Neighborhood Entrepreneur Law Project
Neighborhood Entrepreneur Law Project
Overview
The City Bar Justice Center’s Neighborhood Entrepreneur Law Project (NELP) provides free legal support to microentrepreneurs of limited economic means who seek to achieve financial stability through entrepreneurship. By providing free legal services to communities that have been traditionally disadvantaged, we help NELP clients achieve financial independence and break the cycle of poverty created by systemic inequality, while bringing jobs and services to the communities where they live and work.
NELP’s volunteer attorneys provide assistance through legal presentations, legal clinics and direct pro bono representation. They assist entrepreneurs with issues such as entity formation, contracts & agreements, commercial lease reviews & negotiations, and intellectual property protections.
To date, NELP has partnered with more than 100 law firms, 25 corporate legal departments, and 30 community-based organizations to assist more than 20,000 clients through the provision of brief services, direct representation, legal clinics, and community presentations.
Akira Arroyo directs the Neighborhood Entrepreneur Law Project and Saralexi Chacon is the project coordinator.
To get help from the Neighborhood Entrepreneur Law Project, call 212.382.6633 or email nelp@nycbar.org.
NELP Services
Small Business Legal Clinics – NELP’s legal clinics provide microentrepreneurs with the opportunity to speak with an attorney regarding their small business legal issues. Frequently discussed topics include: business structure, incorporation, contracts and agreements, commercial leasing, and intellectual property protection. In order to attend, you must register in advance.
Presentations – NELP’s volunteer attorneys give presentations on small business legal issues in partnership with local community development organizations throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx.
Direct Pro Bono Representation – to get additional assistance from NELP, call 212.382.6633 or email nelp@nycbar.org.
To see all upcoming NELP events, view this page.
Not sure if this is the right project? Contact our free Legal Hotline at 212-626-7383.
Small Business Guides and Resources
Small Business Cannabis Presentation Series Resources
Reports
Upcoming events
NELP Intellectual Property Presentation - Wednesday, September 16th (4:00-5:30PM)
A small business virtual legal presentation will be held over Zoom in partnership with the Brooklyn Library Business & Career Center and Pace University Small Business Development Center. This presentation will provide small business owners with an overview of intellectual property rights through a discussion of Trademarks, Copyrights, Trade Secrets, and Patents. The webinar will delve into the process of obtaining legally recognized IP protections as well as discuss common IP pitfalls for microentrepreneurs. Registration is required. Please click here if interested in participating.
NELP Small Business Remote Legal Clinic - Thursday, September 17th (4:30-6:30PM)
A small business virtual legal clinic will be held over Zoom in partnership with the Midtown Manhattan Small Business Development Center. Registration is required. Please click here if interested in participating.
NELP Small Business In-Person Legal Clinic - Thursday, September 24th (4:30-6:30PM)
A small business in-person legal clinic will be held at 361 West 125th St, New York, NY in partnership with the Upper Manhattan Business Solution Center & Washington Heights Business Solution Center. Registration is required. Please click here if interested in participating.
Click here to view a complete list
NELP Client Spotlight
-
Youma’s Beauty
Husband and wife team, Moussa and Youma Niangadou, are the founders of Youma’s Beauty, an online beauty store devoted to empowering women with curly hair textures through quality hair products.
Read more
To learn more about Youma’s Beauty and other NELP clients click here.
Latest news
-
June 11, 2025
Reflecting on Small Business Month: Legal Support for NYC Entrepreneurs
May is Small Business Month, and in honor of this special event, the Neighborhood Entrepreneur Law Project (NELP) proudly continued its mission to empower NYC-based entrepreneurs by providing critical legal support and guidance. NELP assisted 20 entrepreneurs and small business owners throughout the month by offering 45-minute consultations at two clinics. The first, held … Continue reading Reflecting on Small Business Month: Legal Support for NYC Entrepreneurs
Read more -
February 24, 2025
Key Annual Filings & Tax Deadlines Every Small Business Owner Should Know for 2025
Tax season is here, and it’s the perfect time to get your business and finances in order. Staying on top of annual filings and tax deadlines is essential to keeping your business compliant and running smoothly. Proactive planning not only saves you time and money but also helps prevent unnecessary stress as deadlines approach. Read … Continue reading Key Annual Filings & Tax Deadlines Every Small Business Owner Should Know for 2025
Read more -
December 10, 2024
Volunteer Spotlight: Timothy C. Nash, Jr.
Timothy C. Nash, Jr., Assistant General Counsel at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, volunteers with the Neighborhood Entrepreneur Law Project at CBJC. His passion for supporting small business owners began while seeking admission to the NY State Bar and has only grown since. Motivated by his family’s entrepreneurial background, Timothy provides legal guidance … Continue reading Volunteer Spotlight: Timothy C. Nash, Jr.
Read more