The City of New York launched Small Business First to reduce the burden of regulation on small businesses and cut government red tape to make it easier for New York City small businesses to start, operate, and thrive. In business, time is money, and that is why we are committed to reducing the time it takes to deal with the City in half – and ensuring that this commitment reaches every business, in every neighborhood, in every borough.

With support from more than 15 City agencies, the Department of Small Business Services and the Mayor’s Office of Operations developed Small Business First to make the city’s regulatory system one that supports small businesses. Over the coming weeks, months, and years, we will transform the regulatory environment and provide the solutions that business owners have long sought. Through 30 commitments, the initiative will:

• Improve the way information is provided to businesses through investments in technology, educational resources, and infrastructure
• Change the way the City works with businesses by promoting an environment of resources as opposed to punitive enforcement
• Simplify rules and processes to make the overall regulatory system less complex
• Ensure that the system is accessible to all small businesses regardless of language ability or location.

The city’s more than 200,000 small businesses create local jobs, anchor our communities, strengthen our economy, and uplift our neighborhoods across the five boroughs. Through Small Business First, the City will continue to work harder and smarter for our small businesses.

To learn more about the Small Business First initiatives and see how they will help your business at nyc.gov/smallbizfirst.