New York Forward: Small Business Recovery Hub
Nov 24, 2020
Current Reopening Guidelines
Open Storefronts Program
The Open Storefronts program assists existing ground-floor storefront businesses who want to use outdoor areas on a temporary basis. The program is available October 30 to December 31, 2020.
Here are the quick facts:
- Modeled on Open Restaurants, but businesses are not allowed to build permanent structures on the sidewalk
- How to apply:
- Simple application - nyc.gov/openstorefronts
- *Groups of three (3) or more businesses on at least one single block, may join together to apply. Please visit Open Streets: Restaurants for more information and the group application.
- Next Steps: Businesses that have self-certified will receive an email from the City authorizing outdoor retail and should print and prominently display their Open Storefronts email confirmation.
- Here are a list of eligible retail activities and FAQs
For help completing the application, please call the SBS Hotline: 888-SBS-4NYC (888-727-4692).
Outdoor and Indoor Dining
The Governor announced that restaurants, bars, and gyms must close at 10PM as of November 13. Check back here for updates.
The Open Restaurants program is permanent. View the complete guidelines here.
What you need to know now:
- Seating can be expanded to the adjacent space with a formal agreement and no-fee commitment between the two businesses. DOT will issue application forms for expansion and restaurants must not expand until this guidance is issued.
- Electric heaters will be allowed on both the sidewalk and roadway. Propane and natural gas heaters will be allowed on the sidewalk only.
- Tent enclosures will be allowed to keep diners warm. For partial tent enclosures, 50% of the tent’s side wall surface area will need to remain open and electric heaters will be allowed. In full tent enclosures, the side walls may remain closed but capacity will be capped at 25%. Enclosed structures, such as plastic domes, will be allowed for individual parties and must have adequate ventilation to allow for air circulation.
- Business Improvement Districts, merchants associations and restaurants represented by a single entity can submit an online application via DOT to open up retail corridors. Privately owned plazas and Waterfront Public Access areas may also be used.
The Mayor's office has released guidance on the use of heaters for restaurants that plan to serve customers outdoors with heating devices this fall and winter. View the guidance here. This is a cross agency initiative overseen by the Dept of Transportation (DOT), Dept of Buildings (DOB) and the FDNY.
Please note that Indoor guidance is not included in the information below, but will be released soon.
Review guidance from the DOB and FDNY depending on the heater type you plan to use for your business:
Follow the NY State Liquor Authority for updates via
- Twitter @NY_SLA
- Facebook @StateLiquorAuthority
Here is guidance on outdoor expansion of licensed premises. Read their FAQs on licensing policies and the regulation to serve food along with alcoholic beverages
Plastic Bag Ban
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced that the plastic bag ban will resume in effect as of October 19. DEC continues to encourage New Yorkers to use reusable bags with the #BYOBagNY campaign, launched earlier this year. Learn more about the Bag Waste Reduction Law and the Bring Your Own Bag campaign.
For more information about the plastic bag ban, reusable bags, or to file a complaint about entities using single-use plastic carryout bags, visit DEC's website, email [email protected], or call (518) 402-8706.
Commercial Evictions & Foreclosures
The Governor's office announced that the moratorium on COVID-related commercial evictions and foreclosures will be extended through January 1, 2021. Read the Executive Order here.
Business Closures by Zones
New York City is in the fourth phase of reopening.
Brooklyn is now fully in the yellow zone, however further updates to the zones are expected this week. We are continuing to monitor this closely.
Brooklyn now has Yellow Zone restrictions only, which include:
- Non-essential gathers are limited to no more than 25 people
- Houses of worship are subject to a capacity limit of 50% of its maximum occupancy and shall adhere to Department of Health guidance
- Restaurants and taverns must limit any one seated group or party size to 4 people
- Schools shall adhere to applicable guidance issued by the Department of Health regarding mandatory testing of students and school personnel
View zone-based restrictions here and determine if your business should reduce staff or close.
Read the latest announcement on zone-based restrictions.
Enter your address here to view the zone you are in.
Grants for Businesses and Non-profits
Grants for Small Businesses
Citizens Committee for New York City is offering small business grants in the range of $5,000-10,000 to businesses that did not receive a PPP or EIDL through the SBA. Learn more about the Neighborhood Grants here and submit an application here.
Small businesses can access micro grants via a $2.5 million fund created by GoFundMe and its partners. Read the program FAQs. This fund is now in its 14th round of grant-making. Businesses with an active GoFundMe campaign will be considered for $500 matching grants from the fund. Register your business here.
