Manhattan community resources · Sources reviewed October 26, 2026
Eight selected service routes for entrepreneurs, small businesses and nonprofit organizations. Choose the service that fits your organization: a chamber membership, business advising and nonprofit legal information have different purposes and eligibility rules.
Business and nonprofit support
1. Manhattan Chamber of Commerce
575 Fifth Avenue, 14th Floor, New York, NY 10017
212-473-7875
Business connections, educational events and a Business Help Desk. The Chamber currently offers a free Manhattan Business Community membership tier for businesses with a Manhattan address. Other tiers and events may have fees; check current benefits and pricing before joining.
2. NYC Business Solutions — Lower Manhattan
14 Wall Street, 17th Floor, New York, NY 10005
917-472-9647
Free city business services, including business education and help navigating financing, recruitment and certification resources. Appointments are recommended for in-person service; confirm availability before visiting.
3. NYC Business Solutions — Upper Manhattan
361 West 125th Street, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10027
212-749-0900
Free business support. The operator lists extension 125 for this center. Ask about planning, government procedures and current courses. Financing assistance is guidance, not a promise of a loan or grant.
4. NYC Business Solutions — Washington Heights
560 West 181st Street, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10033
212-749-0900
Free city business support, operated by Harlem Commonwealth Council. The operator lists extension 126. Confirm intake arrangements and language support. This location is separate from the Workforce1 center at 516 West 181st Street.
5. Pace University Small Business Development Center
1 Pace Plaza, Room W501, New York, NY 10038
212-618-6655
Free individual business-advisor meetings by request. Advising covers planning, marketing, financial projections and financing options. Use the official counseling-request process to arrange a meeting and confirm access to the campus office.
6. Midtown Manhattan SBDC — Baruch College
55 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10010
646-312-4790
No-cost individual business advising through the New York SBDC network. Baruch’s Field Center supports entrepreneurs with business planning and research. Request an appointment and confirm the room and meeting format; ask about fees for any separate workshops.
7. City Bar Justice Center — Neighborhood Entrepreneur Law Project
NYC-wide service; registration or intake required
212-382-6633
Free legal support for microentrepreneurs with limited financial means. Topics include business formation, contracts, commercial leases and intellectual property. Clinics require advance registration; representation depends on intake and project capacity.
8. Lawyers Alliance for New York — nonprofit resources
171 Madison Avenue, 9th Floor, New York, NY 10016
212-219-1800
For the free Resource Call service, leave a message at extension 224 if you cannot use the online form or email. It provides general information about nonprofit business and transactional legal issues, not individual or for-profit questions or legal advice. Allow at least three business days. Representation requires a separate application and may carry fees; confirm current terms.
Official source · Additional official details · Additional official details
Before you apply
Confirm appointments, eligibility, current fees and the documents requested by the provider. Free advising does not mean that financing, memberships, filing fees or all legal services are free. Assistance with an application does not guarantee funding or certification. Contacts and service descriptions were checked against official government, university and provider websites; telephone numbers have not been tested by calling.
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