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The SBI offers small business owners and micro entrepreneurs
in New York City the opportunity to obtain free legal assistance and
advice from volunteer attorneys. While all of our volunteers have professional
expertise in relevant practice areas, many have received additional training
through the SBI on legal issues faced by small businesses and micro entrepreneurs
in a post-9/11 environment. The intake process for our programs begins
with a careful analysis of the legal problem at hand. If it is concluded
that a business owner is eligible for assistance, we will attempt to
match him or her with a qualified pro bono attorney. Since its inception,
the SBI has assisted over 800 small businesses, with more than 500 cases
referred to volunteer attorneys for more extensive legal work. Recipients
of our services range from push-cart vendors and locksmiths, to clothing
boutiques and restaurants.
| Providing Legal Assistance to Small Businesses
in Lower Manhattan |
On September 13, 2001, the Small Business Initiative (SBI) implemented
the 9/11 Small Business Initiative to respond
to the legal needs of small business owners in the wake of the
World Trade Center disaster. Still ongoing, the program offers
small business owners legal assistance in the areas of insurance,
bankruptcy, commercial leases, contracts and employment. To qualify
for the program, you must demonstrate that the legal issue is
a direct result of 9/11. In addition, eligible small businesses
must have 25 or fewer employees and be located in the vicinity
of the World Trade Center (on or below 14th Street). The program
is not intended to deal with lawsuits against any party.
In collaboration with the Manhattan Civil
Court, the SBI also coordinates the 9/11
Small Business Court Assistance Project.
As the economic effects of the World Trade
Center disaster play out over time, many
small business owners find themselves unable
to meet the demands of their current leases,
which were signed prior to 9/11. The Court
Assistance Project employs a combination
of mediation and experienced advocacy to
transform landlord/tenant disputes and eviction
proceedings into opportunities. These cases
are placed on a “special calendar,” which
meets Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2:00 p.m.
in Civil Court for mediation. As a result,
both parties are able to explore mutually
beneficial resolutions, avert business relocation
and contribute to the resurgence of the downtown
area. Similar to the 9/11 Small Business
Initiative, eligible small businesses must
have 25 or fewer employees and be located
in the vicinity of the World Trade Center
(on or below 14th Street).
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| Promoting Entrepreneurship in the New York City
Area |
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The SBI recently launched the Neighborhood Entrepreneur
Law Project to provide free legal assistance to low-income
microentrepreneurs within New York City. Whether an individual
is in the initial stages of structuring their company, or they
hope to strengthen an existing business, we attempt to match
microentrepreneurs with a volunteer attorney who has expertise
in the relevant areas of law. Program volunteers are prepared
to deal with issues related to business structure, tax law, commercial
lease negotiations, employment contracts, as well as trademark
and copyright law. For those microentrepreneurs interested in
obtaining general information, we offer presentations and legal
clinics at community based organizations that serve to address
the needs of local micro entrepreneurs on a larger scale.
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If you think you qualify for our services or are interested in becoming a volunteer,
please contact either Akira Arroyo, Esq. at aarroyo@nycbar.org or
Laura Campbell, Program Coordinator at lcampbell@nycbar.org.
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