Small Business Advocate, Street Vendor Services

Agency Description The New York City Department of Small Business Services (SBS) is a vibrant, client-centered agency whose mission is to serve New York’s small businesses, jobseekers and commercial districts. SBS makes it easier for companies in New York City to start, operate, and expand by providing direct assistance to business owners, supporting commercial districts, promoting financial and economic opportunity among minority- and women-owned businesses, preparing New Yorkers for jobs, and linking employers with a skilled and qualified workforce. SBS continues to reach for higher professional standards through innovative systems, new approaches to government, and a strong focus on its employees. SBS also works to make changes to the overall regulatory environment to help the small business community.

Division Description The Division of Business Services (DBS) is dedicated to helping NYC businesses start, operate and expand in New York City while leading systemic change to improve the regulatory environment for businesses. The Division is guided by principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Job Description:

Nyc Best

(Business Express Service Team) is a dedicated team who educate and advocate for entrepreneurs as they launch and operate their store front businesses across the five boroughs. Through their knowledge of city agency rules and regulations, the team helps small business owners navigate licenses and permits as well as avoid and reduce fines and violations.

The Small Business Advocate works with a specialized unit with in NYC BEST focusing in Street Vending. The Small Business Advocate will assist business owners with understanding and navigating relevant City policies and regulations via onsite and virtual consultations. To facilitate this work, Small Business Advocate will become experts in the regulatory requirements of multiple City or State agencies, as well as relevant Federal regulations as needed, including but not limited to: the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), Department of Buildings (DOB), Fire Department (FDNY), Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Department of Sanitation (DSNY), Department of Consumer & Worker Protection (DCWP), New York State Agriculture and Markets (Ags and Market) and Parks Department (Parks).

Specific Responsibilities: Service Delivery & Engagement Pipeline

• Proactively engage early-stage entrepreneurs on regulatory guidance before licensing/permitting
• Present agency and City services via phone, email, meetings, and outreach events
• Conduct onsite walkthroughs with small businesses, providing one-on-one guidance that addresses a business’ specific questions and needs regarding compliance
• Work with business owners to identify all City requirements for operating or opening a business, understand specific issues or concerns impacting the client, and provide guidance, information or steps towards resolution.
• Be prepared to outline the adjudication process for violations received, including general timeframes and the appropriate tribunal court for hearings.
• Refer business owners to additional resources or information as needed to further promote and enable compliance.
• Document key findings from the consultation and follow up as needed with business owners to provide additional clarification or compliance-related support.
• Support pipeline development by identifying potential clients through outreach events, community partnerships, and referrals from City agencies and community-based organizations.

Subject Matter Research

• Conducting research into City, and relevant NYS, codes, permits, and requirements.
• Conduct research into rules and regulations of agency processes, as assigned
• Support deepening NYC BEST’s impact to street vendor small business by proposing areas for improvement and development
• Support internal trainings or knowledge-sharing sessions related to regulatory changes or agency processes.

Performance Management

• Ensure Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) & program goals are met, and that data is correctly entered in SBS Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software
• Maintain accurate and specific status reports in the designated software or data analysis tools of establishments participating in these services, including inspection activity, issues encountered, opening dates, and time saved.
• Utilize tracking systems to monitor service delivery and monitor client pipeline
• Track performance metrics such as project milestones, violations, business openings, and operational efficiencies.
• Report KPIs on a regular basis for Executive-level staff through Dashboards, reports and presentations Additional Information This position may be eligible for remote work up to 2 days per week, pursuant to the Remote Work Pilot Program agreed to between the City and DC37. However, the nature of the role requires a strong in-person presence, and responsibilities include travel around the 5 boroughs of NYC and on-site engagements as needed.

How to Apply: All Applicants: Apply through https://cityjobs.nyc.gov/ search for Job ID: # 788023 Current SBS Employees: Please email your resume and cover letter including the following subject line: Small Business Advocate, Street Vendor Services and send to careers@sbs.nyc.gov Note: We appreciate the interest and thank all applicants who apply, but only those candidates under consideration will be contacted.

If you do not have access to email, mail your cover letter & resume to: NYC Department of Small Business Services Human Resources Unit 1 Liberty Plaza, 11th Floor New York, New York 10006

Minimum Qualifications

• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and two years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties described above; or
• High school graduation or equivalent and six years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties as described above; or
• Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" or "2" above. However, all candidates must have at least one year of experience as described in "1" above.

Preferred Skills

• Additional language capacity. Preferred fluency or working knowledge of Arabic (Egyptian dialect preferred), Wolof, Spanish, or Mandarin.

Residency Requirement

New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.