- Updated: May. 28, 2024, 1:49 p.m.
- Published: May. 28, 2024, 1:38 p.m.
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STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The NYC Small Business Resource Network (SBRN) is hoping to improve the digital presence of 500 small businesses throughout the city, expanding on its Open + Online initiative to offer free website builds and a full year of hosting.
“It’s crucial that your small business has a strong online presence to compete in today’s marketplace,” the organization noted on its website, detailing that this free service can typically cost a small business owner thousands.
“A dedicated project manager will collect your materials and guide you through the program, [and] you’ll have two sessions with your web designer to plan out and review your custom website,” according to the SBRN website.
Originally launched as a pandemic recovery effort, the SBRN supports small businesses via a collaborative partnership between the five boroughwide chambers of commerce. They receive funding for their efforts from corporations like Amazon, Bank of America, Capital One and Meta. This particular project is sponsored by Wells Fargo.
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
- The SBRN will pay for your first full year of website hosting using the Squarespace.com builder and platform.
- After building, the organization can help register a domain name for the new website, if the business does not own one already.
- For logo and branding projects, all designs are done from scratch and businesses will have full ownership of the final files.
TYPES OF PROJECTS:
- Basic website. A professional website built for the purpose of displaying information about the business. The site will be four to five pages and can offer email signups and custom contact or order forms. This option is geared toward service-based businesses. The first year of hosting is paid for by the program, and the cost will be $276/year or $33/month starting year two. There is no commitment, and the site can be cancelled at any time.
- E-commerce website. A professional website built for the purpose of selling products that are ready to be shipped. The program can build 20 products to start, and the business can add more later. The site will allow email signups, custom contact or order forms, and product reviews to be collected. This option is tailored toward businesses that are already selling products and are ready to venture into online selling. The first year of hosting is paid for by the program, and the cost will be $324/year or $36/month starting year two. There is no commitment, and the site can be cancelled at any time.
- Logo & branding. A professionally designed business logo and brand style guide. The logo will be available in multiple files formats, for use digitally and for printing. The style guide will include two font selections and a color palette, helping to define brand identity. The business will own all designs it receives. There is no cost associated with this offering. A great option for startups or businesses that are looking to rebrand.
All small businesses are welcome to apply for these services, but priority will be given to Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprises. You do not have to be a member of the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce to receive assistance.
According to the Chamber, about 50 Staten Island businesses have already completed projects through Open + Online. To view those websites, visit https://www.nycsmallbusinessresourcenetwork.org/openandonline.
Questions about the program can be directed to Michael Anderson, SBRN Supervisor at manderson@sichamber.com or 718-727-1900 ext. 1007.
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