On this page you will find helpful resources & information for your business/organization, as we adapt and work towards recovery from the impact of COVID-19. The Chamber is actively looking for additional resources to ease the pressure that businesses are facing and will continue to advocate on behalf of legislation that would help alleviate the impact of COVID-19 on business. We will continue to post updates as they become available.

 

Important Updates

 

Eligible small businesses throughout New York may now apply for U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) online at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Please click here for a fact sheet with information about the declaration and requirements. Businesses can take advantage of free assistance offered by SBA’s network of Resource Partners, visit www.sba.gov/local-assistance to find local help. The NYS Small Business Development Center network recommends submitting a request for assistance online at http://nyssbdc.org/appointment.html.

 

The IRS has established a special section with steps to help taxpayers, businesses, and others affected by the coronavirus: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus. The U.S. tax filing deadline has been pushed back from April 15 to July 15, 2020.

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New York State has passed legislation that will provide immediate assistance for New Yorkers impacted by COVID-19, including guaranteeing job protection for quarantined citizens and adopting comprehensive paid sick leave. There are specific exclusions to this law, but most workers at small and midsize companies can get the paid leave. Click here for more info.

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The Federal Government passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. This bill responds to the coronavirus outbreak by providing paid sick leave and free coronavirus testing, expanding food assistance and unemployment benefits, and requiring employers to provide additional protections for health care workers. Congress and the White House plan to pass another stimulus package to help the economy.

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Empire State Development (ESD) has issued vital guidance for the implementation of Executive Order 202.6 restrictions on non-essential business, and Executive Order 202.7, which increases the required staff reduction for non-essential business to 75%. Please click here to review this guidance. ESD is also providing up-to-date guidance for businesses, tourism, and other partners here:

https://esd.ny.gov/esd-covid-19-related-resources.

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ESD has also established a special online intake portal https://esd.ny.gov/covid-19-help for individuals and businesses to relay business-related COVID-19 questions and concerns.

 

Business Best Practices & Guidelines

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers the most up-to-date information on COVID-19. For businesses, the CDC provides guidelines on how to best prepare.

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The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is working with the White House and government agencies to inform and equip businesses with many tips, tools, and guidance: https://www.uschamber.com/coronavirus

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The Business Council of NYS (BCNYS) provides guidelines, webinars, legislative updates and more for employers: www.bcnys.org/managing-coronavirus. BCNYS is also working to connect employers; providing businesses with a forum to share stories and ideas here:

www.bcnys.org/business-business-managing-coronavirus-together

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