The New York City Department of Small Business Services (SBS) is committed to making the City’s commercial districts better places to live, work, and shop. One of the ways they achieve this is by partnering with small businesses and property owners to establish Business Improvement Districts (BIDs). SBS offers assistance and support to qualified committees that wish to establish a BID, and in some cases pilot promotional programs. 

For a brief overview of BIDs, download the following report:
 An Introduction to BIDs 100.21 Kb

Any commercial, retail, or industrial area in New York City may apply for BID status through a local sponsor. BIDs must be approved by the local Community Board, the City Planning Commission, the City Council, and the Mayor. SBS works with commercial property owners and businesses to assist them in forming BIDs and managing BID services on an ongoing basis.

To learn more about forming and managing a BID, download the following resources:
 A Step-by-Step Guide to Starting a BID 818.97 Kb
 District Needs Survey 31.10 Kb
 BID Formation Project Plan 31.72 Kb

If you are considering forming a BID in your neighborhood, contact SBS.

The NYC BID Association thanks SBS for permission to publish these reports.