Small Business Advocate

Job Description

Agency Description
The New York City Department of Small Business Services (SBS) is a vibrant, client-centered agency whose mission is to serve New York’s small businesses, jobseekers and commercial districts. SBS makes it easier for companies in New York City to start, operate, and expand by providing direct assistance to business owners, supporting commercial districts, promoting financial and economic opportunity among minority- and women-owned businesses, preparing New Yorkers for jobs, and linking employers with a skilled and qualified workforce. SBS continues to reach for higher professional standards through innovative systems, new approaches to government, and a strong focus on its employees. SBS also works to make changes to the overall regulatory environment to help the small business community.

Division Description
The Division of Business Services (DBS) is dedicated to helping NYC businesses start, operate and expand in New York City while leading systemic change to improve the regulatory environment for businesses. The Division is guided by principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion.


Job Description:

NYC BEST (Business Express Service Team) as outlined in the Mayor's Blueprint for New York City's Economic Recovery, is a dedicated team of Small Business Advocates and Compliance Advisors serving as a single point of contact between City agencies and small businesses operating in the five boroughs.
The City of Yes for Economic Development was adopted by the City Council on June 6, 2024. It aims to make it easier for business owners to find commercial space and grow their business. It will eliminate certain zoning restrictions that will boost growing industries and create a more business-friendly streetscape in New York City. Small Business Advocates will join NYC BEST to support industries such as, clean production and other manufacturing, amusement and recreation, urban agriculture, tattoo shops, nightlife businesses, and other affected personal care business types.

As part of the NYC BEST initiative, Small Business Advocate will work directly with new and operating businesses looking to open sooner and operate easier in New York City. Small Business Advocate will provide insightful advice to business owners and licensed professionals, assisting them to understand and navigate relevant City policies and regulations. Small Business Advocate also connects businesses with the Compliance Advisors to ensure their commercial space is compliant with the City and State’s rules and regulations prior to inspection visit.

Reporting to the Director of NYC BEST Initiatives, the specific responsibilities of Small Business Advocate include:
- Work with business owners to identify all City requirements for operating or opening a new business, understand specific issues or concerns impacting the client, and provide guidance, information or steps towards resolution.
- Conducting research into City, and relevant NYS, codes, permits, and requirements especially as they relate to City of Yes for Economic Opportunity
- Participate in inter-governmental classroom trainings and field trainings and shadowing including but not limited to DOHMH, DOB, FDNY, SLA, DCP, DCWP, and DEP.
- Assisting with guiding business owners through City services necessary to meet requirements for opening a new business by working with partner City agencies.
- Ability to communicate complex, technical information, such as City codes, zoning requirements, and permitting procedures, in plain language that individuals without technical training can easily comprehend.
- Identify opportunities for policy and program development to assist the small business sector and improve interactions between small businesses and city agencies.
- Explain possible actions business owners could take to meet regulatory requirements and eliminate conditions contributing to noncompliance with City, State, and Federal laws, rules, and regulations.
- Establish and maintain positive relationships with business owners by proactively engaging with clients and setting clear expectations regarding City requirements, timelines, and next steps.
- Support promotional activities to raise awareness among business owners around the availability of SBS services, including door-knocking, participating in speaking engagements or distributing promotional materials at community events.
- Communicate agency services and relevant City services on the phone, over email, during one-on-one meetings, and at outreach events.
- Collaborate with City agencies and their respective personnel to identify solutions for NYC’s business community.
- Working alongside the SBS teams to design and deliver programming that supports business launch and operation.
- Consistently and accurately collect and maintain information on all services to new busines