Free Courses to Help Launch or Grow Your Business in February 2026

 


 Queens Night Market Free Small Business Seminars

Want to be a Queens Night Market Vendor?NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) is partnering with the Queens Night Market to host a series of free small business seminars covering market-specific topics and featuring guest speakers, networking, and Q&A opportunities. These seminars are free and open to vendors interested in the Queens Night Market, and also open to anyone who wants to start a business in NYC.

Part 1: First Steps & Creating a Business IdeaTuesday, February 24, at 6 p.m. 
Part 2: Operations & ProfitabilityTuesday, March 3, at 6 p.m. 
Part 3: Marketing Strategy & Social MediaTuesday, March 10, at 6 p.m. 

Attend an Upcoming Session  

NYC Restaurant Academy 

N Y C Restaurant Academy

 Everything You Need To Know To Plan, Launch, and Operate a Successful NYC RestaurantFree, in-depth business management education delivered by experienced industry professionals for aspiring restaurateurs and early-stage food & beverage operators. 
Level 1 (Virtual) How to Plan and Finance Your Business
Level 2 (Virtual) How to Launch and Operate Your Business
Level 3 (In Person) Create an Effective Business Plan Upon completing the 3-course series, you’ll receive free support to help you create a tailored business plan for your restaurant concept. 
Register for an Upcoming Session  

Digital Marketing

 Unlock Free Advertising Secrets with LinkNYC 
Unlock Free Advertising Secrets: Boost Your Business Today Learn more about LinkLocal, a program that provides free advertisements for small businesses, community groups, and local events. LinkLocal provides pre-designed advertising templates that can be featured on up to 8 selected LinkNYC kiosks. Register for an Upcoming Webinar  

Food Business Fundamentals 2: Marketing and Workforce Have you considered opening your own food business (cafe, restaurant, food truck, etc.)? Join us to learn: 
·     How to establish your business brand
·     What marketing strategies to implement
·     How to create and maintain an online presence
·     Workforce development and labor compliance
·     How to recruit, hire, and pay your employees Feb. 12, 2 PM  

Building Your Own Business Website  Learn how to create a professional business website using easy, affordable tools and define a marketing message that motivates your target customers to buy.Feb. 26, 11 AM  

Accounting and Finance Declaración de Impuestos y Registros Contables de Pequeños Negocios Aprenda las obligaciones tributarias y las mejores prácticas de contabilidad para pequeños negocios y trabajadores autónomos.Feb. 11, 7 PM  

Keep More of Your Money: Smart Tax Strategies for Business Owners Learn how to plan for federal, NYS, and NYC taxes, avoid underpayment penalties, and manage estimated taxes to protect your business cash flow.Feb. 12, 2 PM  

Business Finances 2: Wholesale & Manufacturing Develop a financial plan to identify break-even points, maximize profits, and support growth in your wholesale or manufacturing business.Feb. 23, 1 PM  

Navigating Your Small Business Financing Understand financing options, bank requirements, and strategies to create a strong financial foundation for your business.Feb. 26, 3 PM  

Business Planning & Operations

 Gain the tools to launch your business with FastTrac NewVenture

FastTrac® FastTrac® is a series of free multiple-session entrepreneurship bootcamps offered by the NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) for aspiring and established entrepreneurs throughout New York City. Learn More & Apply for FastTrac

  

Prepare Your Business for Emergencies From gas leaks and fires, to major storms and cyber threats, NYC business owners face a variety of unexpected emergencies. SBS offers free emergency preparedness workshops and webinars for businesses across New York City. Multiple Dates  

Business Success Through Customized Training  Learn how NYC businesses can access the Customized Training Program grant to offset staff training costs, improve workforce skills, and boost business performance.Multiple Dates  

Common Small Business Mistakes and How to Avoid Them Learn how to avoid common small business mistakes, understand what lenders look for, and strengthen your marketing, credit, and financial foundation.Feb. 10, 12 PM  

Creating a Business Idea that Works Learn how to research your market, understand your customers and competitors, and develop a business idea that truly works.Feb. 17, 11 AM  

Business Succession Made Simple Join the Succession Ready webinar for a practical conversation on succession planning.Feb. 19, 12 PM  

Cybersecurity: Shield Your Business Learn the basics of cybersecurity, assess your business’s digital risks, and strengthen your security posture.Feb. 25, 3 PM

 BE N Y C events banner with two Black entrepreneurs and S B S logo 

Celebrating Black Entrepreneurs: Recognizing Greatness Under Adversity Join us for a celebration of Black entrepreneurship in NYC, dedicated to acknowledging the success of Black entrepreneurs and providing actionable insights into common legal pitfalls and the critical role lawyers play in ensuring sustainable success and growth.