Doing Business In
New York City

From landing at the airport to closing deals — we’ve got you covered.

Arriving in New York:
Airport Tips for Business Travelers

Whether you’re flying into JFK, LaGuardia, or Newark, NYC offers plenty of transportation options:

JFK International Airport

Located in Queens, JFK is a major hub with easy access to Manhattan via taxi, subway, rideshare, or shuttle.

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LGA Airport

Located in Queens, it mainly handles domestic flights with transit options similar to JFK

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Newark International Airport

Just across the river in New Jersey, it offers both domestic and international flights with easy transit to NYC.

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NYC City Compliance

Here’s the scoop on making sure you are moving legitimately. Follow these three rules of thumb to make sure your business is always in compliance when Hustling in the big apple.

Register Your Business

First up, you’ll want to officially register your business with the state of New York. Whether you’re launching a startup, freelancing gig, or brick-and-mortar shop, you’ll need to file the necessary paperwork with the New York State Department of State.

Get Your City Licenses & Permits

Depending on your industry and business activities, you might need specific licenses or permits to operate legally in the city. Whether it’s a food handler’s permit for your trendy food truck or a street vendor license for your artisanal craft stall, make sure you’re up to code. Check out NYC’s Business Express website for a rundown of required licenses and permits tailored to your business type.

Stay in the Know

Regulations can change faster than you can say “unicorn startup.” Keep tabs on the latest updates and requirements by bookmarking the NYC Department of Consumer Affairs website and subscribing to relevant newsletters. Remember, staying compliant isn’t just good business sense—it’s the key to keeping your hustle thriving in the concrete jungle.

Networking In NYC

In a city as dynamic as NYC, connections can happen anywhere — but to meet like-minded people, you need to network with purpose. Hustler’s Library curates top events for entrepreneurs and business owners.

July 7-8 2025

TECHSPO New York 2025

May 7 2025

Small Business Expo – New York 2025

June 24-25 2025

CommerceNext – New York 2025

Meet the City

A glimpse into the energy, hustlers, and rhythm of New York life.

Build Your Dream Team in NYC

From legal support to digital marketing, find the expert services your business needs to thrive.

Legal

Contracts, IP, and regulations? NYC’s best legal minds will keep your hustle airtight.

Taxes and finances, handled. Work with startup-savvy CPAs to boost profits and stay stress-free.

Real Estate

Find your perfect office or storefront with top commercial brokers across NYC.

Insurance

Stay protected from the unexpected with tailored coverage for every kind of business risk.

Launch a stunning, user-friendly website that captures your brand and drives results.

Grow your brand’s reach with data-driven marketing, from SEO to social media.

Local Picks for Hustlers

Curated spots to work, recharge, and connect—handpicked for busy entrepreneurs on the move.

hotels in queens for business

Best Hotels in Queens [For Business]

Queens offers a range of business-friendly hotels with easy access to JFK and LaGuardia airports. These properties provide...
hotels in Brooklyn for business

Best Hotels in Brooklyn [For Business]

Brooklyn offers a range of business-friendly hotels with easy access to Manhattan and local commercial hubs. These properties...
Hotels in Manhattan For Business

Best Hotels in Manhattan [For Business]

Manhattan offers a range of business-friendly hotels with easy access to major commercial hubs. These properties provide amenities...

Navigating NYC’s Permits & Regulations

Doing business in New York City means learning to work with one of the most active municipal regulatory systems in the country. The process can feel intense at first—but it’s totally doable once you know where to look. Thankfully, the NYC Business Express portal simplifies many filings and tells you what’s required based on your business type and address.

Business Certificate (DBA)

Required if you operate under a name different from your legal name. Sole proprietors file this through the County Clerk’s Office in your borough.

Sales Tax Certificate of Authority

Needed for any business selling taxable goods or services. Register through the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance.

Food Service Establishment Permit

For any brick-and-mortar or mobile business selling food or drink. Requires health inspections and compliance with NYC Health Code standards.

Mobile Vendor License

For food trucks, ice cream carts, or mobile service providers. These can take time to obtain due to waitlists and caps.

Sidewalk Café License

If you want to set up outdoor seating, plan ahead—permits can take several months depending on your borough.

FDNY Certificate of Fitness

Needed for businesses with commercial cooking, fire extinguishers, chemicals, or compressed gas.

Getting Around NYC

Getting around NYC is fast and affordable with its extensive subway, bus, and rideshare systems. Grab a MetroCard or use contactless pay for easy access to all five boroughs.

Subway

NYC’s subway system is the most efficient way to navigate the city, with 24-hour service and extensive coverage throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx. Travelers can purchase MetroCards at vending machines in subway stations and use them to access trains and buses.

Bus

NYC buses complement the subway system and provide additional coverage to areas not served by trains. Travelers can use the same MetroCard for bus rides or pay with exact change onboard.

Bridges / Tunnels

For travelers driving into NYC or renting cars, the MTA operates several bridges and tunnels connecting Manhattan to neighboring boroughs and New Jersey. It’s essential to be aware of toll fees and traffic conditions, especially during peak hours.