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Immigrant Entrepreneur Center

Immigrant Entrepreneurs: Get the Help Your Business Needs to Succeed in New York State

New York State supports the success of immigrant entrepreneurs. We’ve created this guide to the many state and federal programs and tools available to immigrant business owners and anyone who wants to start a business. This guide will provide you with links to free resources — from workforce training and development to free English language instruction on your mobile phones — and so much more. 

Free Career Resources for New Americans

The New York Department of State’s Office for New Americans offers free career resources, legal advice and information about becoming a citizen.

Free English Courses

Free English Courses

Free English language, life and job skill courses, available on any mobile device from Cell-Ed.

Career Coaching and Training

Career Coaching and Training

Customized training and resources for new Americans to help launch successful careers from the Professional Pathways program.

Computer and Coding Workshops

Computer and Coding Workshops

Digital training programs through the New Americans Can Code program.

Free Legal Immigration Advice

Free Legal Immigration Advice

ONA's legal counsels offers free legal consultations and other legal advice.

Become a U.S. Citizen

Become a U.S. Citizen

Start the process of becoming a citizen through CitizenshipWorks.org’s free, safe and simple program.

Starting a Business or Corporation in New York State

Find out about how New York State can guide you through the process and provide you with the tools and resources needed to start your path to business ownership.

Getting Started

Getting Started

Get a quick introduction to starting a business in New York State.

New York Business Express

New York Business Express

Use this to tool to find programs and licensing requirements to start or grow your business.

Incorporating your Business

Incorporating your Business

Want to create a corporation? The New York Department of State Division of Corporations will help you get started.

Entrepreneur Mentors and Support

Entrepreneur Mentors and Support

Discover personal training, mentorship and technical assistance for your business through a regional Entrepreneurship Assistance Center in your community.

Find Career Opportunities

Find Career Opportunities

The New York State Department of Labor offers a range of career opportunities and workforce-related services.   

Assistance for Minority and Women-Owned Businesses

Assistance for Minority and Women-Owned Businesses

Get certified as an MWBE (minority and/or women-owned business enterprise) and access contract opportunities with New York State agencies that can help grow your business.

Tax and Finance Resources

Tax and Finance Resources

Find important tax information, payment resources, and more.

Earn a Professional License

Earn a Professional License

The New York Department of State Division of Licensing offers licensing in 40+ career disciplines.  

Funding Opportunities for Your New York State Business

Empire State Development has programs and resources to help you find financing for your business.

Resources for Small Businesses

Resources for Small Businesses

Explore New York State programs, initiatives and services that support small business growth.

Find Small Business Loans

Find Small Business Loans

The New York Forward Loan Fund 2 can help you access up to $150,000 in loans for your small business. 

Export Your Goods and Services

Export Your Goods and Services

Export your goods and services with support from Global NY.

Additional State and Federal Resources for Your New Business

New York State and the federal government offer various resources and educational programs that support Immigrant entrepreneurs.

State University of New York Business Development Centers

Locate a free small business development center near you that offers business counseling, training, and market research that will contribute to your success.

State University of New York Educational Opportunity Centers

Receive tuition-free academic and workforce development programs from leaders in education and business development. 

Receive Guidance and Support from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

The SBA supports entrepreneurs and small business owners by providing essential tools and resources to help their businesses grow.

Receive Guidance and Support from the U.S. Department of State (DOS)

The DOS provides immigration resources, including requirements for employment-based visas and citizenship applications.