Expert Business Support,
When You Need It
Book free, confidential office hours with business specialists, bankers, and lawyers — powered by the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
Talk to the Right Expert
Choose the specialist that matches your business needs. Every session is free, confidential, and tailored to you.
Business Support Specialist
Get strategic guidance on operations, marketing, finance, and technology. Our specialists listen, advise, and connect you to the right resources.
Banker
Explore lending options, business accounts, lines of credit, and SBA loans. Get matched with bankers who specialize in small business.
Lawyer
Navigate contracts, entity formation, leases, compliance, and intellectual property with experienced attorneys at no cost to you.
Three Steps. Zero Hassle.
We built this to be fast because we know your time is valuable.
Pick Your Expert
Choose a business specialist, banker, or lawyer based on what you need help with.
Choose a Time
Select a date and time that works for you using our online scheduling calendar.
Get Expert Advice
Meet one-on-one, discuss your challenges, and get actionable guidance and referrals.
No Question Is Too Small
From permits to funding, our experts have answers for the real challenges NYC business owners face every day.
Your Next Move Starts
with a Conversation
Schedule a free, confidential appointment today. No sales pitch. No obligations. Just expert help for your business.
Schedule Your Free SessionYes, It's Really Free
No hidden fees. No credit card required. No upsells. The Business Help Desk and Ask Hudson are completely free to use, and they always will be. We know it sounds too good to be true—but there's a reason we can offer this at no cost.
How We Fund This Service
The Business Help Desk is operated by the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Here's where the funding comes from:
Government Grants
We receive funding from city and state programs designed to support small business development and economic growth initiatives.
Corporate Partnerships
Private grants and sponsorships from companies that support small business ecosystems and economic development.
Foundation Donations
Tax-deductible contributions to the Manhattan Chamber Foundation from individuals and organizations who believe in our mission.
Seriously, There's No Catch
- No credit card required – Ever
- No paid tiers – All features always free
- No selling your data – Your privacy is protected
- No time limits – Use it as much as you need
- No mandatory surveys – Feedback is optional
- No obligation to join – Not a sales funnel
Why We Do This
The Manhattan Chamber Foundation's mission is to support small business growth and strengthen Manhattan's economy. We believe every entrepreneur deserves access to high-quality business guidance—regardless of their ability to pay for expensive consultants.
By making these services free, we remove barriers and help more businesses succeed. That success strengthens our entire community and economy. It's an investment in Manhattan's future.
Our promise: This service will remain free forever. If our funding situation ever changes, we'll simply discontinue the service rather than start charging users.
Legal 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.