MICRO-GRANTS FOR ADIRONDACK FARMS

For this round of grants, the Adirondack Council and the Essex Farm Institute (EFI) are seeking grant proposals for up to $1,500 from Adirondack farmers and value-added producers for projects that will enhance the environmental benefits their businesses provide. Project areas can include but are not limited to, soil management, water quality improvements, energy conservation, and emissions reductions. Preference will be given to proposals that will be fully funded by the micro-grants, utilize organic practices, and aligns with Essex Farm Institute’s vision and mission.

Deadline to apply: March 31, 2021
SMALL BUSINESS FINANCING AVAILABLE

Loan fund can be used for:
  • Machinery and equipment
  • Working capital
  • Furniture and fixtures
  • Real property

Minimum loan amount: $10,000
Interest rate: 4%
Eligible for profit businesses must employ less than 50 persons
Gross revenue: less than $1 million

This is an Equal Opportunity Program. For more information, please contact Carol Calabrese at 518-873-9114 or [email protected]
ESSEX COUNTY FARMING AND FOOD SYSTEMS

Essex County farmers, farmland owners, restaurant/food service business owners, chefs and managers, and residents are being asked to fill out a brief survey providing input for a new strategic plan for agriculture and food in their communities.

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Essex County is collecting input via surveys aimed at identifying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in the Essex County food system. 

Agriculture and the food system was one of the only growing sectors in the North Country economy over the past 10 years, according to the North Country Regional Economic Development Council 2018 report. The COVID-19 pandemic has increased interest in local food production and awareness of the need for resilience in our food supply. Essex County’s last strategic plan for agriculture was written in 1997.

BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT
R.A. White Construction provides exceptional construction services, specializing in water-based construction, but also in the areas of residential, commercial, landscaping, and design/blueprinting.
COVID-19 IMPORTANT UPDATES
UPDATED GUIDANCE FOR CASINOS, MOVIE THEATERS, BOWLING ALLEYS, GYMS & FITNESS CENTERS

On March 22, indoor fitness classes can begin reopening statewide at 33 percent capacity with health screening and contact information required at sign-in. Classes should be scheduled to allow additional time for cleaning and disinfection between sessions. Local health departments shall inspect before or within 2 weeks of the fitness center opening to ensure compliance.
 
Beginning April 5, the 11 p.m. curfew currently in place for casinos, movie theaters, bowling alleys, billiards halls, gyms and fitness centers will be lifted. The 11 p.m. curfew for food and beverage establishments and the 12 a.m. curfew for catered events will remain in effect. Both curfews will be evaluated in late-April.
SBA SHUTTERED VENUE OPERATORS GRANT APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED STARTING ON APRIL 8, WEBINAR MARCH 30

Eligible entities include: live venue operators or promoters, theatrical producers, live performing arts organization operators, relevant museum operators, zoos and aquariums who meet specific criteria, motion picture theater operators, and talent representatives.

The SBA will host a national informational webinar to highlight the application process for potential eligible entities from 2:30-4PM on Tuesday, March 30, 2021.
SBA EXTENDS DEFERMENT PERIOD
ON ALL EIDL LOANS

The U.S. Small Business Administration announced extended deferment periods for all disaster loans, including the COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, until 2022.
 
  • All SBA disaster loans made in calendar year 2020, including COVID-19 EIDL, will have a first payment due date extended from 12-months to 24-months from the date of the note.
  • All SBA disaster loans made in calendar year 2021, including COVID-19 EIDL, will have a first payment due date extended from 12-months to 18-months from the date of the note.
PAID TIME OFF FOR VACCINES

All private - and most public - employers must provide a paid leave of absence for a sufficient period, not to exceed four hours per vaccine injection. This leave shall be provided at the employee’s regular rate of pay and shall not be charged against any other leave such employee is otherwise entitled to, including paid sick leave as required under NYS’s new paid sick leave law or leave required under any collective bargaining agreement. For those with collective bargaining agreements, leave must be provided unless the employee receives a greater number of hours pursuant to the agreement. 
Essex County IDA www.essexcountyida.com