Q&A
SBS programs to help small businesses relocate
0:55:38
ยท
121 sec
Commissioner Dynishal Gross outlines SBS programs and services available to help small businesses relocate when facing difficulties with commercial landlords. The discussion covers specific relocation programs and their limitations.
- SBS has had few broad relocation-specific programs in recent years
- Examples include programs focused on the Jerome Avenue corridor and Gowanus neighborhood, related to rezoning
- Relocation grants have specific criteria, including being up to date on taxes and proving displacement is related to rezoning
- SBS offers a relocation incentive program for businesses moving from Manhattan to upper Manhattan or other boroughs
- General advisement is available through business solution centers and industrial business solutions providers
Amanda Farias
0:55:38
Great.
0:55:38
And then in in spaces where small businesses are encountering difficulties with commercial landlords, does SBS offer any programs or services to help them relocate, find a different space, minimize any of the costs of getting into a bad situation?
Dynishal Gross
0:55:55
So in terms of relocation, we've only had a few relocation specific programs in recent years, and they have been, they haven't had a broad, broad demand.
0:56:10
So one of them was really was focused on the Jerome Avenue corridor relating to a rezoning, because there was concern that there would be displacement of long time auto repair businesses on the corridor.
0:56:25
We currently are in the process of launching a program focused on the Gowanus neighborhood, also relating to a rezoning.
0:56:35
As I said, you know, we're nonregulatory, non enforcement agency, but when it comes to giving grants, including relocation grants, the criteria for working with the city, I think, can be significant significant for a business.
0:56:49
For example, you need to be, you know, in, up to date on all of your taxes, and you have to be able to show that the displacement or the potential move is related to the rezoning.
0:57:01
So, we do our best to deliver those programs as laid out in the points of agreement, and, but they haven't had a significant demand.
0:57:11
Okay.
0:57:12
Other other than that, we do deliver some incentive programs.
0:57:16
We have one relocation incentive program.
0:57:19
If you're a business operating within Manhattan and you're locating to upper Manhattan or to the 5 boroughs, there may be some resources supporting that that relocation.
0:57:29
Otherwise, it's advisement through our business solution centers, our industrial business solutions providers, or through CLA if you're signing a lease in a new location.