Business Resources

Tech Incubator

Backed by Queens College and the New York City Council, the  Tech Incubator at Queens College (TIQC) helps early stage ventures build successful technology companies, which will in turn expand job opportunities and promote innovation and development. Harnessing the advanced computational infrastructure and intellectual resources of Queens College of the City University of New York, TIQC creates an outstanding co-working environment for tech startups. TIQC is located on Queens College’s 80-acre, tree-lined campus with its magnificent view of the Manhattan skyline and is easily accessible by public transportation and a shuttle bus connecting to the subways and LIRR. We offer flexible workspaces to accommodate businesses. TIQC members benefit from our vast community of professional services, experienced faculty, students, and staff who can help grow our member startups. For more information about the Tech Incubator @ Queens College, please visit: http://www.tiqc.nyc

Great Business Resources

Crowdfunding 101 – An introduction to crowdfunding and how you can use it to get seed capital for your business.
Business – A business search engine and business directory designed to help its users find the companies, products, services, and information they need. Free service.
Hoovers – Hoover’s, Inc. is a business research company that has provided information on U.S. and foreign companies and industries since 1990. Paid service.
infoUSA – InfoUSA.com has compiled the most comprehensive databases in the industry including 210 million U.S. consumers, 14 million U.S. businesses, 12 million executives and more. Free service.

Merchant Services

PayPal – PayPal is an alternate way to send money, make an online payment, receive money or set up a merchant account. Free service.
Authorize – Payment gateway enables internet merchants to accept online payments via credit card and e-check. Paid service.
Practice Pay Solutions – A registered merchant service provider of First National Bank of Louisville, Ky., offers domestic and International payment processing services. Paid service.
1 Shopping Cart – 1ShoppingCart.com is the a shopping cart & e-commerce software solution. Our affordable packages enable you to perform all e-commerce functions. Paid service.

Find a Freelancer

Guru – Find 250000+ freelance programmers, web developers, graphic designers, writers & more. Free service.
Elance – Outsource to expert programmers, designers, writers, translators, marketers, researchers and admin contractors with tested skills. Free service.
America’s Job Bank – This page will help you locate alternative sites where you can search for jobs or prospective employees. Free service.

Survey Tools

Zoomerang – Zoomerang online survey software tool allows you to create online surveys while providing reporting and advanced survey logic. Free service.
SurveyMonkey – Create and publish online surveys in minutes, and view results graphically and in real time. Free service.
Constant Contact  – Email marketing software that makes it easy to create professional HTML email campaigns with no tech skills. Paid service.

PDF Converter

Kinati 2PDF Converter – Kinati PDF Converter is an online web-based document to PDF converter client utility. Free service.
CutePDF – CutePDF allows you to create PDF files from any printable document, save PDF forms using Acrobat Reader, make PDF booklet, impose, rearrange pages and much more. Free service.

Online File Storage and Transfer

Google Docs – Create and share your work online and access your documents from anywhere. Manage documents, spreadsheets, presentations, surveys, and more. Free service.
Dropbox – Dropbox is a way to store, sync, and, share files online. There’s no complicated interface to learn. Paid service. Free account is available but space is limited.

Google

Google Docs – Create and share your work online and access your documents from anywhere. Manage documents, spreadsheets, presentations, surveys, and more. Free service.
Gmail – Google-owned, web-based email service provides details of storage, options and links to related services. Free service.
Google Calendar – Manage your schedule online and coordinate with friends & family and clients. Free service.

Copywright and Communication Law

Copyright – U.S. Copyright Office is an office of public record for copyright registration and deposit of copyright material. Paid service.
FCC – The Federal Communications Commission licensing systems allows electronic filing of applications processed by the Commission. Free service.

 

Online Resources

Entrepreneurship: From Idea to Launch
Productivity: Getting Things Done
Sales: Startup Selling and Getting Testimonials 
Excel: Courses on getting started with Excel to building a financial model
Powerpoint: Introduction to Powerpoint

Tips for Hiring Your First Employees
Cost Per Hire Calculator
Free Job Description Templates

Licenses and Permits

NYC Business Express – NYC Business Express is a one-stop website that makes starting, operating, and expanding a business in New York City clearer. Free service.
O.P.A.L – If you want to start a new business or expand your current business, this site will help you find the New York State business permits you may need. Free service.

 

Taxation

Department of Taxation and Finance – The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance (NYSDTF) is a core agency of the US state of New York. Free service.

Internal Revenue Services –  Learn more about federal tax requirements and resources available to you from the federal government.
Employer Identification Number

IRS Video Portal  – The IRS Video Portal provides video and audio presentations that address an assortment of tax issues, such as IRS Audits, disaster information, the Virtual Small Business Workshop, e-File, EFTPS, 1099-MISC filing requirements, to name a few. Some of these video and audio messages are available in Spanish.

Mediation

Community Mediation Services  – Free mediation services to settle legal disputes without getting lawyers involved.

 

Government

U.S Small Business Administration – SBA Direct gives you information and services based on your unique business needs.

Small Business Services – SBS makes it easier for businesses in New York City to form, do business, and grow by providing direct assistance to business owners, fostering neighborhood development in commercial districts, and linking employers to a skilled and qualified workforce.

Empire State Development – The mission of Empire State Development is to promote a vigorous and growing state economy, encourage business investment and job creation, and support diverse, prosperous local economies across New York State through the efficient use of loans, grants, tax credits, real estate development, marketing and other forms of assistance.

Entrepreneurial Assistance Program – EAP establishes Entrepreneurial Assistance Centers in local communities to provide instruction, training, technical assistance and support services to individuals who have recently started their own business or are interested in starting a business. The program’s 24 EAP centers are strategically located throughout New York State.

Insurance

 

Susan Combs Combs and Co.
Scombs@CombsAndCo.com (646) 736-3737
Bob Bleistein SB insurance Group
BobB@ClassicCoverage.com (631) 422-8585
Fran or Denise Frayman JFA Insurance
Sales@JFAinsurance.com (718) 767-4040
Meghan McGarry Marshall Sterling
mmcGarry@MarshallSterling.com (800) 724-0695×28
Sylvia Rivera State Farm Insurance
sylvia.rivera.i7ro@statefarm.com (212) 397-0580
Winnie Appah-Somuah WinnSom Insurance Agency
WinnSom@gmail.com (347) 624-9232

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Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the SBA.