Revitalizing Manhattan's
Storefronts
Driving foot traffic, reducing vacancies, and nurturing the next generation of innovative brick-and-mortar businesses that make New York City thrive.
13.24%
Storefront Vacancy Rate
in Manhattan
5,134
Vacant Storefronts
Out of ~37,000 Total
20,000+
Businesses Reached
Since October 2020
A Multi-Pronged Strategy to Revive NYC Storefronts
From hands-on outreach to accelerator programs and policy advocacy, every piece works together to strengthen commercial corridors.
Business Outreach & Technical Assistance
Full-time Business Support Specialists go door-to-door providing free guidance on strategy, technology, real estate, legal services, procurement, marketing, loans, and grants. The vast majority of businesses reached are women-, minority-, and immigrant-owned storefronts.
Visit the Business Support HubStorefront Façade Improvements
Funded by Wells Fargo, this program enhances the aesthetic appeal and economic vitality of four targeted commercial corridors through façade renovations, collaborating directly with local merchants and building owners.
See the corridorsRetail Storefront Accelerator
A structured program designed to empower entrepreneurs with the resources and guidance they need to successfully launch a storefront business in the competitive Manhattan marketplace.
Learn more & applyStorefront Business Coalition
Dedicated to improving NYC policymaking by sharing the stories of neighborhood entrepreneurs, educating public officials on the realities of running a storefront business, and fostering empathetic understanding of how policy impacts communities.
Learn about the coalitionSummit on the Future of NYC's Storefronts
A half-day convening exploring the needs of storefront businesses and solutions to prevent downtown retail decline, bringing together business owners, policymakers, and industry leaders.
Watch the 2024 summitFour Corridors. Brighter Storefronts.
Targeted façade renovations to enhance curb appeal and boost economic vitality along key commercial stretches.
Upper West Side
Broadway between
79th & 96th Street
Harlem
Lenox Avenue between
110th & 130th Street
East Harlem
116th Street between
Morningside Ave & FDR Drive
Lower East Side
Delancey Street between
Clinton Street & FDR Drive
Summer of Opportunity Coalition
Maximizing the economic impact of the FIFA World Cup and America's 250th anniversary for businesses across all five boroughs.
A Once-in-a-Generation
Moment for NYC Business
As New York City prepares to host the FIFA World Cup and the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the Manhattan Chamber has partnered with organizations across all five boroughs to ensure local businesses benefit from these landmark events.
$2B+
Estimated Economic Impact
1M+
Expected Visitors
13
Coalition Partners
The Coalition aims to encourage tourism across all five boroughs, distribute economic benefits to neighborhood businesses, and position NYC as the ultimate global destination for summer 2026.
Coalition Partners
- Alliance for Downtown New York
- Bronx Chamber of Commerce
- Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce
- CitizensNYC
- Hotel Association of NYC
- Hudson Yards Hell's Kitchen Alliance
- Manhattan Chamber of Commerce
- Meatpacking District Mgmt Assoc.
- NYC Hospitality Alliance
- Queens Chamber of Commerce
- Regional Plan Association
- Staten Island Chamber of Commerce
- Times Square Alliance
Your Storefront Deserves
to Thrive
Whether you need free business advice, help launching a retail location, or want your voice heard on policy — we're here for you.