New York City is some 3,000 miles away from Hollywood and Silicon Valley. But Manhattan and the nearby boroughs are a busy production hub for media, entertainment and technology ventures.
Dozens of prime-time episodic series and films, for example, were based in NYC last year. And creative, tech-focused firms are transforming the city.
Recognizing NYC's growing role in these fields, the city and mayor's office have launched a $500,000 grant program for local, small companies that straddle media, entertainment and digital. The program will help related small businesses train employees in emerging technologies and platforms.
"The media and technology sector is one of the fastest growing in NYC, employing more than 300,000 people and accounting for $30 billion in annual revenue," said Rob Walsh, commissioner of the NYC Department of Small Business Services.
(Read more: 2013 Small-Business Trends to Watch)