Grants for Non-Profits
Robin Hood is accepting applications for grants to support non-profits that serve vulnerable populations, provide emergency assistance (e.g. food or shelter), at-risk at gaps in government contracts and others, for an average grant size of $45,000. Find out more here.
Artist Relief is offering $5,000 grants to artists who meet the following criteria. Read the FAQs here and apply here.
Grants & Resources for Restaurants
DoorDash is offering up to two weeks of financial assistance to delivery workers affected by the coronavirus who have been on the platform for 60 days and made at least 30 deliveries in the last 30 days. Find out here if you or your workers qualify.
The NYC Hospitality Alliance has put together an extensive list of resources including employment opportunities, financial aid to businesses, food donations, support, online ordering/gift cards.
The 'Children of Restaurant Employees' program is offering grants to restaurant employees medically diagnosed with Covid-19 to provide ongoing support to children with working parents.
RWCF is offering grants to support individual restaurant workers and non-profit organizations serving restaurant workers in crisis, as well as zero-interest loans for restaurants. Find out more here.
The One Fair Wage Emergency Fund is actively raising money and will be making temporary cash gifts to workers as funding becomes available. Fill out a short intake form here.
The information collected will be used for the purposes of follow-up communications only. Upon completing this form, an organizer from One Fair Wage will reach out to you to confirm your information.
Brooklyn Chamber Resources
WE ARE COMMITTED to helping Brooklyn businesses and industries recover from the financial and other hardships caused by the pandemic.
Small Business Resources Network
The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce has activated its Small Business Resources Network to provide direct support to businesses throughout Brooklyn. If you are a small business in NYC, we can help.
Get free expert services to meet all your business needs:
- volunteer mentors,
- technical assistance providers,
- loans and grants,
- procurement opportunities,
- marketing,
- technology,
- real estate,
- legal and accounting services
Register today to get assistance.
Brooklyn Chamber in the Field
The Brooklyn Chamber team led by President and CEO Randy Peers has conducted 25 commercial corridor visits. Follow us @brooklynchamber to see our work each week in the field.
Support neighborhood business, it's the Brooklyn way!
You can still contribute and join the effort to save your local small businesses. Learn more here.
Open for Business in Brooklyn
See who is open for business in Brooklyn - updated daily with over 1,000 businesses across all neighborhoods.
View our map of open plazas and streets in Brooklyn.
Commercial Cleaners
To assist with your business cleaning and sanitizing needs we have a vetted list of commercial cleaners operating across Brooklyn. Contact them for a quote.
Economic Impact Surveys
Our monthly surveys measure the economic impact of the pandemic to Brooklyn businesses. The feedback we receive supports our advocacy efforts on behalf of the small business community to policymakers. Our November survey results on commercial leases are now out.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Grant
We are providing disposable masks, gloves, sanitizers and thermometers for businesses and their employees. Please apply for our Bring Back Brooklyn PPE grant here.
Small Business Hotline
The Brooklyn Chamber is digital! Find us on the Brooklyn App and join the 'Small Business Hotline' to communicate with us and your business peers in real time.
Webinars
We host weekly virtual events to help business owners and sole proprietors navigate financial aid and the latest resources, advice and information. View the recordings here.
Small Business Financial and Other Assistance
US Small Business Administration (SBA)
The US Small Business Administration (SBA) has five disaster relief programs to address the ongoing COVID19 crisis:
- Paycheck Protection Program (PPP),
- Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)
- EIDL Advance grant - closed
- SBA Bridge loan, and
- Debt Relief
Click here to view all SBA programs (eligibility criteria, loan amount, and terms)
What are you eligible for?
If you are a small business owner, with 500 or fewer employees and have been in business before
- January 31, 2020, you qualify for the EIDL and EIDL Advance only
- February 15, 2020, you qualify for the PPP, the EIDL and EIDL Advance
- March 13, 2020, you qualify for the SBA Bridge Loan, and all of the above
- You can also receive debt relief if you do not qualify for the above loans, on all SBA non-disaster loans (SBA 7(a), 504 and microloans)
Self employed, sole proprietors and independent contractors also all qualify.
How do you apply?
For the PPP: submit an application to your bank. Refer to our PPP section to prepare what you need.
For the EIDL and EIDL Advance grant: complete an online application. Refer below to our EIDL/EIDL Advance sections for the link.
For the SBA bridge loan: from an SBA lender with whom you have an existing relationship prior to March 13, 2020.
For debt relief: this is automatic but check in with your bank.
