Business Solutions Centers offer economic helping hand

Small businesses may be getting a helping hand as Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced that the city’s Business Solutions Centers and chambers of commerce throughout the five boroughs will team up to deliver more assistance during this difficult economic period.
“By partnering with the chambers of commerce in all five boroughs, we can reach more businesses to make sure that they know these programs exist and that we’re here to help,” said Bloomberg, who made the announcement on Tuesday, October 14 in Brooklyn. “We know accessing capital is going to be increasingly difficult for small businesses, but we want them to be in the best position possible to weather the storm.”
Under the new partnership, both Business Solutions Centers and the chambers of commerce will work together to identify and target businesses that can benefit from the different services Business Solutions Centers offer.
The city’s Small Business Services (SBS) will give the chambers with an overview of the services offered as well as a set of specific questions to ask businesses in order to determine needs. They will also provide marketing materials and a simple referral form they can use to send their members, in particular for loan packaging assistance.
“The Queens Chamber of Commerce has enjoyed a wonderful relationship with the Business Solution Center system and we have been in talks during these tough economic times to strengthen that relationship even further in hopes of assisting small businesses which are truly the lifeblood our borough,” said Queens Chamber of Commerce Executive Vice President Jack Friedman.
Business Solution Centers provide business with assistance in starting, operating and expanding throughout the city.
“Even during the best of times operating a business can be challenging,” said SBS Commissioner Robert Walsh. “Through NYC Business Solutions,
we have account managers across our city who are experts in helping small businesses access capital, develop or refine business plans, and navigate city government.”