MyCity
What is MyCity?
MyCity (mycity.nyc.gov) is a one-stop shop for New York City services and benefits.
What can you do on MyCity?
New Yorkers can use MyCity to check eligibility qualifications, complete applications, track services status, and securely store personal information and documentation for future use. Learn more about MyCity and provide feedback on current and future offerings at mycity.nyc.gov.
What is the vision for MyCity?
MyCity will rebuild city services from the ground up to meet the modern needs of New Yorkers. Anyone with an internet connection on their phone or computer will be able to log onto mycity.nyc.gov using their NYC.ID login or by using an existing email address to authenticate their account.
When did MyCity launch?
MyCity launched in March 2023 with a first phase that included a simplified child care application. MyCity’s second phase, featuring the Business site, followed in September 2023.
What services are offered by MyCity?
MyCity currently provides child care and business services. MyCity will include more government services in the near future.
How many languages are available on MyCity?
MyCity includes English and the city’s 10 most common non-English languages.
What can I do with MyCity’s Business site?
- Find out how to apply for or renew business licenses and permits
- Check the status of applications
- Learn what’s required to operate a business in the City
- Learn how to avoid common violations
- Check a status or make a payment for certain violations, licenses, and permits
- Find business regulations
- Get help with starting and operating your business
What is the benefit of using MyCity’s Business site?
MyCity’s Business Site saves businesses time and money by connecting them directly with resources across all City agencies.
What is NYC Funds Finder?
NYC Funds Finder is the City’s first online capital marketplace for small business owners.
NYC Funds Finder, a tool developed in conjunction with Next Street, connects entrepreneurs with financing assistance through the City’s Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) partners and other lenders. Businesses can navigate the site independently or request free one-on-one assistance at nyc.gov/financingassistance.
What research went into creating MyCity’s Business site?
The Business site follows extensive research and usability testing, ensuring that the platform is an all-in-one tool that provides fast, accessible, and accurate service to all New Yorkers.
What information and assistance is available to help start, manage, or grow my small business?
- Access services to save your business money, such as business courses, legal assistance, and financing
- Learn how to recruit and train staff
- Apply for Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE) certification
- Learn how to sell to the government
- Get help understanding and complying with City rules that affect your business
- Get one-on-one help to figure out which licenses, permits, and inspections you need
- Apply for, renew, amend, and make payments for licenses and permits from NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) and NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH)
- Schedule pre-operational Health (DOHMH) and range hood (New York City Fire Department) inspections
What is the chatbot?
The virtual assistant chatbot, powered by Microsoft’s Azure AI technology and OpenAI’s ChatGPT chatbot framework, is a beta program that will continue to improve to better serve the needs of visitors to the MyCity portal.
What is the NYC Department of Small Business Services?
The NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) helps unlock economic potential and create economic security for all New Yorkers by connecting New Yorkers to good jobs, creating stronger businesses, and building vibrant neighborhoods across the five boroughs. For more information on all SBS services, go to nyc.gov/sbs, call 311, and follow SBS on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
What is the NYC Office of Technology and Innovation?
The NYC Office of Technology and Innovation (OTI) is the citywide tech authority leveraging the latest tech to enhance safety, opportunity, and efficiency. The Mayor of New York City Eric Adams created OTI with Executive Order 3 in January 2022. For more information on OTI, go to nyc.gov/oti, and follow OTI on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
How can I report a technical issue on MyCity’s Business site?
You can report a technical issue on the Contact Us page.
Why is the MyCity Chatbot a beta?
The MyCity Chatbot is based on new technology that is still being tested. As the technology matures, the Chatbot will offer improved information accuracy and an increased number of languages. We encourage you to try it and let us know what you think on this Feedback form!
I got a weird / incorrect / inappropriate response from the MyCity Chatbot. What happened?
The MyCity Chatbot is a beta, so you may get some responses that are slightly off. If you do, please let us know through the Feedback form.
Does the MyCity Chatbot store the questions I ask?
The MyCity Chatbot is configured to not store any questions or information provided, nor the responses it gives back. However, the Azure AI service underlying the Chatbot logs prompts and responses for abuse monitoring purposes for up to 30 days. Prompts that are flagged as potentially harmful, illegal, or otherwise inappropriate are reviewed for potential follow up.
Is the MyCity Chatbot being trained on its interactions with people
No.
Does the MyCity Chatbot have information about my dealings with the City?
No. The MyCity Chatbot only has access to information from NYC.gov sources pertaining to starting and operating a business in NYC and MyCity basics.