How much can you apply for?
- PPP: up to $10 million, based on calculations for payroll and expenses related to healthcare, rent, mortgage interest and utility payments.
- EIDL: up to $2 million, with no personal guarantee for $25,000 loans
- EIDL Advance: $10,000 grant
- SBA Bridge: up to $25,000
- Debt relief: n/a
The EIDL program which has been re-opened and is processing applications on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Loans with these terms and a 30 year repayment
- Apply here
We recommend you apply immediately.
The EIDL Advance Program ("EIDL grant") has ended as of July 11.
The PPP application closed on August 8
Check back here for announcements and updates
Here is the “EZ” version of the PPP forgiveness application
Seven Key Amendments to the PPP
- Time Period for Use of Funds:
- extension of the 8-week period -- when proceeds must be spent for loans to be forgiven -- to 24 weeks or through December 31.
- The provision would apply to worker/wage reductions made from February 15 through 30 days after enactment of the CARES Act on March 27.
- Proceeds Used for Payroll:
- reduction in payroll expenditure requirement to 60% from 75% to qualify for full loan forgiveness.
- Repayment Period for Unforgivable Loan:
- The PPP loan will mature over 5 years instead of the current 2 year deadline set by the SBA. This provision will apply to loans issued after the measure is enacted - though borrowers and lenders could agree to extend existing loans too.
- Deferral Period (no payments required):
- extended to 10 months after the loan forgiveness covered period (from 6 months)
- New Exceptions will be considered for borrowers that are unable to return to their original level of business activity due to covid-19 regulations.
- Repeal of a provision that barred companies with forgiven PPP loans from deferring their payroll tax payments
- Allowing borrowers to defer principal and interest payments on PPP loans until the SBA compensates lenders for any forgiven amounts, instead of the current six-month deferral period. Borrowers that don’t apply for forgiveness would be given at least 10 months after the program expires to start making payments.
The SBA, in consultation with the Department of the Treasury, has released the Loan Forgiveness Application and detailed instructions for the application.
The form and instructions inform borrowers how to apply for forgiveness of their PPP loans. SBA will also soon issue regulations and guidance to further assist borrowers as they complete their applications, and to provide lenders with guidance on their responsibilities.
Our partners PKF O'Connor Davies, LLP, have created a presentation that covers the various aspects of the PPP loan forgiveness. It includes the most current legal and financial advice on terms of forgiveness.
Also refer to the webinar section above to watch the full webinar led by PKF O'Connor Davies on May 18, 2020.
As of May 5, SBA has updated its guidelines to state that borrowers will not be penalized if they fail to rehire. Please see questions 40-42 on the FAQ for these updates. This has been in response to concerns about loan forgiveness due to workforce related issues. Read the latest PPP FAQs here.
Covered, forgivable costs under the PPP loan include:
- Payroll costs (calculated using the calculators above), including healthcare
- Mortgage interest payments
- Rent
- Utilities
You are responsible to repay the loan amount used for all other costs than those specified above.
Due to likely high subscription, it is anticipated that not more than 25% of the forgiven amount may be for non-payroll costs.
- Number of Staff: Your loan forgiveness will be reduced if you decrease your full-time employee headcount. You will also owe if you do not maintain your staff and payroll.
- Level of Payroll: Your loan forgiveness will also be reduced if you decrease salaries and wages by more than 25% for any employee that made less than $100,000 annualized in 2019.
- Re-Hiring: You have until June 30, 2020 to restore your full-time employment and salary levels for any changes made between February 15, 2020 and April 26, 2020.
For further details, please refer to this SBA document on loan forgiveness.
The Payroll Protection Program Application closed on June 30, 2020.
For a comprehensive, easy, and free guide to the PPP loan for sole proprietors and independent contractors, please click here. All of the PPP eligibility criteria and other application info are also detailed below here.
Use of Funds for Loan Forgiveness
All of the below, with the exception of interest payments on other debt obligations. The proceeds of a PPP loan were to be used for the following.
- Owner compensation replacement, calculated based on 2019 net profit as described above.
- Employee payroll costs (as defined in the First PPP Interim Final Rule) for employees whose principal place of residence is in the United States, if you have employees.
- Mortgage interest payments (but not mortgage prepayments or principal payments) on any business mortgage obligation on real or personal property (e.g., the interest on your mortgage for the warehouse you purchased to store business equipment or the interest on an auto loan for a vehicle you use to perform your business), business rent payments (e.g., the warehouse where you store business equipment or the vehicle you use to perform your business), and business utility payments (e.g., the cost of electricity in the warehouse you rent or gas you use driving your business vehicle).
