New York Forward: Small Business Recovery Hub
Jul 9, 2020
New York City Reopening
Phase III in New York City began on July 6. All regions except New York City are presently in Phase IV.
Review the New York Forward Reopening Plan
Develop a written reopening business safety plan. This does not need to be submitted to a state agency for approval but a copy of it must be retained on premises for inspection. Read the curbside and in-store pickup guidance.*
Use this template to develop your Safety Plan
Use this tool to determine if you can reopen and understand health and safety standards
*The Brooklyn Chamber is providing PPE to help businesses reopen - scroll below for details
Guidelines by Industry
Phase One Phase Two Phase Three (July 6) Phase Four (TBA)
Construction
- Building Equipment Contractors
- Building Finishing Contractors
- Foundation, Structure, and Building Exterior Contractors
- Highway, Street and Bridge Construction
- Land Subdivision
- Nonresidential Building Construction
- Residential Building Construction
- Utility System Construction
Retail (curbside pickup)
- Clothing Stores
- Direct Selling Establishments
- Electronics and Appliance Stores
- Electronic Shopping and Mail-Order Houses
- Furniture and Home Furnishing Stores
- Florists
- General Merchandise Stores
- Health and Personal Care Stores
- Jewelry, Luggage, and Leather Goods Stores
- Lawn and Garden Equipment and Supplies Stores
- Office Supplies, Stationery, and Gift Stores
- Used Merchandise Stores
- Shoe Stores
- Sporting Goods, Hobby, Musical Instrument and Book Stores
- Other Miscellaneous Retailers
Manufacturing
- Apparel Manufacturing
- Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing
- Electric Lighting Equipment Manufacturing
- Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing
- Furniture and Related Product Manufacturing
- Leather and Allied Product Manufacturing
- Machinery Manufacturing
- Nonmetallic Mineral Product Manufacturing
- Paper Manufacturing
- Petroleum and Coal Products Manufacturing
- Plastics and Rubber Products Manufacturing
- Printing and Related Support Activities
- Textile Mills
- Textile Product Mills
- Wood Product Manufacturing
- Other Miscellaneous Manufacturing
Wholesale Trade
- Apparel, Piece Goods, and Notions Merchant Wholesalers
- Chemical and Allied Products Merchant Wholesalers
- Furniture and Home Furnishing Merchant Wholesalers
- Household Appliances and Electrical and Electronic Goods Merchant Wholesalers
- Machinery, Equipment, and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers
- Metal and Mineral (except Petroleum) Merchant Wholesalers
- Paper and Paper Product Merchant Wholesalers
- Professional and Commercial Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers
- Wholesale Electronic Markets and Agents and Brokers
- Miscellaneous Durable Goods Merchant Wholesalers
- Miscellaneous Nondurable Goods Merchant Wholesalers
Agriculture, Fishing and Forestry
- Non-Food Animal Production
- Non-Food Crop Production
- Support Activities for Animal and Crop Production
- Support Activities for Forestry
Offices
- Review and affirm guidelines below
Restaurants (outdoor only)
- Open Restaurants curbside and roadside seating guidelines and accessibility requirements
- SLA guidelines on outdoor expansion of licenses to serve alcohol
In-store Retail
- Essential in-store retail only
Real Estate
- Review and affirm guidelines below
Commercial Building Management
- Review and affirm guidelines below
Vehicle Sales and Leases
- Review and affirm guidelines below
Hair Salons and Barbershops
- Review and affirm guidelines below
Retail Repair and Cleaning
- Review and affirm guidelines below
Restaurants (outdoor only)
- Indoor dining in New York City restaurants is postponed
- The Open Restaurants and Open Streets programs are now combined. Business Improvement Districts 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
Personal Care
- Personal Grooming
- Nail Salons
- Tattoo Parlors
- Massage therapy and spas
- Cosmetology
- UV/non-UV tanning and waxing
Beaches
- NYC beaches reopened July 1
- Swimming is allowed with lifeguards present from 10am-6pm daily
Pools
- Outdoor public pools are closed
- Indoor public pools are closed
- Click here for all Parks Dept service changes
Barbecue Areas
- Open across all parks
Dog Runs
- Open across all parks
Sports
- Sports facilities (soccer, basketball, tennis and volleyball) open across all parks
- Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 2 Basketball Courts are open
- Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 2 Handball Courts are open
Higher Education
- Review and affirm guidelines below
Outdoor Arts & Entertainment
- Review and affirm guidelines below
Indoor Arts & Entertainment
- Review and affirm guidelines below
Media Production
- Review and affirm guidelines below
Not Included in Phase IV
- Indoor gatherings of 50 or more
- Shopping Malls
- Gyms
- Theaters
Brooklyn Chamber Resources for Small Businesses
WE ARE COMMITTED
to helping Brooklyn businesses and industries recover from the financial and other hardships caused by the pandemic. Contact us at [email protected]
Support neighborhood business, it's the Brooklyn way!
