Best Small Business Resources in the Brooklyn Area

Starting a business is a life-changing experience. New York has dozens of great resources to help entrepreneurs get started. Our team researched and vetted organizations in the Brooklyn area and compiled our list of recommended resources in this article.
You can also read our guide to starting a business in New York.
Resources Available in your Area
Startup52
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Description
Startup52 is a diversity-minded and minority-focused accelerator program in Brooklyn that emphasises the talent and capabilities of individuals and teams selected for the program. The 12 week program provides one-on-one mentoring, coworking space, and technical support in legal, marketing, and accounting areas. These services are provided to startups in return for a 5% equity stake in the participant companies.
Works with Companies in These Stages:

Idea

Planning

Startup

Growth
Brooklyn Public Library
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Offers Free Service
Description
The Brooklyn Public Library offers a variety of services that may be of interest to entrepreneurs. Members have the option of booking a librarian to receive one-on-one assistance doing research or using library services. Meeting rooms are available to reserve, and the library hosts frequent professional events, some of which may be of use to someone looking to start a business. The library also hosts annual business plan competitions and provides access to leading industry publications.
Restrictions
A library membership may be required to access certain amenities
Works with Companies in These Stages:

Idea

Planning

Startup

Growth
CONTACT INFORMATION:
10 Grand Army Plaza
Brooklyn, NY 11238
718-230-2100
HOURS OF OPERATION:
MON - THU: 9 am - 9pm
FRI - SAT: 9 am - 6pm
SUN: 1 pm - 5pm
Brooklyn SBDC
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Offers Free Service
Description
The greatest strength of the SBDC is their free, confidential, 1-on-1 business mentoring for anyone who seeks it. Sometimes in order to be considered for mentoring from one of their professional business advisors, you may have to attend a class/workshop or at least present your business plan. SBDC's are located all throughout the state and you should use the SBDC closest to your location if possible, but you can often transfer to a different location if they do not fit your needs.
Works with Companies in These Stages:

Idea

Planning

Startup

Growth
Brooklyn SCORE
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Offers Free Service
Description
SCORE (Service Corp of Retired Executives) is a leading, nation-wide organization that has assisted millions of entrepreneurs over its 50+ years of operation. SCORE is a resource partner of the SBA that offers access to a network of experienced business leaders who donate time to mentor entrepreneurs and small business owners. They also host free or inexpensive workshops online and at 300 local chapters around the United States. Mentoring can be conducted either in person or remotely and is always free and confidential, no matter how often you take advantage of this service.
Works with Companies in These Stages:

Idea

Planning

Startup

Growth
Brooklyn Works
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Accepts Walks In
Description
Brooklyn Works at 159 is a coworking space offering flexible coworking and private office membership plans. Members enjoy 24/7 access to their areas as well as access to conference rooms and event spaces that seat up to 35. Brooklyn Works offers local coffee and teas in a shared kitchen space, common lounge areas, and private phone booths. They host regular social events like happy hours and pancake breakfasts.
Works with Companies in These Stages:

Idea

Planning

Startup

Growth
CONTACT INFORMATION:
159 20th Street, #1B
Brooklyn, NY 11232
718-965-0159
info@brooklynworks159.com
Food Business Pathways
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Offers Free Service
Description
FBD is a collaborative effort between several NYC organizations, offering a free 10-week business course tailored for food businesses. Participants receive one-on-one coaching and a free food handlers license and business incorporation. Entrepreneurs in the program compete for one of four free incubator spaces at the end of the course, offering 5 months of incubation as they prepare to operationalize their food business.
Restrictions
Must be a NYCHA public housing resident or NYCHA Section 8 Voucher holder to access programs. Participants must also have a passion for food business.
Works with Companies in These Stages:

Idea

Planning

Startup

Growth
New York City Department of Small Business Services - Brooklyn
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Offers Free Service
Description
The local government of New York City offers many programs and opportunities to make starting a business in NYC as easy as possible. FastTrac is a free 10-session class that prepares entrepreneurs to develop a business plan and launch a successful business. The website itself excels at providing personalized steps to launch a business in NYC, matching advice to a person’s individual situation and goals. Free workshops are hosted throughout NYC, on topics both particular to specific industries and general enough to be of interest to any entrepreneur.
Works with Companies in These Stages:

Idea

Planning

Startup

Growth
The Local Development Corporation of East New York
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Description
Women's Business Centers are nationwide programs established by the SBA to assist women in starting small businesses. Some of these centers are combined with other local organizations and use that relationship to offer even more services. Each Women's Business Center has counselors who can provide mentorship and assistance with business planning. Women’s Business Centers also provide a network of other businesses, and some have loan programs available
Restrictions
The Women's Business Centers are, as the name implies, meant for women primarily.
Works with Companies in These Stages:

Idea

Planning

Startup

Growth
CONTACT INFORMATION:
80 Jamaica Ave, 3rd floor
Brooklyn, NY 11207
718-385-6700
gaild@ldceny.org