Information and guidelines for business reopening is available atNYC.gov/nycbusiness. Under the State’s New York Forward plan, each business must develop a written Safety Plan for preventing the spread of COVID-19. Businesses may fill out this template or develop their own Safety Plan, which must be conspicuously posted on site and made available to the New York State Department of Health or New York City health or safety authorities in the event of an inspection.
Free Webinars for Small Businesses: The NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) offers a wide range of free events, courses, and mentor sessions to provide information about requirements and guidelines to re-opening, emergency preparedness, financial assistance, certification for minority and women business owners, regulatory changes, employee support, licensing, inspections, and more. They also have a small business hotline—888-SBS-4NYC or 888-727-4692—to answer questions about the latest guidelines and regulations.
Free face coverings for small businesses: DCWP and SBS also are working with business-serving partner organizations throughout the five boroughs to distribute free face coverings citywide to small businesses and their employees.
The NYC PPE + Reopening Supplies Marketplace provides a one-stop-shop for easy-to-access suppliers of (i) face masks and coverings, (ii) face shields, (iii) gloves, (iv) cleaning and disinfectant products, (v) physical barriers and portable furniture, and (vi) other supplies needed for re-opening. It represents both local and national suppliers and manufacturers to provide a wide range of order minimums.
SBA Express Bridge Loans: Enable businesses with existing relationships with an SBA Express Lender to borrow as much as $25,000.
Small Business Debt Relief: SBA will pay the principal, interest, and fees of current 7(a), 504, and microloans for a period of 6 months; and pay the principal, interest, and fees of new 7(a), 504, and microloans issued prior to September 27, 2020.
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) provides loans to small businesses with 500 or fewer employees, sole proprietors, self-employed persons, and independent contractors to help cover fixed operating costs for an 8-week period of time, portions of which may be forgiven if the company maintains its payroll. Technical support is available from Small Business Centers here.