Ready when you are — book in under a minute.
- $0Always free — funded by grants & donations
- 15–30 minOne-on-one sessions, follow-ups welcome
- All NYC businessesNo Chamber membership required
- 3 languagesEnglish, Chinese & Spanish
- Next business dayTypical appointment availability
Talk to the Right Expert
Pick the specialist that matches what you need. Every session is a free, confidential conversation — no sales pressure.
Business Support Specialist
Ideal for: growth, marketing & day-to-day operations
Strategic guidance on marketing, operations, permits, funding, and technology — plus referrals to the right city programs and resources.
- Marketing
- Permits & Licenses
- Funding & Grants
- AI & Digital Tools
Banker
Ideal for: loans, credit & banking questions
Explore business loans, lines of credit, SBA (Small Business Administration) programs, and account setup with bankers who specialize in small business.
- Business Loans
- SBA Programs
- Lines of Credit
- Banking Setup
Lawyer
Ideal for: contracts, leases & legal setup
Navigate contracts, entity formation, commercial leases, compliance, and intellectual property with experienced attorneys — at no cost to you.
- Contracts
- LLC & Corp Formation
- Leases
- IP & Trademarks
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Pick your expert
Specialist, banker, or lawyer — based on what you need.
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Choose a time
Book online — appointments usually open the next business day.
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Get expert advice
Meet one-on-one for 15–30 minutes. Come back anytime.
Quick Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it really free?
Yes. Every session is completely free — no cost, no credit card, no sales pitch. The Help Desk is funded by grants, corporate partnerships, and donations through the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
Who is eligible?
All NYC businesses — you do not need to be a Manhattan Chamber of Commerce member, and you don't need to join anything to book.
How long is a session, and can I come back?
Sessions run 15–30 minutes, one-on-one. Follow-up sessions are welcome — come back as often as you need.
How quickly can I get an appointment?
Appointments are usually available on the next business day. For faster help, email helpdesk@manhattancc.org or call (212) 473-7875 and leave a message.
What languages is help available in?
English, Chinese, and Spanish.
Is my consultation confidential?
Yes. Every session is a confidential one-on-one conversation. Nothing you share is used for sales or marketing.
Helpful resources: SBA loans overview · NYC permits & licenses (SBS) · IRS: starting a business
Your Next Move Starts with a Conversation
Book a free, confidential session — usually available by tomorrow.
Book a Free SessionLegal Disclaimer
The Manhattan Chamber of Commerce and the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce Foundation (collectively, "the Chamber") provide the NYC Small Business Help Desk, the AI assistant ("Hudson"), business support consultations, and downloadable resources strictly as a free, informational service for educational and directional purposes only.
By utilizing the Help Desk, interacting with the AI assistant, or scheduling a consultation, you acknowledge and agree to the following:
1. Not Professional Advice: The information, guidance, and resources provided through the Help Desk, Chamber Business Support Specialists, and the AI assistant do not constitute professional legal, financial, tax, or specialized business advice. You should always consult with a qualified professional (such as a licensed attorney, CPA, or certified financial advisor) regarding your specific business situation before making critical decisions.
2. AI Assistant ("Hudson") Limitations: Hudson is an artificial intelligence bot designed to provide immediate, general information. While we strive to ensure the AI provides helpful and accurate responses, the Chamber makes no warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information generated by the bot. Information provided by Hudson is to be used at your own risk and should be independently verified.
3. No Formal Advisory Relationship: Utilizing the Help Desk, interacting with the AI assistant, or scheduling a one-on-one consultation with a Business Support Specialist does not establish a formal fiduciary, advisory, or legal relationship between you and the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce or its Foundation.
4. Third-Party Referrals and Resources: The Help Desk may provide referrals to external resources, partner lawyers, bankers, or third-party organizations. The Chamber does not control, endorse, or guarantee the quality, accuracy, or outcomes of the services provided by these independent third parties. Any engagement with a referred professional or organization is strictly between you and that third party.
5. Limitation of Liability: Under no circumstances shall the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce Foundation, or their respective directors, officers, employees, agents, or technology providers be held liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or special damages arising out of your use of the Help Desk, reliance on the AI assistant, implementation of provided resources, or interactions with referred third parties. All services and materials are provided on an "as-is" basis.