Federal Stimulus Bill

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
The guidance on the new PPP program (Economic Aid Act) has been released by the SBA and US Treasury. Please refer to the documents below depending on your status:
- First-time borrowers:
- This is the official guidance and here is the application form
- Here is our summary of the official guidance
- Second-time borrowers
- This is the official guidance and here is the application form
- Here is our summary of the official guidance
How To Apply?
Our partner & community lender Pursuit is now processing applications. Use their Revenue Reduction Calculator to calculate 25% revenue reduction before you apply.
We also have partnerships with the following CDFIs processing PPP applications:
Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) & EIDL Advance
The EIDL program is newly launched with additional funding. Pls note: you do not need to apply for this program via a financial institution.
Who can apply?
- Businesses & nonprofits / small agricultural cooperatives / tribal businesses of 500 or fewer employees. Also independent contractors, sole proprietors, self-employed individuals may apply.
- Based upon businesses' working capital needs for 6 months. SBA will review loan application and provide an estimate of the qualified loan amount.
- 3.75% interest for small businesses; 2.75% for non-profits, 30 year loan. Payments deferred for 12 months
- Working capital & operating expenses
(payroll, bills/accounts payable, fixed debts)
A summary of the $900 billion COVID relief bill is provided below.
NYC and NYS Guidance for Businesses
Indoor Dining
- Indoor dining in NYC closed on Monday, December 14. Restaurants are now permitted to do takeout and outdoor dining only,
- View the latest guidance for snow advisory here.
- View the updated guidance from the State Liquor Authority (SLA) guidance on Closing of Indoor Dining here and read these FAQs. The original SLA guidance is here. Follow the SLA on social media for most current information:
- Twitter @NY_SLA
- Facebook @StateLiquorAuthority
- View the Open Restaurants Program guidance here.
Outdoor Dining
- read the Outdoor Dining FAQs here
- read the interim guidance for takeout/delivery/outdoor dining
- read the original SLA guidance on outdoor expansion of licensed premises
- read the guidance on the use of heaters here. Review guidance from the DOB and FDNY depending on the heater type you plan to use for your business:
OTHER GUIDELINES
Open Storefronts Program
Plastic Bag Ban
Evictions & Foreclosures
Business Closures by Zones
New York City is in the fourth phase of reopening.
Brooklyn is in the yellow zone. While businesses can remain open in the yellow zone, certain activity restrictions still apply. Additionally, there have been updates to the zones guidance. View restrictions by zones below.

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 and 1-on-1 consultation with a recovery specialist around:
- volunteer mentors,
- technical assistance providers,
- loans and grants,
- procurement opportunities,
- marketing,
- technology,
- real estate,
- legal and accounting services
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.
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.
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.
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.
We are providing disposable masks, gloves, sanitizers and thermometers for businesses and their employees. Please apply for our Bring Back Brooklyn PPE grant here.
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.
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.
Grants for Businesses and Non-profits

Grants for Small Businesses

Grants for Non-Profits

Grants & Resources for Restaurants
Small Business Financial and Other Assistance
US Small Business Administration (SBA)

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

New York City Resources

Open Letter from MTA Chairman and CEO Patrick J. Foye