BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS (BIDs)

• Support current effort to form a Gowanus Business Improvement District (BID) to provide crucial assistance and resources for small businesses

• Work closely with local BIDs (and similar organizations in areas without BIDs) to advocate for small businesses and ensure they have the resources and information needed to thrive

MIXED-USE ZONING

• Push for new mixed-use developments, including renovated industrial buildings, to set aside a percentage of street-level retail space to be leased at below-market rates for local or community-serving small businesses

RENT STABILIZATION & PROTECTIONS

• Increase transparency in the commercial leasing process to provide a level playing field for small business owners

• Advocate for pilot programs for commercial and retail rent stabilization for small businesses

• Incentivize landlords to offer longer lease terms

SMALL BUSINESS SERVICES

• Expand the capacity of the Department of Small Business Services to better provide efficient and responsive support services to small businesses

• Revitalize the SBS Connect website to truly provide a comprehensive and easy-to-use portal for small business owners to gain information and receive assistance on regulations, potential violations, logistics, waste management, trash pick-up, and more

• Provide more resources for small business owners on the new provisions laid out in City of Yes

PERMITTING REFORM

• Explore streamlined permitting processes for low-risk small businesses, allowing them to open more quickly

• Provide clearer instructions and guidance for prospective small business owners to help them navigate a complex permitting process, include additional language services