Grow Your Business in West Harlem

financing

NY Future Fund

City backed loans that are tied into your sales revenue. Check it out! $25,000 to $500,000 are available at a 7.5% annual interest rate, with principal repayment terms designed to adjust based on business revenue, offering greater flexibility in managing cash flow so that small businesses may focus on growth.

March 20, 2026

Hamilton Heights Business Alliance – Neighborhood Schools Promotion

Teachers & Schools Campaign Connects Businesses and Schools This winter, the Hamilton Heights Business Alliance launched its Teachers & Schools promotional campaign, connecting 16+ West Harlem businesses with the 18 local K–12 schools that employ an estimated 800 teachers and staff. Members have stepped forward with generous, educator-focused offers. At Cohen’s Fashion Optical (3525 Broadway), union and non-union school employees receive a $100 discount on eyewear plus 20% off a second pair. At Crispin’s,

February 15, 2026

grants

Grant Opportunity – $5,000 Due March 31

To complement the hundreds of free resources available through Verizon Small Business Digital Ready, Verizon, in partnership with LISC, is awarding $5,000 grants to 25 small businesses based in New York to help them sustain and grow their businesses. The grant will be awarded directly to selected business owners and does not need to be repaid. Who can apply? To be eligible to apply for the New York $5,000 Grant, you must meet the following

February 12, 2026

accounting

NYC Free Tax Prep for Self-Employed Filers

Check out the guide to find tax filing help.

February 12, 2026

delivery

Updates: Delivery Apps and Your Business

Does your restaurant use an app to take customer orders for delivery or pickup? NYC’s Third-Party Food Delivery Service Laws have a licensing requirement for apps and protections for the restaurants that use them. Restaurants have requirements, as well. YOUR RIGHTS: Apps must have a written agreement with your restaurant to list it on the app. Agreements must include bathroom access for food delivery workers. See responsibilities section below. Apps cannot charge your restaurant more than the

February 12, 2026

storefronts

Old Awning? No Permit for Your Sign?

NYC Council Legislation Passed To Help – no fines, more time, no fees to get your sign permitted Effective immediately: Three-Year Penalty Freeze: Extends the moratorium on fines for non-compliant awnings and accessory signs for three additional years, lasting until February 8, 2028. Updated Eligibility: The moratorium now applies to signs installed before February 9, 2025. Safety Restriction: Enforcement is only paused for violations that do not pose health or safety hazards. Enhanced Assistance: Extends NYC Department of Buildings

February 12, 2026