- You must have claimed or be entitled to claim a deduction for such expenses on your 2019 Form 1040 Schedule C for them to be a permissible use during the eight-week period following the first disbursement of the loan. For example, if you did not claim or are not entitled to claim utilities expenses on your 2019 Form 1040 Schedule C, you cannot use the proceeds for utilities during the covered period.
- Interest payments on any other debt obligations that were incurred before February 15, 2020 (such amounts are not eligible for PPP loan forgiveness).
- Refinancing an SBA EIDL loan made between January 31, 2020 and April 3, 2020 (maturity will be reset to PPP’s maturity of two years). If you received an SBA EIDL loan from January 31, 2020 through April 3, 2020, you can apply for a PPP loan. If your EIDL loan was not used for payroll costs, it does not affect your eligibility for a PPP loan. If your EIDL loan was used for payroll costs, your PPP loan must be used to refinance your EIDL loan. Proceeds from any advance up to $10,000 on the EIDL loan will be deducted from the loan forgiveness amount on the PPP loan.
What program should I apply for?
As an average US-based business owner with 500 or fewer employees, you are likely eligible for all SBA disaster assitance programs. Do not limit yourself to just one as this greatly increases your chances to receive assistance.
Apply for the PPP, EIDL and EIDL Advance immediately.
The EIDL has an online application, there is no guarantee requirement for loans below $25,000 and there is no obligation to accept the loan if approved, and no fees. Refer below to EIDL section on how to apply.
The PPP is a “forgivable” loan, and requires processing by your local bank and a commitment to retain or re-hire your workforce when you re-open. Refer above to the PPP section on putting together your documents and how to apply. Also refer below for additional details about the PPP.
The SBA Bridge loan and debt relief are also programs for you to consider.
Click here to compare all SBA disaster programs in one place
Which bank should I use for the PPP?
In our survey of 300+ businesses, we have found smaller, community banks and CDFIs to have been easier to work with for the first round of PPP application submissions. Some community banks are accepting new business customers via phone or online sign-up and you may want to consider them. However, you should work with the lender that suits you most.
New York City and State Resources
Commercial Lease Assistance
The Commercial Lease Assistance Program offers free legal services for businesses seeking to renew or amend their existing lease, or sign a new commercial lease.
New York Forward Loan Fund
Loan program for businesses with 20 or fewer full-time employees, nonprofits and small landlords who did not receive PPP or EIDL. Apply with these CDFIs.
- Accion East
- Community Preservation Corporation
- National Development Council
- Pursuit
- TruFund
Complete the application here.
This is not a first-come, first-served application.
Assistance to Manufacturers
Review the reopening guidelines for manufacturers.
For PPE procurement (masks, gloves, disinfecting supplies, thermometers and physical barriers) or to be listed as a vendor, visit the NYC Manufacturing and Industry Innovation Council's PPE marketplace.
Other Resources
EDC is currently seeking businesses with the ability to source and/or manufacture needed medical supplies, including: face shields, masks, ventilators, gowns and other Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
- Manufacturers who can create from scratch must fill out this form
- Suppliers with a ready access of stock must fill out this form
To manufacture PPE for NYS, visit this page - Companies looking to donate medical supplies and PPE can do so via this portal
National Grid's existing Manufacturing Productivity Economic Development grants are helping manufacturers develop new products or implement lean manufacturing to produce critical items during the crisis.
Funding Requirements:
- Funding available to manufacturers working with ITAC on eligible activities.
- Manufacturer must be a National Grid customer or demonstrate they are covering part of the National Grid services as part of their lease
- Manufacturers are identified by their NAICS code and must have one that starts with 31-33
- Funding will only cover external service costs, and cannot be used for payroll, machinery or raw materials
For questions, please contact Lyle Sclair [email protected] or 516-419-0321, Downstate New York Economic Development programs.
Bespoke Post’s Support Small program is purchasing up to $10 million in products from emerging brands with 50 or fewer employees and small manufacturers with 100 or fewer employees. Learn more here.
New York City Resources
Open Letter from MTA Chairman and CEO Patrick J. Foye
The All In Toolkit & promotional video are resources for all of us to use in promoting just why we all love New York City.
