New York Forward Small Business Lease Assistance Partnership

As a result of the economic impacts of COVID-19, small businesses are struggling to pay rent, and landlords are experiencing reduced rental income and increases in commercial vacancies. To help, Governor Cuomo has announced the launch of the New York Forward Small Business Lease Assistance Partnership (LAP). Recognizing the economic impact of COVID-19, this program will provide small businesses and their landlords with informational resources and pro bono assistance to help both parties reach mutually-beneficial lease workout agreements.

The New York Forward Small Business LAP is a public-private partnership between Empire State Development, the nonprofit Start Small Think Big, and the New York Bar Association, to help avoid business evictions. This service is available to all New York State small businesses and landlords, and participation is voluntary. Over the next year, the partnership has the capacity to serve thousands of small businesses statewide.

Click here to read the Governor’s press release on the initiative. And, learn more about the Small Business Lease Assistance Partnership, as well as request assistance, here.

Photo credit: Empire State Developement - NYS.gov