*NEW* Open Restaurants Virtual Compliance Consultations - The NYC Department of Small Business Services offers one-on-one free virtual compliance consultations to help you understand how to comply with key City rules. The virtual consultations will help businesses understand common compliance challenges related to the Open Restaurants Program. Violations or fines will not be issued during the consultations. Please click this link to sign up for a consultation.

*NEW* Financing Programs for Black-Owned Businesses - The NAACP, in partnership with BeyGOOD, is administering the Black-Owned Small Business Impact Fund. Grants of $10,000 are being offered in select cities including New York. The application deadline is July 18, and more information can be found at this link . Facebook is also starting a $100Million grant program for Black-owned small businesses, Black creators and non-profits that serve the Black community. Please visit the Business Resource Hub for more information on t hi s grant program . 

*NE W* COVID-19 Rental Assistance Program - Governor Cuomo has announced an emergency rental assistance program that will help keep low-income families throughout New York in their homes. The program, which is designed to reach those individuals and families with the greatest need, will provide direct aid for tenants who lost income due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications opened today, July 16th. Click here for more information and to access the application.

*NEW* De Blasio says Phase 4 reopening may be delayed - Mayor Bill de Blasio said Wednesday. New York City is the only region in the state that has not entered Phase Four of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s reopening plan — and it has one of the lowest COVID-19 infection rates. Monday is the earliest the city could move to the fourth phase that includes low-risk indoor and outdoor arts and entertainment. Click here to watch his update from this morning and stay tuned for any additional information.

*NEW* Con Edison Outdoor Dining Safety Guidance - ConEd has released guidelines in response to the cities encouragement of outdoor dining. This link provides critical safety guidance to ensure safe outdoor dining at cafes and restaurants. Click here to read more.

Reopening Checklist - Our COVID-19: Reopening Checklist is a tool for businesses to use as NYC continues reopening. This list is helpful for businesses open in Phase 1, 2 and 3 as well as businesses prepping for their reopening in a future phase. There are important forms to fill out prior to reopening and this checklist will help cover your bases. Click here to download the checklist.

Recovery Survey - We would like to remind you to please take COVID-19 Business Recovery Survey to help us get a further understanding of how your business or organization’s recovery efforts and the challenges you anticipate facing as we begin to reopen LIC. Click here to fill out the survey.

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