Resources & Assistance

Our Chinatown BID Welcome Packet is designed to help our businesses respond to issues they’re facing. From sanitation complaints to connecting you to the right resources, our Welcome Packet has all of the information businesses and property owners need to know about. Download Packet

Assistance &
Resources

Restaurant Meals Program

The Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) allows some Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) households to use their Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card to buy prepared meals at participating restaurants. Restaurants with more than 50% of total gross retail sales that come from the sale of hot or cold prepared foods intended for immediate consumption may apply.

Small Business Sustainability Guide

EcoBiz’s Small Business Sustainability Guide is a free resource helping local small businesses adopt practical, cost-effective sustainable practices. It covers five key areas: energy and water conservation, waste reduction, sustainable purchasing, greenwashing, and community engagement, while connecting businesses with useful programs and resources.

Created by EcoBiz, a youth-led nonprofit advancing sustainable business education and action. For more resources and opportunities, visit ecobiznyc.org.

Business Owner Bill Of Rights

A Business Owner Bill of Rights is a statement that outlines the fundamental rights and protections every business owner should expect when operating a business. It promotes fair treatment, transparency, equal opportunity, and access to the resources needed to start, grow, and sustain a successful business.

Accessibility Compliance

All new and existing businesses in New York City are required to comply with federal (ADA), as well as state and city anti-discrimination and accessibility requirements under the NYSHRL, NYCHRL, and other local laws such as the Building Code.

Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE) Certification Program

The City of New York Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE) Program helps you, as a minority and/or women entrepreneur, access government contracts and grow your businesses. When you get certified with the City, your business becomes more visible to buyers, including City agencies and private contractors looking to purchase goods and services.

Business Preparedness and Resiliency Program

From gas leaks and fires to major storms and cyber threats, NYC business owners face a variety of unexpected emergencies. The NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) can support your business before, during, and after an emergency or other disruptions to your operations.

VIEW MROE

Save Time and Money with the NYC Business Express Service Team (BEST)

Through education and advocacy, NYC BEST will help you launch and operate your small business storefront with limited delay.

World Cup One-Day Permit

The World Cup One-Day Permit allows event organizers to host off-site activations, such as fan festivals, events with multiple vendors and large viewing events, throughout the duration of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Bars and restaurants can also apply for the World Cup One-Day Permit to extend service into contiguous unlicensed outdoor areas for World Cup events. Businesses, organizations or individuals can apply for this permit to host a World Cup watch party.

Storefront Improvement: A Guide for Neighborhood Commercial Districts

This guide to storefront improvements will help you understand the parts of a traditional storefront—the sign, awning, lighting, display window, and security devices—and make good design decisions. It also includes
an overview of some costs and regulations related to storefronts and guidance to activate vacant storefronts in
your neighborhood.