Industrial Business Zone Program

The NYC Business Solutions Center at SoBRO, launched by the Department of Small Business Services (SBS), provides access to the following services:

Financing

There are numerous programs and services that are specifically dedicated to helping small business access the financing they need. The Business Solutions Center provides access to a variety of loan programs and technical assistance through our financial subsidiary CREDIT Inc.

Real Estate Search Assistance

The Business Solutions Center works with property owners and real estate professionals to help businesses locate available retail and commercial real estate in the Bronx.

Business Planning

We offer training, technical support and business development resources to start-up Bronx businesses and residents. Entrepreneurs can participate in various start-up classes that are offered through SoBRO's Entrepreneurial Development Program, while established businesses can contact the Business Solutions Center staff to discuss programs that might help their businesses grow.

Government Facilitation Services

Assist small businesses in addressing unresolved problems they may be having with City, State and Federal agencies or with utility companies. Issues may involve sanitation, transportation or licensing. Government Facilitation Specialists work with businesses by phone or at their premises.

Emergency Response Unit (ERU)

Assists businesses when they are forced to interrupt their operations as a result of disasters, such as fires, water main ruptures, explosions, etc. ERU helps businesses gain access to their premises, apply for available emergency assistance, including government programs and private insurance, and reopen as soon as conditions allow.

Federal, State and City Incentive Programs

Empire Zones

State designated zones that offer various state wage tax, sales tax, real property, and investment tax credits to new or expanding firms that are located in any of the 72 designated zones within the state of New York. There are two economic development zones located in the Bronx, for more information on these zones click on the following links: Port Morris Empire Zone and Hunts Point Empire Zone.

Empowerment Zones

Created through the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, EZ offers various federal tax incentives, loan programs and energy discounts. To determine if your business is in the Empowerment Zone click here.

Industrial and Commercial Incentive Program (ICIP)

Partial exemptions from or abatement of Real Estate Taxes for varying periods of up to 25 years are provided for eligible industrial or commercial buildings which are constructed, modernized, rehabilitated, expanded, or otherwise physically improved. For more information on the ICIP program click here.

Energy Cost Savings Program (ECSP)

Reduces electric transmission and delivery bills by up to 45 percent and natural gas transmission and delivery bills by up to 35 percent.

Business Incentive Rate (BIR

)
Provides a discount of approximately 30% - 35% off most Con Edison delivery charges for five years.

NY State Energy Research & Development Authority (NYSERDA)

Provides grants, financing and technical assistance programs for equipment purchases, new construction or renovations that incorporate energy efficiency improvements.

Industrial Relocation Grant Program (IRG)

Offers grants as reimbursement for moving costs to eligible manufacturing firms located within New York City that relocate within the city. Eligible manufacturers can receive the lesser of 90 percent of eligible moving costs, $4.00 per square foot of the move-out location, or $30,000.

The Relocation Fund for the Printing and Graphics Arts Industry (Printers Relocation Fund)

Provides financial assistance to eligible commercial printers and graphic art companies that relocate with in the City of New York.

NYC Department of Environmental Protection Wastewater Allowance

Grants a standard wastewater allowance to any eligible property (commercial or industrial) whose purpose or process is such that water supplied is not discharged entirely into the wastewater system.

Wa$teMatch

Helps clients reduce disposal costs, generate revenue and obtain raw materials for less than standard market prices. For more information on Wa$teMatch Programs click here.

To find out more about our programs contact: info@sobro.org