We are raising funds to provide no-interest loans to Brooklyn small businesses. 65% of these loans will go towards minority and women owned businesses. The fund launched in mid June and will be managed by our CDFI, Brooklyn Alliance Capital. Click here for more information on our financing assistance.
Bring Back Brooklyn Fund FAQ
The Bring Back Brooklyn Fund provides no-interest, recovery loans to small businesses in Brooklyn to support Covid-19 relief efforts and renew our Brooklyn neighborhoods.
What is the Bring Back Brooklyn Fund?
The Bring Back Brooklyn Fund is a community-driven, no-interest, recovery loan program started by the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce through its non-profit Community Development Financial Institution – the Brooklyn Alliance Capital. The Fund brings together donations from local corporations, banks, government and consumers to help our local Brooklyn small business owners who cannot obtain commercial financing. 65% of the funds will be earmarked for Minority and/or Women-owned business enterprises as per the Brooklyn Alliance Capital’s charter. The Bring Back Brooklyn Fund will offer no-interest, recovery loans between $500 and $30,000. Donations will help businesses pay their bills, clean and sanitize their shops, hire staff, pay vendors, procure inventory, and more. Repayment terms will be flexible and tailored to each individual businesses’ circumstances.
The donations will be pooled with the Chamber’s other revolving loan funds, so they can be reused once the loans are paid back, to re-lend the funds to more businesses in need. This will maximize the assistance we can provide through the Recovery Fund.
The Bring Back Brooklyn Fund Loans will be:
- No-Interest Loans
- Community-Driven
- Applied to recovery/reopening efforts
- Flexible repayment terms
- Loan amounts between $500 and $30,000
- 65% of the total funds will be earmarked for Minority and/or Women-owned business enterprises. (The business does not need to be a certified M/WBE.)
How can I help the effort to Bring Back Brooklyn?
- DONATE: visit bringbackbrooklyn.org to contribute.
- SPREAD THE LOVE / PROMOTE: Help us get the word out and share #BringBackBrooklyn on social media and follow @BringBackBrooklyn.
- SHARE THE VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xDU7Lgalp8
- LEARN MORE: Visit bringbackbrooklyn.org.
How can I promote the campaign on social media?
- Share the campaign via: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Messenger, Email or a Hyperlink – directly from the links on the campaign page!
- We provide you a "social media kit" to help you get started. This includes: text, graphics/logo and hashtags we would like you to use and add to as you see fit.
Am I eligible for a Bring Back Brooklyn loan?
To qualify for a BBBF loan, a business must:
- Not qualify for most other commercial loans
- May or may not qualify for City, State or Federal resources related to the COVID-19 pandemic / Our criteria is not tied to your status in receiving government funds
- Have been impacted by the crisis, either as a result of a shutdown, or a reduction in operations
- Plan to re-open or restart their business in Brooklyn
What are the loan terms of the Bring Back Brooklyn Fund?
Flexible, and will be tailored to the specific need of the individual business. Loan sizes will range from $500-30,000.
When can I apply for a Bring Back Brooklyn loan?
The application process will coincide with the timeline outlined by New York State for the reopening of the economy. Once that timeline is announced, all criteria and the application will be posted on our COVID-19 Resources Page located at www.brooklynchamber.com/covid-19. Please check back on this site frequently.
How can I apply for a Bring Back Brooklyn loan?
The Brooklyn Alliance Capital has a standard application form and underwriting criteria. Our criteria, while more flexible than banks, still requires documentation of revenue and the ability to repay the loan. The Application and all criteria will be posted on our COVID-19 Resources Page located at www.brooklynchamber.com/covid-19. Please check back on this site frequently.
Will this affect my application for any future federal stimulus packages or other loans?
No.
How much money will the Brooklyn Alliance Capital lend?
