Int 0445-2026

Int. No. 445 By Council Members Stevens, Banks, Schulman and Morano ..Title A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to requiring the department of small business services to expand the business pathways program ..Body Be it enacted by the Council as follows: Section 1. Chapter 10 of title 22 of the administrative code of the city of New York is amended by adding a new section 22-1007 to read as follows: � 22-1007 Small business pathways. a. Definitions. For the purposes of this section the following terms have the following meanings: Business pathways program. The term "business pathways program" means the training and entrepreneurship development program administered by the department of small business services to provide customized training and resources to help public housing residents start their own businesses. Creative fields. The term "creative fields" means recognized fields of artistic or creative endeavor and includes, but is not limited to, music, writing, acting and the graphic arts. Public housing resident. The term "public housing resident" means an individual 18 years of age or older who resides in public housing operated by the New York city housing authority. b. The department shall develop, coordinate and administer, in consultation with the office of resident economic empowerment and sustainability of the New York city housing authority where feasible, business pathways programs for residents in categories including, but not limited to, catering, childcare, creative fields, retail and cosmetology. The commissioner may offer additional business pathways programs at their discretion. c. The business pathways programs shall be offered free-of-charge. Such programs shall include, but not be limited to, the following benefits to assist residents in formalizing their businesses: 1. A professional business education course; 2. Mentorship and professional coaching opportunities; 3. Support in obtaining the licenses needed to grow a business, as required by field; 4. Guidance on business operations, marketing, and financial structures; 5. Funding to complete any required health and safety trainings; 6. One-on-one support to complete provider applications, as required in each field; and 7. A one-on-one matching program to provide help in securing commercial space, if required for the business type. � 2. This local law takes effect 120 days after it becomes law. NCC LS #12646 Int. #0858-2024 1/6/2026 4:07 PM 2 1