May 2013
11 posts
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Cast your vote TODAY for the Helping Hand Award
Thank you again to everyone that submitted nominations for our 12th Annual Neighborhood Achievement Awards, an annual event that honors the individuals, businesses, and groups who share our commitment to making New York even better.
We received more than 220 nominations this year, with 60 in one category alone: the new Helping Hand Award. [[MORE]]The Helping Hand Award will honor a business,...
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UPCOMING SEMINAR: Learn How to Increase Business...
Are you an entrepreneur, running a small business, or a large corporation and looking to increase your profits?
We can help!
The NYC Business Solutions Queens Center is hosting a seminar next week to teach you how to access funds & programs to grow your business.
[[MORE]]In this seminar you’ll learn about accessing city & federal loan programs; MWBE Certification; training grants...
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Cash Flow is Critical!
Good cash management is extremely important in all businesses but especially crucial for small businesses. As a small business owner, your goal is to make sure more cash enters the business than goes out. Sounds simple but it’s not always easy.
The success of your business depends in large part on your ability to monitor cash flow and ensure there’s always enough...
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Discount to Attend Indie Retailer Conference in...
The 2013 Independent Retailer Conference will take place May 20 in NYC at the Scholastic Auditorium, with a full day of retail rich knowledge, support and opportunities.
This one-day, action-packed event offers retailers and community leaders the chance to engage, learn and connect with retail experts, industry leaders, service providers and like-minded entrepreneurs.[[MORE]]
As a thank you...
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Did you know? A SWOT analysis can help you to mitigate and eliminate threats to your business, and discover opportunities.
SWOT is an acronym for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. It is a valuable technique that you can use for understanding your business strengths and weaknesses, and for detecting both the opportunities open to your business and the threats you may face.
...
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Want to open your own business but don't know...
Eligible entrepreneurs can enroll in a free course at CUNY’s College of Staten Island and earn 3 college credits through CUNY CareerPATH.
Participants in the CUNY CareerPATH Entrepreneurship Program learn how to start-up and operate their own small business through an in-depth examination of the requirements, process and possible outcomes of starting a new business.[[MORE]]
To apply,...
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Create a plan. Elevate your workforce. Win...
There’s a revenue engine lying dormant in your organization. The NYC Business Innovation Challenge invites you to create a plan that will give your workers a path to improving their skill bases, access to benefits, career prospects or economic opportunities.
[[MORE]]When you invest in your employees, everybody wins. Maximize their value in a way that gives your organization a path to:
...
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Learn How to Market Your Business Online
Do you want to learn how to move your business online, turn web visitors into customers and/or build your presence on major social media channels?
We can help!
The NYC Business Solutions Queens Center is hosting a seminar next week to teach you how to effectively market your business online using social media and search engines.
[[MORE]]In this seminar you’ll learn how to launch your...
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“Perception Counts.”
– Via NY Daily News: Face-lift on tap for storm-torn Beach 116th St. in Rockaway
The city plans to pump $500,000 into a vital shopping strip in Rockaway in an effort to overhaul blighted and storm-torn storefronts.
NYC Small Business Services Commissioner Robert Walsh said various city agencies...
April 2013
15 posts
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NYCxDESIGNxLEARN with NYC Business Solutions
NYCxDESIGN, NYC’s inaugural citywide event to showcase and promote design of all disciplines, looks to create a platform for cultural and commercial opportunities, elevate established and emerging design practices and increase awareness of and appreciation for design by all audiences.
NYC Business Solutions is collaborating with NYCxDESIGN to offer courses in every borough during the 12...
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“Thank you!”
– We’d like to thank all of you that took the time to submit a nomination for this year’s Neighborhood Achievement Awards. The deadline for submissions has passed, and we’ve received more than 200 nominations - an all-time high!
Stay tuned for the results later this spring.
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Last Chance! Submit Your Nomination TODAY! →
Submit your nominations now for the 2013 Neighborhood Achievement Awards - the deadline is today, Friday, April 26!
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It's Throwback Thursday!
This Throwback Thursday, we’re highlighting winners of the 2009 Neighborhood Achievement Awards.[[MORE]]
Jessamyn Rodriguez, Founder and CEO of Hot Bread Kitchen (Queens Small Business of the Year), received the Business Leader Award during this year’s American Dreamer Awards, part of the NYC Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs’ Immigrant Heritage Week. They were...
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Only 3 Days Left to Nominate a Small Business
New York City is home to thousands of unique small businesses. From the corner bodega to your favorite food cart, here’s your chance to nominate the small business that you love for The Small Business of the Year Award.
Nominate your favorite small business for the “Small Business of the Year” award by April 26, 2013.
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Last Chance to Register! Corporate Alliance...
On Wednesday April 24th, the Corporate Alliance Program will be hosting a Sustainability Practices workshop beginning at 9 a.m. (registration begins at 8:30 a.m. In this workshop, Corporate Alliance Partners (CAP) partners and industry experts review how small businesses can incorporate Sustainability Practices to become environmentally and socially responsible. Panelists that include Citi and Con...
