NYC Small Business Solutions – Queens Center (often referred to as the Queens Business Solutions Center) is a vital hub run by the NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) in partnership with Next Street. Located steps from Jamaica’s major transit hubs, the center offers free business counseling, permitting support, financing navigation, training workshops, and more to help entrepreneurs start, operate, and expand their ventures.
📌 Quick Details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 90‑27 Sutphin Boulevard, 4th Floor, Jamaica, NY 11435 |
| Phone | 718‑570‑8500 |
| queens‑bsc@nycbusiness‑solutions.com | |
| Website | nyc.gov/sbs/businesses nyc.gov/nycbusiness (Small Business Support page) |
| Hours | Monday–Thursday: 8 AM–5 PM (last appointment ~4:30 PM) Friday–Sunday: Closed |
| Transit Access | Subway: E, J, Z to “Sutphin Blvd” LIRR: Jamaica Station Bus: Routes serving Sutphin Blvd |
| Accessibility | Fully ADA‑compliant facilities, multilingual staff services |
🛠️ Services & Facilities
Core Services
- Business Counseling: One-on-one sessions with specialists to guide strategy, planning, and operations.
- Permits & Licensing: Help navigating permits, health inspections, and regulatory compliance.
- Financing Support: Guidance on loans, grants, and low-interest funding programs like NYC Future Fund.
- Contracting & Certification: Support for M/WBE certification and assistance selling to governmental agencies .
- Recruitment & Training: Workforce guidance and connections to Workforce1 career services.
- Workshops & Events: Regular free programming on legal structure, QuickBooks, marketing, cannabis licensing and more.
Physical Facilities
- Private counseling offices and meeting rooms.
- On-site digital check-in kiosks and appointment booking.
- Waiting areas, ADA-accessible restrooms, and multilingual support.
- Community bulletin boards featuring upcoming events and resources.
Google Maps Location
✅ Pros & 👎 Cons
👍 Strengths
- Strategic Location: Situated close to subway, LIRR, and buses—great connectivity for Queens entrepreneurs.
- Completely Free: No-cost resources—from legal advice to funding assistance.
- Comprehensive Support: Offers holistic services covering financing, marketing, permitting, certification, and staffing .
- Special Focus: Targeted programs for immigrant, minority-owned, and women-led businesses help close equity gaps.
- Rich Workshop Offerings: High-value classes like grant info sessions and QuickBooks for Entrepreneurs.
- Multilingual & Accessible: Staff apt in multiple languages, ADA-marketable space .
👎 Weaknesses
- Limited Operating Hours: Closed Fridays–Sundays may restrict availability for busy entrepreneurs .
- Transit Crowding: Jamaica Station area can be busy, challenging for first-time visitors.
- Coordination Issues: Multiple agencies (e.g., SBS, DOHMH, DCWP until June 2025) under one roof may lead to appointment mix-ups.
- Appointment Demand: High popularity of workshops may cause day-of scheduling issues.
🗣️ What Business Owners Say
Loc8NearMe user reviews reflect positive sentiment:
“Excellent service and information to start a business. Makes you feel empowered.”
“Those people are amazing, they help you right away…”
Chamber of Commerce ratings (4.5/5 from 92 reviews) underscore professionalism and supportive atmosphere
📝 Pro Tips for Visitors
- Book Ahead: Secure appointments online or call 311 for counseling slots and health inspections.
- Arrive Early: Avoid transit delays and guarantee same-day service.
- Plan Fridays Carefully: Fridays are not available—schedule visits Monday to Thursday.
- Prepare Essentials: Bring any business documents, prior permits, and tax IDs.
- Stay Notified: Subscribe via SBS or Eventbrite for new event alerts.
📌 Why Queens Center Matters
As the borough’s premier one-stop business hub, it streamlines reliance on multiple agencies. Entrepreneurs can obtain legal, financial, and operational guidance in one trip—cutting red tape while empowering underserved communities.
The partnership model—SBS with Next Street—has driven real impact: ~3,200 businesses served annually, $26 million in financing unlocked, and over 3,000 job placements.
📅 Snapshot Summary
- Location: 90‑27 Sutphin Blvd, 4th Floor, Jamaica, NY 11435
- Contact: 718‑570‑8500 | queens‑bsc@nycbusiness‑solutions.com
- Hours: Mon–Thu 8 AM–5 PM (support until ~4:30 PM), Closed Fri–Sun
- Transit: Subway (E/J/Z), LIRR, Bus routes
- Key Services: Counseling, permitting, financing, workshops, certification
- Pros: Free, holistic, accessible, equitable
- Cons: Private hours, transit congestion, sometimes appointment delays
🎯 Final Take
NYC Small Business Solutions – Queens Center is an indispensable lifeline for entrepreneurs in Queens—especially for immigrant, minority, and women-led startups. Its strategic location and breadth of free, high-quality business services bridge gaps and fuel local economic growth.
However, to maximize benefit, local businesses should plan ahead, book early, and come well-prepared. With these strategies, the Queens Center becomes not just a service provider, but a partner in entrepreneurial success.
