Notices & Resources
LIC Notices & Resources
Welcome to Long Island City Partnership’s Notices & Resources page. Here you’ll find the latest updates on business development opportunities, community initiatives, regulatory changes, job and training programs, and important surveys. This page is designed to help LIC businesses, residents, and partners stay informed and access resources that support growth, engagement, and success in our neighborhood.
Make sure to pay attention to deadlines so you don’t miss out on time-sensitive opportunities.
Business Development & Events
September-December — Queens Economic Development Program’s FinanceForward
Established entrepreneurs and small business owners – gain the tools and connections you need to unlock capital. Details
Deadline Dec. 31 – NYCEDC’s Founder Fellowship
This is an accelerator for venture-backable tech startups based in NYC. Founder Fellows receive business development support, mentorship, and access to capital opportunities (dilutive and non-dilutive) from one of four VC firms: Chloe Capital, Company Ventures, Newlab, and Visible Hands. Now in its fifth year, Founder Fellows have gone on to raise over $170 million and are valued at over $1B. Details
Jan. 22 – In-Person Walkthrough of 10 Newly Renovated Commercial Spaces at the 74th Street–Roosevelt Avenue Station
The MTA is preparing to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) in 2026 for 10 newly renovated commercial spaces at the 74th Street–Roosevelt Avenue Station. These spaces are ideal for light cooking, dry uses, or coffee/retail businesses. To support local businesses and vendors, they’re hosting two in-person walkthroughs to preview the spaces and answer any questions. Details
Ongoing – NYS DEC Plastic Bag Ban Initiative
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has launched an Operation Eco Quality (OEQ) campaign throughout NYC to address stores who may still be providing plastic bags to their customers. OEQ is an initiative undertaken by DEC’s Office of Environmental Justice, focused on small to mid-size regulated businesses within environmental justice areas. The initiative improves neighborhood quality of life by helping businesses achieve compliance with applicable NYS environmental laws & regulations. Details
Ongoing — NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) Free Courses
SBS offers free courses every month to help launch or grow your business. Topics include business planning, marketing, financial management, and navigating city resources. Details
Ongoing — LICP Business Assistance Program
LICP offers free 1-on-1 support with financing, real estate, growth planning, and navigating city programs. Opening a new business? NYC SBS’ Business Opening Sprint helps entrepreneurs open faster with hands-on support, compliance guidance, and help celebrating your grand opening. If you plan to open a new business in the near future, please contact Richard Portilla at [email protected] to get connected.
New Rules & Updates
Effective Dec. 8, 2025 — F and M Trains Route Swap
F and M trains will permanently swap routes between Manhattan and Queens on weekdays from approximately 6 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. During the day and evening, F trains will continue to run express, and M trains will continue to run local in Queens. Service will not change on weekends or during late nights. Details
Effective Dec. 8, 2025 — NYC Ferry East River Routes Update
The East River will operate as two routes, ensuring more seating availability for riders and shortening commutes during peak hours. A local route will serve all stops on the East River during midday on weekdays and on winter weekends to preserve connectivity. Details
Effective Aug. 31, 2025 — MTA Queens Bus Network Redesign (Phase 2)
The second phase of the Queens Bus Network Redesign will be implemented. Expect changes to routes and service patterns that may affect local businesses and commuters. Details
Effective Aug. 5, 2025 — Credit Card Limitation Rule
If your business accepts credit cards, you are required to clearly disclose any limitations, such as minimum purchase amounts, excluded card types, or added surcharges. These notices must be posted conspicuously at every entrance and included in all advertising where credit card acceptance is indicated. The disclosures must comply with New York state readability and visibility standards. New York General Business Law § 518
Effective January 1, 2025 — Right to Paid Prenatal Leave
Covered employers must provide 20 hours of paid prenatal leave. Paid prenatal leave is paid time off work that covered employees can use for healthcare during their pregnancy or related to their pregnancy, including fertility treatment and end of pregnancy care. If employers are not providing their employees with paid prenatal leave, workers can file a complaint with the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP). Details
Jobs & Job Training
Ongoing — Queens Together Hospitality Job Candidates
Queens Together currently has several experienced hospitality candidates from its Pipeline to Employment program seeking full- and part-time positions across Queens. This is a great resource for businesses looking to hire qualified, job-ready workers. Contact: [email protected]
Surveys & Public Feedback
Queens Community Board 2 — Statement of Needs for City Budget
CB2 is conducting a survey to inform the Board’s Statement of Needs submission regarding the community’s funding priorities for the upcoming budget year. Details
Community Initiatives & Resources
Ongoing — Know Your Rights Resources
If you or a loved one needs immigration legal assistance, call the NYC Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs’ free legal hotline at 800-354-0365 or 311 and say “immigration legal assistance”. The hotline is available to take calls in multiple languages. Details
Ongoing — Mentor a NYC High School Student with iMentor
Mentoring with iMentor takes only 3-4 hours a month. Your first step in becoming a mentor is to attend an iMentor orientation, which are open to the general public and the first step to becoming a mentor. During orientation, you will learn more about the program, the students, and the volunteer experience. Details