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2012 Bronx Small Business of the Year
“The Oak Point Fresh Food Campus will address a vast and growing untapped demand for regional produce, furnish unprecedented access to wholesome foods for under-served communities, and capture economic value for the South Bronx, for NYS growers, and for NYC’s specialty food manufacturers and distributors.” — Steve Smith, Owner
[[MORE]]
For more than a decade, Steve...
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2012 Queens Small Business of the Year Brooklyn...
Brooklyn Grange, winner of the 2012 Queens Small Business of the Year (part of the Neighborhood Achievement Awards), is branching out, setting up mini-farms, beehives and chicken coops all over city. Their expansion was recently documented by the New York Daily News.
[[MORE]]
Brooklyn Grange is currently the world’s largest rooftop farm, having sold over 35,000 pounds of vegetables, on its...
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2012 Entrepreneur of the Year Bronx Brewery making...
The Bronx Brewery, winner of the 2012 Entrepreneur Award (part of the Neighborhood Achievement Awards) was recently featured in the New York Daily News.
One of three micro-brew operations in the borough, Bronx Brewery, has started offering their flagship Bronx Pale Ale in 16-ounce aluminum cans. Read the whole story here.[[MORE]]
The Bronx Brewery is a craft brewery and distributor based...
The M/WBE of the Year Award
Do you know of a minority and women-owned business that has demonstrated a strong commitment to the city and strengthened the community that it serves? Perhaps they have been providing their services to the community free-of-charge, or established a new internship program for local students. Well you have the opportunity to vote for this year’s winner for the M/WBE Year Award. Submit a nomination...
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2012 Staten Island Small Business of the Year
“Our belief in supporting our neighborhoods has strongly anchored our business establishments into the fabric of the community we serve and live. Such achievements are directly correlated to the strong dedication and hard work of our staff. We are extremely proud to receive this award not only on behalf of our restaurants but on behalf of all our colleagues in the restaurant industry whose...
The Adaptive Reuse/Preservation Award
Be it a coffee shop, boutique, pub or park, don’t keep it a secret! If you know of an innovative company or organization that has revamped an underutilized space and transformed it into a new hot destination to discover, nominate them today for the Adaptive Reuse/Preservation Award, part of the Neighborhood Achievement Awards. on.nyc.gov/NAA2013
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The Cultural Award
If you know a museum, school, church, or gallery that has helped to transform the cultural landscape in your community, then nominate them today for The Cultural Award, part of the Neighborhood Achievement Awards on.nyc.gov/NAA2013
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The Neighborhood Achievement Awards has taken over...
Over the next week this blog will highlight businesses, individuals, and organizations that have made a tremendous impact throughout NYC—ranging from organizations that have transformed entire neighborhoods to individuals that have demonstrated outstanding leadership over the course of their career—they all share the wonderful distinction as a Neighborhood Achievement Award recipient. [[MORE]]This...
March 2013
11 posts
WatchLogan Lo: Midler V. Ford: The Intersection of Trademarks and the Right to Publicity
With style and aplomb, intellectual property attorney Logan Lo examines the fascinating nexus between Trademark Law, the Right to Publicity, and the Right of Privacy. This clip focuses on the prominent 1988 case of Midler v. Ford Motor Co., which established clear parallels between publicity rights and trademark...
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The Entrepreneur Award
Do you know of someone who truly exemplifies entrepreneurship? An individual who went past dreaming to actually do, and opened up the corner shop that sells custom-colored bikes? Entrepreneurs like this are who we need to keep the city moving and develop products that better the community it serves. Nominate that individual for The Entrepreneur Award on.nyc.gov/NAA2013
Small Business Access to Financing Fair
Meet one-on-one with lenders and gain access to a variety of financing options for your business. The Small Business Access to Financing Fair will help business owners get started in the application process, understand lending requirements, review available credit options, source opportunities for working and startup capital, and more. [[MORE]]
Participating lenders include:
· ACCION...
The Best Way to Maintain Customer Retention (Via...
Posted on March 12, 2013 by Patrick McFadden
Your ultimate goal in building a platform or tribe should be to turn strangers into followers, turn followers into prospects, turn prospects into friends, turn friends into customers, and then… do the most vital job: turn your customers into evangelist. [[MORE]]
This is important because identifying that process will allow you to create more...
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Neighborhood Achievement Awards Nominations
We are now accepting nominations for the 2013 Neighborhoods Achievement Awards. Click here for the award categories this year and nominate a deserving individual today!
The Neighborhood Achievement Awards annually honor the individuals, businesses and groups who share our commitment to building neighborhoods, creating jobs, and creating opportunities for New Yorkers. Deputy Mayor Robert K. Steel...
Grow your Business with Email and Social Media
This workshop is an interactive seminar where key concepts of email and social media marketing are discussed and developed. Accompanied by a short workbook, you will be guided through a process of creating a digital marketing strategy that is unique to your business or organization. [[MORE]] By documenting your understanding of these topics, in a way...
WatchAlcohol Import Regulations Under the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau
Many are the individual who enjoys a hearty glass of Cabernet, but how many among them understand the maze of regulations the wine had to overcome to end up on their table? Attorney Keven Danow offers a rich discussion of the regulation of the import of alcoholic beverages under the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade...
