Small Business Help Desk
Welcome to the NYC Small Business Help Desk™, a complimentary service powered by the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Here you can get instant answers from our AI assistant, Hudson, explore a library of free guides, submit a ticket for personalized help, and schedule confidential appointments with our network of business experts, lawyers, and bankers.
There is no cost to participate. We want you to succeed!
Meet Hudson: Your 24/7 Small Business Assistant
Hudson is the official AI-powered assistant for the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce's Small Business Help Desk, designed specifically for the dreamers, founders, and business owners of New York City.
We know that running a business in Manhattan doesn't stop at 5 PM. Inspiration and questions don't keep business hours, and neither does Hudson. He is here to provide immediate answers and point you to the right resources, anytime you need them.
What Can Hudson Help You With?
Hudson is trained to be your first stop for clear, concise information on the most common business challenges, including:
- Navigating the maze of NYC permits and licenses.
- Exploring funding options, from small business loans to specific grants.
- Comparing business structures like an LLC vs. a Sole Proprietorship.
- Finding tips on everything from marketing and bookkeeping to local SEO.
More Than a Bot: A Bridge to Experts
Think of Hudson as your first step. While powerful, AI can't replace personalized, professional expertise. When your questions require a human touch, Hudson can seamlessly help you schedule a free, confidential appointment with the Chamber's in-house business specialists, as well as our network of partner lawyers and bankers.
Official Notice: Hudson provides information for educational and directional purposes. It is not a substitute for professional legal, financial, or tax advice tailored to your specific situation.
The city is always awake, and so is your support system. Go ahead and ask a question to get started.
We're here to help! To get personalized support for any business-related issues, you can simply send us an email to submit a help desk ticket.
How it Works:
- Send an email to: helpdesk@manhattancc.org
- A Business Support Specialist will review your business issue/question and get back to you as soon as possible.
To help us resolve your issue faster, please include the following in your email:
- A clear and concise subject line that describes your problem.
- A detailed description of the issue you're experiencing.
- Any other relevant details.
We look forward to assisting you.
Scheduling a free appointment with one of the Chamber's Business Support Specialists is a straightforward process designed to help you get expert advice without any initial cost.
To set up an appointment, use this online scheduling calendar where you can select a date and time that works for you.
CLICK HERE TO SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT
These sessions are one-on-one consultations where you can discuss your business challenges, goals, and opportunities.
The purpose is for the specialist to understand your needs and provide guidance on topics like marketing, operations, finance, or technology. They can often make invaluable referrals or link you to solutions.
This initial meeting is a great way to gain valuable insights, explore potential solutions, and determine if further, more in-depth support is a good fit for your business.
The Manhattan Chamber of Commerce has a platform for New York City business owners to meet called NYC Business Builders Connect™. The Chamber hosts a monthly 90-minute online workshop for this group and also runs an exclusive LinkedIn Group where they may convene.
This feature is complimentary for Chamber members at the Business Builder level or above. Explore membership here.
