Best Small Business Resources in the Brooklyn Area

Description

Startup52 is a diversity-minded and minority-focused accelerator program in Brooklyn that emphasises the talent and capabilities of individuals and teams selected for the program. The 12 week program provides one-on-one mentoring, coworking space, and technical support in legal, marketing, and accounting areas. These services are provided to startups in return for a 5% equity stake in the participant companies.

Description

The Brooklyn Public Library offers a variety of services that may be of interest to entrepreneurs. Members have the option of booking a librarian to receive one-on-one assistance doing research or using library services. Meeting rooms are available to reserve, and the library hosts frequent professional events, some of which may be of use to someone looking to start a business. The library also hosts annual business plan competitions and provides access to leading industry publications.

Restrictions

A library membership may be required to access certain amenities

Description

The greatest strength of the SBDC is their free, confidential, 1-on-1 business mentoring for anyone who seeks it. Sometimes in order to be considered for mentoring from one of their professional business advisors, you may have to attend a class/workshop or at least present your business plan. SBDC's are located all throughout the state and you should use the SBDC closest to your location if possible, but you can often transfer to a different location if they do not fit your needs.

Description

SCORE (Service Corp of Retired Executives) is a leading, nation-wide organization that has assisted millions of entrepreneurs over its 50+ years of operation. SCORE is a resource partner of the SBA that offers access to a network of experienced business leaders who donate time to mentor entrepreneurs and small business owners. They also host free or inexpensive workshops online and at 300 local chapters around the United States. Mentoring can be conducted either in person or remotely and is always free and confidential, no matter how often you take advantage of this service.

Description

Brooklyn Works at 159 is a coworking space offering flexible coworking and private office membership plans. Members enjoy 24/7 access to their areas as well as access to conference rooms and event spaces that seat up to 35. Brooklyn Works offers local coffee and teas in a shared kitchen space, common lounge areas, and private phone booths. They host regular social events like happy hours and pancake breakfasts.

Description

FBD is a collaborative effort between several NYC organizations, offering a free 10-week business course tailored for food businesses. Participants receive one-on-one coaching and a free food handlers license and business incorporation. Entrepreneurs in the program compete for one of four free incubator spaces at the end of the course, offering 5 months of incubation as they prepare to operationalize their food business.

Restrictions

Must be a NYCHA public housing resident or NYCHA Section 8 Voucher holder to access programs. Participants must also have a passion for food business.

Description

The local government of New York City offers many programs and opportunities to make starting a business in NYC as easy as possible. FastTrac is a free 10-session class that prepares entrepreneurs to develop a business plan and launch a successful business. The website itself excels at providing personalized steps to launch a business in NYC, matching advice to a person’s individual situation and goals. Free workshops are hosted throughout NYC, on topics both particular to specific industries and general enough to be of interest to any entrepreneur.

Description

Women's Business Centers are nationwide programs established by the SBA to assist women in starting small businesses. Some of these centers are combined with other local organizations and use that relationship to offer even more services. Each Women's Business Center has counselors who can provide mentorship and assistance with business planning. Women’s Business Centers also provide a network of other businesses, and some have loan programs available

Restrictions

The Women's Business Centers are, as the name implies, meant for women primarily.