Branding Basics for Small Businesses Seminar
For a small business, branding is key to building your client base, awareness and ultimately sales. It is important to understand the branding process and how small business owners can easily go through the steps create their own unique brand.[[MORE]]
It is important to understand the branding process and how small business owners can easily go through...
New Corporate Alliance Program Workshop Thursday, March 21 9:30 AM
The Responding to Bids & RFPs workshop includes topics such as Request for Proposals (RFP) objectives and definitions, steps to prepare and plan for RFPs, E-sourcing, and essential tips for success. [[MORE]]Panelists from Accenture, Citi, Colgate-Palmolive, and Columbia University will discuss opportunities for M/WBEs, and...
Heighten your Staff’s Skills!
You have spent time, energy and money to hire and build a winning team. Surely, you have been diligently working towards increasing your business productivity and reducing employee turnover. However, you may still be faced with hurdles. [[MORE]]
Some hurdles may include:
A language barrier that prevents work from being done on time and accurately
Your current...
Make Your Voice Heard
Dear Business Owner,
Small businesses are a critical part of our economy. To help us better understand business conditions, we are partnering with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on a short survey. We want to hear from you about the current business climate, your financing needs, and your credit experiences. Responses are confidential and will be used to inform policy makers and...
February 2013
16 posts
WatchQualified Mortgages under the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: Determining Ability to Repay
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has implemented sweeping mortgage regulatory updates that will have a direct and lasting impact on real estate practitioners. Real estate attorney and 15 year mortgage industry professional Daniel Shlufman examines how, exactly, these changes will play...
3 Qualities of Effective Leadership
From amateur accountant to copier repairman, the average small business owner wears enough hats to fit in with Alice and Dormouse at the famed Wonderland tea party. [[MORE]]
Unfortunately, most entrepreneurs would agree that day-to-day operations can be just as chaotic as the Mad Hatter’s wacky get together. Of all these different roles, however, perhaps the...
Income Tax Return: Things You Should Know
That time of year when businesses must file their annual income tax return. The income tax return form you use depends on how your business is structured.
[[MORE]]
Business Structure & Tax Forms:
Sole Proprietorship
Form 1040 U.S. Individual Income Tax Return and a Schedule C (Profit or Loss from Business)
Partnerships
Form...
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Watch
Making the Best of the Gift Tax Exemption
With the encroachment of tax season and its plethora of accompanying challenges, wisdom is, as always, in high demand. With a broader discussion of 2012’s American Taxpayer Relief Act, tax and business law expert Bart Basi highlights the ways in which the gift exemption can prove beneficial to tax filers. Taken from the Lawline.com course “American...
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Restaurant and Bar Boot Camp
Join us for an in-depth discussion on what it takes to open, operate, and grow a Restaurant or Bar in NYC. [[MORE]]
This discussion will be led by: David Helbraun, Esq. an attorney whose firm specializes in the hospitality industry; Jessica Pichardo of NYC Business Solutions and a former restaurant owner; and William Belida, owner of 212 Restaurant Consultants with...
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That's So New York: Small Business Services →
In this special edition of “That’s So New York: Small Business Services,” host Dave Evans explores the many ways the City’s Department of Small Business Services help industries thrive and grow in the Big Apple — from offering career counseling and online workshops, to business grants and workforce recruitment.
Programs Offer Lifelines After Sandy (via Crain's) →
Two initiatives are aimed at helping local businesses recover from the hurricane. The city’s Emergency Loan Fund, a $15 million program run by the Department of Small Business Services through NYC Business Solutions. And the NYC Matching Grant Program, a foundation supported effort that has $5.5 million in funds and is administered by the New York Business Development Corp. in collaboration...
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Watch
Precision of Language in Contract Drafting: A Vital Concern
What do contract drafting and word puzzles have in common? Both highlight the ability of language to be infinitely more complex than meets the eye. In this clip, business and tax law attorney Morris Nunes provides two detailed examples of scenarios where unintended ambiguity in the language of a contract can spell doom for all parties...
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CANCELLED: Legal Workshop The Legal Workshop that was scheduled for 2/12/13 at NYC Business Solutions, Washington Heights has been cancelled. We’re sorry for any inconvenience.
City Plans to Allot First $1 Billion in Storm Aid... →
New York City plans to spend its first $1 billion in federal money for Hurricane Sandy recovery on loans and grants to homeowners and businesses affected by the storm and efforts to protect public housing and critical infrastructure.
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The “411” on Local Law 1 of 2013
In 2005, Mayor Bloomberg signed Local Law 129. Local Law 129 helped increase the number of minority and women-owned firms (MWBEs) certified to participate in the City’s program from 700 pre-2005 to more than 3,500 since 2005 with certified firms winning more than $3 billion in City contracts.
On January 7, 2013, Mayor Bloomberg took one more step to help...
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Watch
Immigration and Education: A Confluence of Concerns
How do immigration and the education system intersect? Why is it important to establish the appropriate education level for the immigrant student for labor certification purposes? Immigration law attorney John Bleimaier examines this question in detail and sheds light on the importance of adequate documentation and research. Taken from the...
