-1002.
Microbusiness. The term "microbusiness" means a business that employs no less than one employee and no more than nine employees.
(L.L. 2017/208, 11/17/2017, eff. 11/17/2017; Am. L.L. 2019/151, 8/23/2019, eff. 8/23/2019; Am. L.L. 2023/133, 10/15/2023, eff. 4/12/2024)
Editor's note: For related unconsolidated provisions, see Appendix A at L.L. 2019/151.
a. The commissioner shall post on the city's website online business tools and resources, including but not limited to:
1. Tools provided by the department, which may include accounting, recordkeeping and bookkeeping resources;
2. A searchable and interactive guide to aid current or prospective business owners in understanding city laws and rules applicable to such business, including the applicable licenses, permits, and certifications the owner must obtain. Such guide shall encompass provisions in the administrative code and the rules of the city of New York, including licensing, permitting, and operational requirements, that are applicable to the particular type of business. The guide shall include zoning information and a brief description of applicable regulations and requirements, written in plain language that is likely to be understood by business owners; and
3. (a) An online portal, created in coordination with the commissioner of information technology and telecommunications, to assist with procedures and requirements to establish and operate a small business in the city. Such portal shall have a mobile-friendly responsive design and shall facilitate the processes and procedures for establishing and operating a small business in the city.
(b) The portal required by this paragraph shall be accessible from the department’s website in English and in each of the designated citywide languages as defined in section 23-1101. The portal shall make available all city applications and related information, including applications for permits and licenses, needed to open and operate a small business in the city, and provide for the submission of such applications directly from the portal. The portal shall enable a person to check the status of an application, including for a permit or license issued by the city, that was submitted by such person or is associated with such person’s small business. The portal shall also allow a person to settle or pay outstanding balances on notices of violation, or include a prominent link to a website that provides such capability.
(c) No later than February 1, 2025, and by no later than February 1 of each year thereafter, the commissioner shall submit to the mayor and the speaker of the council a report on any updates to the portal implemented during the preceding calendar year. Such report shall also include the number of questions or complaints the department received about the portal during the preceding calendar year, and the average time taken to respond to such questions or complaints;
4. Information on loans and grants for small businesses which shall include, but need not be limited to:
(a) Guidance on selecting a lender, including information about local CDFIs, which shall include, but need not be limited to, a directory of local CDFIs, and for each such local CDFI, a description of services provided by such local CDFI, the neighborhood or area of the city in which such local CDFI operates or provides services, and the types of loans offered by such local CDFI;
(b) Information on specialized services that may be offered by banks for small businesses, such as a dedicated banking team, merchant services, business loans, or lines of credit;
(c) Information on typical fees, interest rates, monthly charges, or balance requirements;
(d) Potential advantages and disadvantages of having accounts at multiple banks; and
(e) Information about federal deposit insurance corporation insurance coverage or other protections provided for small businesses deposits; and
5. Such other tools and resources as the commissioner may deem appropriate.
b. Within 30 days after the effective date of a change to a law or rule referenced in the guide or portal described in subdivision a of this section, the agency having primary jurisdiction over such law or rule shall inform the department of such change.
1. Within 30 days of being informed of such change, the department shall update the guide accordingly.
2. No later than January 1, 2025, and no later than January 1 of every third year thereafter, the commissioner, in coordination with the commissioner of information technology and communications, shall review the effectiveness of the portal in facilitating assistance with respect to the establishment and operation of small businesses in the city, and implement any updates or modifications to the portal deemed necessary and appropriate. Such review shall include a survey of small businesses.
c. This section shall not be construed to create a private right of action to enforce its provisions or against the city for any action taken to comply with this section. Inadvertent failure of an agency or the department to comply with this section shall not prohibit the enforcement of or be a defense to any violation of any law or rule.
(L.L. 2017/208, 11/17/2017, eff. 11/17/2017; Am. L.L. 2019/154, 8/23/2019, eff. 12/21/2019; Am. L.L. 2022/094, 10/18/2022, eff. 11/1/2023; Am. L.L. 2023/133, 10/15/2023, eff. 4/12/2024; Am. L.L. 2023/137, 10/15/2023, eff. 4/12/2024)
Editor's note: For related unconsolidated provisions, see Appendix A at L.L. 2022/094.
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