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Black & White photo of 5th Avenue and Bay Ridge Parkway intersection

Merchant Resources

Guidance for small business owners (2).p
Guidance for Small Businesses Owners Regarding COVID-19
 
We understand things are difficult at the moment, and there is alot of concern, not only about public health, but also resources impacting on local business due to COVID-19. Please know the BID is here and remains active as we get through this crisis together. Please review some resources and recommendations below. We will continue to post info as it becomes available and strongly encourage businesses to reach out via email for help and support. 
  • Food Establishments: While some restaurants are choosing to close entirely, many will still be open for pick-up at the door or for delivery. If you have the means, continue to order from them. Instead of utilizing delivery services such as Seamless, Grubhub, & UberEats, please contact and order directly from the restaurant of your choosing via phone or their website. Online delivery services as mentioned are claiming to defer fees. However, that does not mean a waiver. 
  • Bars & Restaurants: Will be allowed to sell alcohol to-go. However, this is not a permanent change and would only be in effect for the duration of the mandatory closures.
  • Professional Services: Consider remote access and video conference capabilities
     for employees and clients. Make sure you are equipped at home to run a home 
    office (i.e., find a quiet space, share your cell phone  number with clients, create a dedicated phone line,  make sure you have access to any documents you may 
    need, have chargers and all tech needs on hand).
  • Personal Services: If customers are wary about public spaces, consider 
    providing in-home services. Consider more lenient cancellation policies if it appears 
    that a customer or employee may exhibit symptoms. Make sure the policies and procedures around home visits are clear to all employees.
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WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE ALL BUSINESSES TO COMPLETE A SURVEY TO PROVIDED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF SMALL BUSINESS SERVICES TO HELP MEASURE THE IMPACT OF COVID-119 OUTBREAK ON YOUR BUSINESS
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For the latest guidelines, tips and FAQs for small businesses from the City of New York, please click below or sign-up for updates by e-mail.
Resource Guide
 
Comprehensive guide to connect merchants with city-wide resources and explain essential business regulations. The guide covers critical topics such as:
  • Legal issues, permits & licenses
  • Financing & incentives
  • Immigrant-owned businesses
  • Violations & complaints
  • Licenses & Inspections
  • Sanitation requirements
  • Neighborhood Safety
  • Accessibilty requirements
Website Design & Marketing
 
For merchants within the BID, we design marketing materials such as social media graphics, and flyers. We have the capability to design a custom website for your business and domain name connection. These services are FREE of charge to the merchants of the 5th Avenue BID.
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We also advertise local events, sales and news through the BID social media platforms & website.
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Contact or tag us on social media to share your promotions with us!
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Advocacy
 
The BID acts as a liaison between local businesses, stakeholders, and City agencies providing a collective voice for the neighborhood to help inform City policy. The BID is in close contact with local politicians, Community Board 10, and non-profit organizations in Bay Ridge. 
Helpful Links
NYC Department of Small Business Services logo
NYC business logo
NYC Department of Consumer Affairs
NYC Department of Health logo

The NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) helps unlock economic potential and create economic security for all New Yorkers by connecting New Yorkers to good jobs, creating stronger businesses, and building thriving neighborhoods across the five boroughs

Operating a Business in NYC? Create an account to apply for or renew licenses, pay for violations, and get all of the information you need to operate your business. 

The NYC Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) protects and enhances the daily economic lives of New Yorkers to create thriving communities. DCA licenses more than 81,000 businesses in more than 50 industries and enforces key consumer protection, licensing, and workplace laws that apply to countless more.

The NYC Department of Health (DOH) issues many types of licenses and permits under the NYC Health Code. If you own or plan to own a restaurant or any food business, DOH permits are required. 

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