‘Small Business First’ Initiative to Reduce Regulatory Burdens on Bronx Small Businesses

On Friday, the de Blasio Administration announced Small Business First, a new initiative led by the Mayor’s Office of Operations and the Department of Small Business Services (SBS), in coordination with multiple City agencies, to improve the regulatory climate in New York City and help businesses avoid penalties and fines. Collaborating with more than ten City agencies, the initiative will build upon existing regulatory reforms by reaching small businesses and under-served New Yorkers across the five boroughs, promoting education and compliance as part of enforcement, and reducing violations by focusing on cross-agency collaboration to simplify rules and compliance processes. The first inter-agency meeting was held Thursday.

“This initiative will help disseminate critical information to our small businesses, allowing them to properly comply with regulations.  Furthermore, we welcome the continued support of city agencies to help businesses with any needed technical assistance,” said Lenny Caro, President and CEO of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce. “Thank you, Mayor de Blasio for this program.”

“Small Business First is about changing the way the City of New York interacts with small business owners,” said the Mayor. “When a representative of the City walks through the door of a small business for the first time, we want the owner to see a partner. From simplifying the rules and regulations to helping small business owners remain compliant, we are bringing together agencies in a concerted effort to ensure our small business owners have the resources and support they need to flourish.”

Over the coming months, the Mayor has charged the Mayor’s Office of Operations and SBS to work closely with participating agencies and solicit public feedback to develop concrete recommendations on how the City can achieve the goals of Small Business First. The Mayor’s Office of Operations and SBS will be working closely with the Departments of Buildings, Consumer Affairs, Environmental Protection, FDNY, Health and Mental Hygiene, and Sanitation, along with projects with OATH, Board of Standards and Appeals, Department of City Planning, and the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities. Supporting agencies include the Departments of Law, Finance, the Office of Management and Budget, and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs.

A report of the recommendations will be issued in the late-fall. Goals of Small Business First include:

  • Delivering improved services to underserved businesses (i.e. immigrant owned businesses, outer boroughs, low/moderate-income business owners)
  • Providing better information about government requirements and how to comply
  • Simplifying rules and compliance processes to reduce violations
  • Ensuring enforcement promotes compliance through education and flexibility
  • Easing the process for correction and adjudication by helping businesses understand penalties and providing more convenient ways to resolve violations

 

 

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