Business Resources
Collaborative & Innovative
Tackling the Issue
Small Business Disaster Loan Assistance - US Small Business Administration
Up to $2M for small businesses affected by the coronavirus
Eligible: Small businesses
New York Forward Loan Fund – Empire State Development
Access to credit for New York State small businesses, non-profits, and small landlords
Eligible: Must have 20 or fewer full-time equivalent employees, no PPP or EIDL loans received already
NYS Truck Voucher Incentive Program - NYSERDA
Vouchers ranging from $25,000 to $150,000
Eligible: Bus and/or truck manufacturers, dealers, or buyers
Programs for Restaurants and Restaurant Workers - Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation
A variety of funds to help restaurants and restaurant workers
Eligible: Restaurants and restaurant workers
Making a Difference
Attention Unemployment Insurance (UI) claimants:
New York Business Express and the NYS100 registration application is only for New York State employers to use to register for UI coverage for their employees. To file a personal claim for UI, you must go online to www.labor.ny.gov/signin. Read more about how to file a claim and see a step-by-step guide to online filing.
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About the Spread & Measures to Take:
COVID-19 Assistance & Guidance for Businesses
As part of the City's commitment to spur economic growth, SBS has released The New Normal: Adapting Your Small Business Playbook, a handbook filled with tools, technologies, and strategies to help entrepreneurs stabilize their business, protect their staff and customers, and build and grow beyond the pandemic.
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NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) launched Fair Share NYC, offering free webinars, technical assistance and access to lenders to help businesses interested in applying for PPP loans. For more information, visit nyc.gov/PPP or call 888-SBS-4NYC.
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The NYC Small Business Resource Network offers free, personalized, one-on-one assistance to help small businesses navigate a range of challenges involving technology, real estate, legal and finance, new regulations, and more.
NYC Department of Small Business Services offers three mentorship programs, which will provide industry experts as guides for current and aspiring entrepreneurs seeking to start and grow a business in a post-COVID era: Small Business Mentors NYC; Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprises (M/WBEs) Mentors; and BE NYC Mentors for Black entrepreneurs.
Doing What’s Needed
The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) currently offers: First Draw PPP Loans for first time program participants, and; Second Draw PPP Loans for certain businesses who have previously received a PPP loan.
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The State issued new guidelines for reopening in New York City (as of February 25, 2021):
Indoor dining capacity may increase to 35% beginning on Friday, February 26.
Movie theaters may reopen at 25% capacity with no more than 50 people per screen beginning on March 5.
Billiard/pool halls may reopen at 35% capacity beginning on March 5.
In-person and catered events may resume at the lesser of 50% capacity or 150 people per event beginning on March 15. The NYS Department of Health amended the Interim Guidance for Food Services During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency to include guidelines for in-person and catered events, starting on page 7.