This page is maintained for members and is updated every few days, when needed, by BID staff so you have a one-stop place where you can find current information about changes in business regulations, new grants, sanitation and security updates for Church and Flatbush Avenues, and small business or property-related programs that you may not see on the news.
Do you have a question, or do you want to propose we add an additional topic? Just email us at [email protected] or leave us a message at 929-722-6340.
Key to NYC & NYS Mask/Vaccination Mandates (updated Aug. 2, 2022)
Brooklyn EXCELerate Loan Fund
The $2.5MM Brooklyn EXCELerate Loan Fund supported by the Social Justice Fund of the Joe & Clara Tsai Foundation will target BIPOC-owned business owners in Brooklyn, providing “character-based” loans to help them get back on their feet post-pandemic and support equitable economic momentum in Brooklyn. To learn more about the loan fund’s eligibility criteria, and how to sign up, visit: Financing – Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce
What is it? Small businesses, microbusinesses, and for-profit independent arts and cultural organizations who have experienced hardship due to COVID-19. Grants of $5,000 – $2.5 million based on annual gross receipts for 2019. Landlords and passive real estate businesses, churches, etc. are not eligible.
Am I still eligible if I have received other grants? You cannot apply if you have received funding from the SBA Restaurant Revitalization Program, have received loan(s) forgiven under PPP, but you may be eligible if you were unable to obtain enough business assistance from such federal programs.
Important Note: The eligibility requirements for this Program have been updated as of 07/21/22, and the demonstration of positive net profit on 2019 Business Return ($1 or greater) will no longer be considered. Existing applicants will be reexamined and contacted by Lendistry (please do not submit a new application.)
For more information and to apply: https://nysmallbusinessrecovery.com/
PPP (Paycheck Protection Program) borrowers (updated July 26, 2022)
Borrowers can apply for forgiveness any time up to the maturity date of the loan. If borrowers do not apply for forgiveness within 10 months after the last day of the covered period, then PPP loan payments are no longer deferred, and borrowers will begin making loan payments to their PPP lender. Use this portal to apply for forgiveness.
WEBINARS: Applying for Loans & Grants for NYC Small Businesses (updated July 26, 2022)
The NYC Dept. of Small Business Services (SBS) offers free workshops on how to apply for grants and loans. In addition to providing an overview of available financing options, they will share tips to consider before taking on debt, an overview of documents commonly required to apply for a loan, and a summary of other loans and grants that are currently available for NYC businesses. There are weekly sessions and you must register. Sign up for workshops (as well as SBS’s small business classes on other important business topics) here.
WORKSHOPS: Digital Marketing & getting listed for free on Google, from the NYC Small Business Solutions Center (updated July 20, 2022)
Making sure your business has a strong presence online is essential to helping customers find your physical location as well as a great tool to attract new customers. The NYC Small Business Solutions Center offers free online workshops including these single session courses:
Look at the schedule of all these weekly workshops here.
WORKSHOPS: Instagram for Small Business, offered by BRIC (updated Aug. 4, 2022)
This arts and media organization offers free and low-cost media training workshops. We especially like Instagram for Small Business. This free class covers setting up an Instagram Business account, the basics of posting, Instagram Stories, Analytics and posting strategies such as when to post, tagging, and adding hashtags. See all available times and register here.
Get BID Support Improving your Online Presence (updated July 20, 2022)
The BID is available (for free) to assist with photography, take short videos of your business for you to post online, and promote your business’s opening, specials, celebrations, or anniversary on our social media. Contact us at [email protected] or leave us a message at 929-722-6340 to schedule an appointment at your location.
Getting Help from the BID (updated July 23, 2022)
We have helped numerous BID members with tickets and, in some cases, have been able to provide information to successfully fight them. For help, contact us at [email protected] or leave us a message at 929-722-6340. If the ticket involves a sanitation or sidewalk issue, please take several photos of the issue and email them to us so we can try to assist.
Business owners can either arrange with a private carter to have their waste collected, or obtain a “Self-Hauler” registration from the Business Integrity Commission and transport the waste in a vehicle with commercial license plates. Find details here (jump to page 32).
Business owners are required to keep their sidewalks swept clean including 18 “ into the street.
Effective April 1, 2023, businesses that place waste at the curb* for collection have two setout options:
*This does not apply to businesses that have waste collected from loading docks or other off-street locations.
Find out more information about these new set out times on the DSNY website.
Fines for setting out too early will be $50 for first offense, $100 for second offense, and $200 for third and subsequent offenses within a 12-month period. For the month of April, they will be issuing written warnings. Starting May 1, tickets will be issued and warning recipients will be among the first places inspected for compliance.
Questions or concerns about these new rules? Please call 311 and then send us the complaint number so we can follow up.
(Sweeping sidewalks, tree pits, and gutters; clear catch basins; remove snow and excess rain; removal of stickers and painting over graffiti on lampposts and other public property):
The BIDs’ supplemental sanitation crews are intended to provide additional sanitation but should not be used as a replacement for a property/business’s own cleaning.
Sign up for the City’s no-cost Forever Graffiti Free program here so you can be included in the next City-led graffiti removal. If you’d rather download and print the form, find it here in English and Spanish. For information on the program, find it here. Please notify the BID as soon as you apply so we can follow up, if needed.
Security Camera Installations (updated Mar. 2023)
Under the Single District Small BID Grant from NYC Small Business Services, and funding From Council Member Rita Joseph, the BID has been arranging camera installations for the Flatbush Avenue and Church Avenue BIDs. Business or property owners that are interested in getting a camera installed should fill out this form or reach out to [email protected] for more information.
Security Guard Foot and Car Patrol
Starting in March 2023 a security guard will be patrolling the Flatbush Avenue and Church Avenue BIDs from 11am to 7pm. This program is funded by the New York City Department of Small Business Services Small BID Support Grant Program.
Department of Buildings (DOB) After Hours Sessions (updated Apr. 12, 2023)
The Department of Buildings (DOB) hosts Buildings After Hours information sessions every Tuesday, from 4 PM – 7 PM (except City Holidays), at each of their Borough Offices. No appointment is necessary.
DOB staff, including Plan Examiners, Inspectors, and others will be available to answer questions and provide information on home renovation and construction projects, open violations on a property, DOB’s online resources and MUCH MORE.
Homeowners, tenants, small business owners, and building managers are welcome.
The Brooklyn location is:
Brooklyn Borough Office
345 Adams Street, 3rd Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Find out more info here
Commercial Lease Assistance for Tenants (updated Aug. 18, 2022)
Small Business Support Project (SBSP) from Brooklyn Legal Services Corporation A
SBSP services include but are not limited to:
Apply for lease help here (that link will lead you to the NYC Dept. of Small Business Services’ Commercial Lease Assistance Program where you can register to get help).
You can find additional help in the City’s Commercial Lease Guide available in English; puedes encontrar la Guia es en Español aqui.
Free Virtual Legal Consultation for Your Business (updated Aug. 18, 2022)
Provided through the NYC Dept. of Small Business Services.
Register for this legal clinic including a 30-minute free consultation with an attorney which can cover lease help. See the schedule of sessions and register here.