Mayor Adams Delivers: Boosting NYC Restaurants with Less Red Tape & More Growth
New restaurant inspection reforms in New York City implements two-email notification system.
Immediate Release: Thursday, May 29th, 2025 - New York City Mayor Eric Adams and the Department of Small Business Services (SBS) Commissioner Dynishal Gross have announced "Small Business Forward 2.0," a new set of initiatives aimed at reducing bureaucracy for small businesses and fostering a more supportive economic environment in New York City.
This updated plan builds on the initial "Small Business Forward" initiative, which has already saved businesses over $50 million in fines and fees since 2022. The administration boasts a record 183,000 small businesses operating in the city, with one in five starting under Adams' tenure, contributing to 11 instances of breaking the all-time jobs record.
Key initiatives announced include:
Restaurant Inspection Reforms: The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) will implement a two-email notification system for restaurant inspections. The first email will be sent 1-5 months prior, and the second 3-6 weeks in advance. These notices will provide resources and a checklist for restaurants to self-inspect and improve compliance, reducing disruption and helping businesses meet food safety standards. They'll also refer businesses to "NYC Business Express Service Team" (NYC BEST) for free compliance education.
"NYC Future Fund" Loan Program: Applications are now open for this new revenue-based loan program, the city's first of its kind. It offers loans of up to $500,000 with flexible payments based on monthly revenue, designed to help businesses, especially early-stage, BIPOC, and women entrepreneurs, manage cash flow and grow. This fund expands on the over $300 million in financing assistance facilitated since 2022.
Continued Red Tape Reduction: Various city agencies (FDNY, DOB, DCWP, DEP, DOT, DOHMH) will review existing regulations over the next three months to identify areas for reducing fines and allowing cure periods or warnings for first-time violations, with a report due in September.
Stronger Engagement: Regulatory agencies will deliver annual presentations at the Mayor’s Small Business Advisory Commission meetings (starting Fall 2025) to share upcoming changes and gather feedback. SBS is also seeking nominations for new commission members.
