Book in under a minute.
Pick a time online for a one-on-one session with a business specialist, banker, or lawyer.
Prefer the phone? Call (212) 473-7875 and leave a message.
- $0Always free, funded by grants and donations
- 15–30 minOne-on-one, and follow-ups are welcome
- All NYCbusinesses welcome, no membership needed
- 3 languagesEnglish, Chinese, and Spanish
- Next dayTypical wait for an appointment
Who do you need to talk to?
Pick the expert that fits your question. Every session is free and confidential, with no sales pitch. Not sure? Start with a Business Support Specialist and we'll point you the right way.
Start here if you're not sure
Business Support Specialist
Best for growth, marketing, and day-to-day operations
Hands-on guidance on marketing, operations, permits, funding, and technology, plus referrals to the right city programs.
- Marketing
- Permits & licenses
- Funding & grants
- AI & digital tools
Money questions
Banker
Best for loans, credit, and banking
Explore business loans, lines of credit, Small Business Administration (SBA) programs, and account setup with bankers who focus on small business.
- Business loans
- SBA programs
- Lines of credit
- Banking setup
Legal questions
Lawyer
Best for contracts, leases, and legal setup
Get help with contracts, forming an LLC or corporation, commercial leases, compliance, and trademarks from experienced attorneys, at no cost.
- Contracts
- LLC & corp formation
- Leases
- IP & trademarks
Three steps to an answer.
Pick your expert
A specialist, banker, or lawyer, depending on your question.
Choose a time
Book online. Appointments usually open the next business day.
Get your answer
Meet one-on-one for 15 to 30 minutes, and come back anytime.
Questions owners ask us.
Is it really free?
Yes. Every session is free, with no credit card and no sales pitch. The Help Desk is funded by grants, corporate partnerships, and donations through the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
Who is eligible?
Every NYC business. You don't need to be a Chamber member or join anything to book.
How long is a session, and can I come back?
Sessions run 15 to 30 minutes, one-on-one. Come back as often as you need.
How soon can I get an appointment?
Usually the next business day. For faster help, email helpdesk@manhattancc.org or call (212) 473-7875 and leave a message.
What languages do you offer?
English, Chinese, and Spanish.
Is my conversation confidential?
Yes. Every session is a private one-on-one conversation, and nothing you share is used for sales or marketing.
Helpful links while you wait: SBA loans overview NYC permits & licenses (SBS) IRS: starting a business
Your next move starts with a conversation.
Book a free, confidential session. Appointments usually open the next business day.
Book a free sessionLegal Disclaimer
The Manhattan Chamber of Commerce and the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce Foundation (together, "the Chamber") offer the NYC Small Business Help Desk at bizhelp.nyc, including business support consultations and downloadable resources. These are free services provided for general informational and educational purposes only.
By using the Help Desk or scheduling a consultation, you acknowledge and agree to the following:
1. Not professional advice. Information from the Help Desk and Chamber Business Support Specialists is not legal, financial, tax, accounting, or other professional advice. Before making important decisions, consult a qualified professional, such as a licensed attorney, CPA, or financial advisor, about your specific situation.
2. Accuracy and timeliness. Regulations, fees, deadlines, and program requirements change often. The Chamber works to keep information current but does not guarantee that any information or resource is complete, accurate, or up to date. The Chamber does not guarantee any outcome, including approval of a permit, license, loan, or grant.
3. No advisory relationship. Using the Help Desk or meeting with a Business Support Specialist does not create an attorney-client, fiduciary, advisory, or other professional relationship between you and the Chamber.
4. Referrals and third parties. The Help Desk may refer you to outside attorneys, lenders, government agencies, or other organizations. These parties are independent of the Chamber. The Chamber does not control, endorse, or guarantee their services, and any arrangement you make with them is solely between you and that party.
5. Limitation of liability. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Chamber and its directors, officers, employees, volunteers, agents, and technology providers are not liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or special damages arising from your use of the Help Desk or any resources provided, or from your dealings with any referred third party. All services and materials are provided "as is" and "as available," without warranties of any kind.