First Deputy Mayor Patricia E. Harris and Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) Commissioner Jonathan Mintz today announced that New York business owners in all 55 of the industries DCA licenses can now access licensing services online at nyc.gov/consumers.
“Our Administration has focused on streamlining the processes New Yorkers face when getting licenses to operate in the City by reducing regulatory burdens so they can focus their energies on starting and growing their businesses,” said First Deputy Mayor Harris. “We are pleased that the more than 70,000 businesses regulated by the Department of Consumer Affairs can go online now to apply for and renew their licenses, pay their bills, learn the applicable laws, get helpful tips about how to serve their customers and much more.”
“Starting and running a business in New York City can be challenging but we want to make it as easy as possible for businesses to do right by their customers,” said Commissioner Mintz. “Living in a digital age and in the City that never sleeps, business owners should be able to take care of licensing transactions, update their important business information and pay fees online at any time of the day or night. DCA’s Business Toolbox has streamlined all of the information a business owner needs in one convenient place.”
DCA’s Business Toolbox makes available in one place all the important information and resources for new and existing businesses. Through the Toolbox, businesses can:
· apply for a new license
· renew a license
· update important business information including contact information, name and/or business name
· add, remove, or update officer information
· request replacement of a DCA license document that is lost, stolen, or damaged
· pay fines at New York City’s “e-Payment” Center by either debit/credit card or electronic check
· download industry-specific model contracts, receipts, required signage and other templates
· locate and learn information about applicable laws
· download DCA’s multilingual guide to “10 Things Every Business Should Know”
· download other valuable publications, tips and FAQs
· learn how to deal with consumer complaints
· learn how to proceed in administrative hearings
· learn about other businesses DCA regulates
· learn about other licenses
DCA worked in close collaboration with the City’s Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications to make licensing operations more efficient for businesses and also partnered with the City’s Department of Small Business Services’ NYC Business Express, allowing visitors to this service the opportunity not just to learn about the requirements for DCA licenses but to apply for them directly on line.
DCA enforces the Consumer Protection Law and other related business laws throughout New York City. Ensuring a fair and vibrant marketplace for consumers and businesses, DCA licenses more than 71,000 businesses in 55 different industries. Through targeted outreach, partnerships with community and trade organizations, and informational materials, DCA educates consumers and businesses alike about their rights and responsibilities. DCA’s Office of Financial Empowerment (OFE) is the first local government initiative in the nation with a mission to educate, empower, and protect New Yorkers with low incomes so they can build assets and make the most of their financial resources. Toward that end, OFE seeks to increase access to high-quality, low-cost financial education and counseling; improve access to income-boosting tax credits; connect households to safe and affordable banking and asset-building products and services; and enforce and improve consumer protections to enhance financial stability. For more information, call 311 or visit DCA online here.
