Information Updates For February 17, 2021

NEW updates for Wednesday, February 17, 2021

Governor Cuomo has signed an Executive Order extending closing times for bars, restaurants, gyms and fitness centers, casinos, billiards halls, as well as other State Liquor Authority-licensed establishments, from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. statewide, effective immediately.

New York state has announced that beginning March 26, indoor family entertainment centers can reopen at 25% capacity.

Outdoor amusement parks are allowed to open on April 9, but must be limited to 33% capacity.

All facilities must submit their plans to reopen, including the health protocols the facility will implement, to the local health department. Face coverings and social distancing will be required for all customers and staff, and customers will be required to have a health screening with temperature checks prior to entry.

In addition to face coverings, social distancing, and mandatory health screenings, all indoor family and entertainment centers and places of amusement, and outdoor amusement parks, must follow the below guidelines:

Contact information must be collected from each party to inform contact tracing, if needed;
High-touch areas, attractions, and rides must be cleaned and disinfected frequently throughout the day;
Attractions must close if they cannot ensure distancing and be frequently cleaned/disinfected;
Sufficient staff must be deployed to enforce compliance with rules, including capacity, distancing, and face coverings;
Tickets should be sold in advance, and entry/exit and waiting times should be staggered to avoid congestion;
Indoor areas must meet enhanced air filtration, ventilation, and purification standards; and
Retail, food services, and recreational activities must abide by all State-issued guidance.

The New York Department of Health will release reopening guidance for day and overnight summer camps in the coming weeks. It is recommended that camps begin to develop their procedures and safety plan.

COVID resources for your organization

*NEW Business Resources:

NYS Small Business Development Center has published a list of micro-grant and micro-loan programs for pandemic relief. View it HERE.
The U.S. Small Business Association has created a streamlined webpage of federal resources which you can find HERE. It includes:
Funding options
Tax credits and tax filing help
Contracting assistance
And more!
2020 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
NYS Homes & Community Renewal (HCR) is pleased to announce the opening of the 2020 NYS Community Development Block Grant Program competitive application for Public Infrastructure, Public Facility and Community Planning projects and open round application for Economic Development and Microenterprise activities.
CDBG Public Facility, Public Infrastructure and Community Planning Application materials are available now. Applications for Public Infrastructure, Public Facility and Community Planning projects will be accepted until 4:00 pm on Friday March 5, 2021.
CDBG Economic Development, Small Business & Microenterprise Application materials are available now. Applications for Open Round Economic Development and Microenterprise applications will be accepted throughout 2021 with rolling awards.
$17 Million in Funding Available for New York Communities' Climate Goals
NYSERDA’s Clean Energy Communities Program Can Help You Reach Your Community’s Climate Goals
Learn more about how the program works or connect with your Clean Energy Community Coordinator to get started
Find a Coordinator here

Funding Assistance:

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Coronavirus Relief
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
First Draw PPP Loans for first-time program participants.
Second Draw PPP Loans beginning January 13, 2021, for certain businesses who have previously received a PPP loan.
COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)
Shuttered Venue Operators Grant
Raising the NYS Bar Restaurant Recovery Fund offers reimbursement grants for up to $5,000 to eligible businesses
NY Forward Loan Fund (NYFLF) provides flexible and affordable loans to help small businesses, not-for-profits, and small residential landlords.
Central Hudson’s Back to Business funding program has committed up to $1 million in economic development support to provide local small businesses with grants to help pay down new working capital loans taken with participating local banks.
ESD COVID-19 Business Resources
NYS Council on the Arts (NYSCA) COVID-19 Relief Funds and Business Support
Pursuit Lending COVID-19 Resources for Businesses
Community Capital of New York COVID-19 Resource Page: Community Capital New York is a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI).
Kiva Lending
New York Power Authority’s (NYPA) ReCharge NY Program
Funding for Infrastructure Projects that Protect or Improve Water Quality – Applications due by 4:00PM on Friday, February 12, 2021
Community Development Block Grant
Applications for Public Infrastructure, Public Facility, and Community Planning projects accepted until 4:00 pm on Friday, March 5, 2021.
Applications for Economic Development, Small Business & Microenterprise accepted throughout 2021 with rolling awards.
Federal Grants

Technical Assistance for Businesses:

Mid-Hudson Small Business Development Center: Serving Dutchess, Orange, Sullivan, Ulster Counties
Rockland Small Business Development Center: Serving Putnam, Rockland, Westchester Counties
Women’s Enterprise Development Center COVID-19 resources
COVID-19 Business Mentor NY Volunteer Task Force: New York State has partnered with business leaders to create a dedicated group of volunteers across different NYS industries – from law firms to financial professionals – to assist business owners with questions related to the impact of COVID-19.
Empire State Digital: Connects New York-based small businesses with the education, access, and resources needed to digitize, expand and adapt to the new economy due to the changes from COVID-19.
New York Forward Small Business Lease Assistance Partnership: The initiative provides commercial tenants and small business landlords with pro bono legal services, and the information needed to reach a mutually agreeable lease renegotiation.
SBA’s Ascent: Free learning platform for women entrepreneurs
Fuzehub: Resources for NYS Manufacturers
Business Express: Your Guide to Doing Business in New York State

Resources for Employers/Employees:

A "Return To Work Waiver" for businesses to use for both employees who have tested positive and those who have come into close contact with someone who has tested positive can be found HERE.
Dutchess Business Notification Network Buy Local PPE Supplier List
NY State of Health: Shop here to see what health insurance options are available to you, your family, and your business
Child Care: Parents in need of free child care resources and referrals are encouraged to visit www.HVChildCare.org, where they can enter their zip code to immediately find the name and contact information of the agency that serves their location.
U.S. Department of Labor Eligibility for Paid Sick Leave Tool
NYS DOL FAQ for Employers with COVID-19 related Questions
New York State Jobs Express: Employers with job openings can post their open positions, and individuals looking for employment can search for opportunities on the NYS Department of Labor’s Jobs Express website.
NYS Office of General Services: Guidance on Doing Business with New York State
Thomas COVID-19 Response Supplier program: If You Can Help Supply Critical PPE Products, Sign Up HERE.
NYS DOL Shared Work Program: New York State’s DOL Shared Work Program helps businesses manage business cycles and seasonal adjustments. Shared Work lets businesses keep trained staff and avoid layoffs. Employees can receive partial unemployment insurance benefits while working reduced hours. Full-time, part-time and seasonal employees are eligible.
IRS FAQs for COVID-19 Related Tax Credits for Required Paid Leave Provided by Small and Midsize Businesses

Resources for Individuals:

NYS COVID Rent Relief Program: Applications open 12/18/2020 – 2/1/2021
New Tool to Help New Yorkers Access Critical Social Service Benefits Here
For Job Seekers:
NYS Department of Labor’s Jobs Express website
SUNY Online Training Center – free skill-building, college prep, and employment certification programs with one-on-one career coaching
Free Online Platform for New Yorkers to Learn New Job Skills, Earn Certificates & Advance Their Careers: Create a free account with Coursera HERE