As much as we can raise! That is why the Bring Back Brooklyn Fund campaign is so important. Spread the word to your communities!
- SPREAD THE LOVE: Help us get the word out and share #BringBackBrooklyn on social media and follow @BringBackBrooklyn
- SHARE THE VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xDU7Lgalp8
- LEARN MORE: Visit bringbackbrooklyn.org.
If you have any further questions, please contact: [email protected]
Last updated: May 11, 2020
Open for Business in Brooklyn
See who is open for business in Brooklyn - updated daily with over 1,000 businesses across all neighborhoods.
Open Plazas and Streets
View our map of open plazas and streets in Brooklyn.
Economic Impact Surveys
We are running monthly surveys to poll Brooklyn businesses on business impact and experiences with accessing government aid. We use your feedback to elected officials and policymakers. Review our latest survey and past results here.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
We have partnered with NYC Dept. of Small Business Services to provide disposable masks for businesses and their employees. Please contact us at [email protected] and include your business, address and number of masks you wish to request.
For gloves and hand sanitizer, please apply for our Bring Back Brooklyn 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) - on hold as of April 28 (except for agricultural businesses)
- EIDL Advance grant - on hold as of April 28 (except for agricultural businesses)
- 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
- Grant of $1,000 for independent contractors, freelancers and gig workers
- Grant of $1,000 per employees for small businesses open before January 31, 2020
- Loans with these terms and a 30 year repayment
Remember to check the box at the end of the application to receive the grant. Note: there is no obligation to accept the loan, if approved, in order to receive the grant. Apply here.
Application tips for independent contractors, freelancers and gig workers:
- Make sure and check the third box on the first question to apply as an independent contractor or sole proprietorship
- You must have a Social Security number
- For gross revenue for the last 12 months, estimate "cost of goods sold" as expenses incurred in the process of providing your product or service
- Under “Owner” enter your name and specify you are 100% owner
- Ensure you were in business prior to January 31, 2020
- Have your direct deposit details on hand (routing and checking account numbers)
- For business name, enter your individual name if you do not have a business name
Compare all SBA disaster recovery programs in one place
The Payroll Protection Program stopped accepting applications on June 30, 2020.
What is it?
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) offered a "forgivable" US Small Business Administration (SBA) loan for employers that maintain their payrolls. SBA will forgive the portion of the loan used to cover payroll costs, rent, mortgage interest payments, healthcare and utilities.
The PPP extension has been approved Congress and signed into law by the President. The new PPP application deadline is August 8.
Here is the “EZ” version of the PPP forgiveness application
Updates 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, whichever comes first (assuming businesses restore staffing and salary levels)
- 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
Re-Opening Assistance
Get the NYC Means Business Re-opening guide here. Get free face masks and PPE here.
Small Business Emergency Grant Program
Grants of up to $10,000 for small businesses with less than $1.5 million in revenue that have suffered physical damage as result of recent looting. Businesses must be referred by a local partner. Apply here.
Commercial Lease Assistance
The Commercial Lease Assistance Program provides no-cost legal services for commercial tenants seeking to renew or amend their existing lease.
- Accion East
- Community Preservation Corporation
- National Development Council
- Pursuit
- TruFund
Complete the pre-application here.
This is not a first-come, first-served application.
Other Resources
Commercial Cleaning Services
To assist with cleaning and sanitizing needs for re-opening, here is is a list of commercial cleaning companies operating across Brooklyn. Contact them for a quote.
Community Banks and CDFIs processing PPP
Our partner Pursuit is continuing to process PPP applications through July 31. Apply here and use code 4669.
Click here to find all NYC SBA lenders by zipcode.
Non-Government Loans and Grants
Small Business Grants
Visa is offering $100,000 in grants to black-women-owned businesses. Recipients will also receive mentoring by private coaches, educational resources, connection with a network of female business owners, and an annual membership in IFundWomen, a platform that provides funding and coaching to women-owned businesses.
The application process opened July 6 and goes until July 31. Find out more and apply here.
Salesforce is partnering with Ureeka to offer eligible small businesses a $10,000 grant to help them through the COVID-19 outbreak. Click here to check eligibility and how to continue with an application.
Facebook is offering a $4,000 grant ($2,500 cash, $1,500 in optional ad credits) to small businesses in the US with 2-50 employees. Brooklyn businesses are eligible to receive these grants. View the application guide here and eligibility criteria and other application info here.