Crime and Vending: NYPD Chief of Patrol Services Fausto Pichardo ([email protected]); Freya Rigterink, Chief of Staff to First Deputy Mayor ([email protected])
Homelessness: Sophia Heller, Senior Advisor for Homelessness and Human Service Policy ([email protected]); Laura Atlas, City Hall Intergovernmental Affairs ([email protected])
Substance Issues: Patrick Masseo ([email protected])
Restaurants: Carl Rodrigues, Chief of Staff, office of the Deputy Mayor for Housing and Economic Development ([email protected])
Partnering with the City: Peter Hatch, Senior Advisor for Public/Private Partnerships ([email protected])
The Parks Department has issued a Special Events Permit which allows for commercial activity in the parks (transactions, however, must take place at the business location). Regularly scheduled, recurring activities are allowed. The permit costs $25 and the activity must be limited 20 people. A Safety Plan must be submitted by the event host. Learn more here.
MTA is on Twitter at @NYCTSubway and @NYCTBus and via phone at 511.
As of June 8, MTA train and bus service is for essential and Phase 1 workers only and masks are required. Find out more here and read the action plan for safe return here.
Previous MTA operations during Covid-19/ NYS on PAUSE
On May 6, subway service was shut nightly from 1:00-5:00AM for sanitation and disinfecting. During this time, essential workers were being provided alternate transportation by the MTA, including 24/7 buses, dollar vans and for-hire vehicles. Read more here.
The MTA has operated on a "MTA Essential Service Plan" as of March 25 preserving AM and PM peak hours to get first-responders and essential personnel to their destinations. Find out more about subway, bus, ferry, LIRR and Metro North service here.
- The City of New York has developed a list of resources related to the following: employment, food assistance, health and medical assistance, financial assistance, rent arrears and public assistance, and emotional support and spiritual care.
- The NYC COVID-19 Engagement Portal is a new tool to help guide the City's response to the pandemic. The portal is available in 11 languages and allows New Yorkers to self-report COVID-19 information in a safe and confidential way. Dial 311 if you do not have internet access.
- NYC Covid-19 toll-free hotline: 311
- NYS Department of Health Covid-19 toll-free hotline: 1-888-364-3065
- For updates from the City, text "COVID" to 692-692 (COVIDESP en espanol)
- If you have Covid-19 symptoms, call: 1-844-NYC-4NYC to connect with services and schedule testing from NYC Health and Hospitals
- NYC Donations Hotline: 1-833-NYC-0040
- #AskMyMayor - submit a question, comment or concern to the Mayor via Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube
- File an online Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH) hearing form
- Workforce1 Career Center: 718-960-2458
- Kings County Clerk: 347-404-9123
- Coronavirus Court Hotline: 1-833-503-0447
- Tenants Rights Hotline (English and Spanish): 212-979-0611
- Support for Seniors: 212-AGING-NYC (212-244-6469) or 311
- Individuals can file complaints regarding the operation of businesses or gatherings 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through an online form or by calling 1-833-789-0470.
- Understand social distancing restrictions and report a violation here
- For freelancers nonpayment issues, submit a complaint form
- To submit a price gouging complaint fill out this form
- Report Labor issues: 212-416-8700 or email [email protected]
- Access free, safe and entertaining virtual activities, text "Fun" to 97743 or visit nyc.gov/funathome
- View a map of essential construction
- Hotels for healthcare workers: https://www.nycgo.com/gnyha
Other Reopening Resources
ConEd has put together safety requirements for outdoor dining for restaurants and cafes. Review these here.
The CDC has published guidance for 6 sectors to help them as they consider re-opening:
- schools
- restaurants
- workplaces
- mass transit
- youth camps, and
- childcare facilities
Religious institutions are exempt from this list at the moment. The guidelines also cover disinfecting procedures and materials, PPE requirements, daily habits and a full implementation plan for re-opening. The list of sectors will be regularly updated.
RXR Volunteer has put together a comprehensive directory of volunteers offering services and skills needed by small businesses and non-profits. Sort volunteers by need here.
MTA is on Twitter at @NYCTSubway and @NYCTBus and via phone at 511.
As of June 8, MTA train and bus service is for essential and Phase 1 workers only and masks are required. Find out more here and read the action plan for safe return here.
Previous MTA operations during Covid-19/ NYS on PAUSE
On May 6, subway service was shut nightly from 1:00-5:00AM for sanitation and disinfecting. During this time, essential workers were being provided alternate transportation by the MTA, including 24/7 buses, dollar vans and for-hire vehicles. Read more here.
The MTA has operated on a "MTA Essential Service Plan" as of March 25 preserving AM and PM peak hours to get first-responders and essential personnel to their destinations. Find out more about subway, bus, ferry, LIRR and Metro North service here.