Small businesses can access micro grants via a $2.5 million fund created by GoFundMe and its partners. This fund does not have a geographic focus.
Hello Alice is offering $10,000 grants to small business owners impacted by Covid-19. Find out more about the Alice Emergency Grant program and apply here.
To help Manhattan’s West Side small businesses, the West Side Community Fund, in partnership with Citizens Committee for New York City, has launched the West Side Small Business Grants (WSSBG).
These are grants of $5,000-10,000 prioritized by businesses owned by people of color, immigrants, and women. Examples of eligible small businesses include: barber shops, restaurants, food carts, and vegetable stands.
Check your eligibility and apply here.
WeFunder has launched a disaster loan program providing loans ranging from $20,000 to $1 million with repayment deferment until 2021. Funding comes via investments as little as $100 from a customer base of 400,000+ investors. Find out more here.
Corporate Support
Google is providing a set of communications and remote work tools and other resources for small businesses to manage their online profiles. Here are details on their $800+ million commitment to help small and medium businesses, health organizations and governments, including $340 million in ad credits to small businesses.
JP Morgan Chase has announced a $50 million philanthropic fund to address economic and public health challenges. Of this, $35 million will go towards financial health, jobs and skills, small business growth and neighborhood development.
Chase Home Lending is also offering:
- 90-day payment forbearance, with no related late fees and no negative impact on credit reports as a result of deferring payment.
- Pause on all new foreclosure activities for the next 60 days.
Bank of America has committed $100 million in support to local communities facing challenges related to Covid-19 around the world with a focus on neighborhood level support.
Amex is waiving late fees and lowering interest rates and monthly payments. Chat with them to find out more.
Under SheaMoisture's $1 million Community Commerce Fund, women of color entrepreneurs are able to access an e-learning platform to gain education, resources, mentorship, and advice on preparing for the economic downturn. Apply 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.
The Brooklyn COVID-19 Response Fund is accepting applications on a rolling basis for grants of up to $10,000 in the following priority areas: anti-stigma efforts to address xenophobic, anti-Asian harassment and discrimination, support of vulnerable populations, meals delivery to the elderly, food access, and support for workers, especially low-wage workers.
Find out more on their website.
The NYWF is offering $25,000 grants to organizations with a budget of $2 million or less through the 2020 Resilience NYC: Covid-19 Response and Recovery Fund. Applications are being accepted through July 1. Apply here.
Grants are available to women-owned businesses and nonprofits with annual revenues less than $5 million with 50 or fewer employees. Due to the high volume of interest, the application portal has been temporarily paused. Sign up here to get alerts when it re-opens.
NYCON is offering free consulting around PPP and EIDL (SBA loan programs) to member and non-member nonprofits. They have weekly Wednesday webinars as well as an email hotline. Find out more here.
Grants and Support to 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.
For support to bartenders, or the spouse or children of a bartender, the Bartender Emergency Assistance Program is offering grants. You do not need to be a USBG member to apply. Learn more here.
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.
Southern Smoke is a non-profit offering emergency funding to those employed by restaurants and bars. Click here to complete their simple application. Awardees will be decided by vote of the Awards Committee that is made up of trusted community leaders and volunteers.
Apply to the ROC Relief Fund for resources and financial assistance. Click here for a link to the application. Please note: the application is on pause but resuming intake on Thursday, April 30.
AROR is accepting applications for financial assistance to restaurant and hospitality workers on an ongoing basis. Their application process is on pause to process applications the high volume of applications received over the last week, but check back here regularly for updates.
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.
The James Beard Foundation has developed a financial assistance fund. Please add your information here to learn more about the process and eligibility criteria. JBF is working on application materials at this time and will send out information shortly.
Rethink NYC's Restaurant Response Program is providing up to 30 restaurants with $40,000 to prevent business closure and help feed those in need. Their first round of applications is now closed, but check back here regularly as application intake will re-open in a few weeks.
Assistance to Manufacturers
Manufacturers will be eligible to resume operations under the Governor's Phase 1 industries re-opening on June 8.
Review these guidelines to develop your re-opening plan immediately.
Resources for NYC manufacturers
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
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 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.
Target has put together this comprehensive guide on re-opening assistance for retailers. It includes the SAFE" retail framework that covers:
- screening
- access
- face covering
- enhanced safety measures
that businesses can implement to ensure a safe working environment for their employees and customers.
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.