COVID-19 Update From NYC Small Business Services

Press Release From NYC Small Business Services:

Dear small business partner:

As you know, this is a rapidly changing situation and we are here to support you, whether you are a business owner or a jobseeker.

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Please see below for a roundup of new developments as of March 20, 2020.

• The Employee Retention Grant for small businesses with four or fewer employees is now available and includes space for you to add March revenue. Information about this, including eligibility, can be found at nyc.gov/covid19biz.
  
• Governor Cuomo signed an executive order mandating all non-essential businesses statewide must close in-office personnel functions effective at 8 p.m. on Sunday, March 22, and temporarily bans all non-essential gatherings of individuals of any size for any reason.

• Exemptions from the order will include shipping, media, warehousing, grocery and food production, pharmacies, healthcare providers, utilities, banks and related financial institutions. More details here. If your question is not answered here, please contact Empire State Development.

• The State Department of Financial Services has issued a new directive to New York State mortgage servicers to provide 90-day mortgage relief to mortgage borrowers impacted by the novel coronavirus.

• The City Department of Finance is now allowing for a waiver of penalties for DOF-administered business and excise taxes between March 16, 2020 and April 25, 2020. Taxpayers may request to have the penalties waived on a late-filed extension or return.

• Retail shopping malls, amusement parks and bowling alleys to close by 8 PM Thursday, March 19, in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania.

• Governor Cuomo signed the bill guaranteeing job protection and pay for New Yorkers who have been quarantined as a result of novel coronavirus.

• Casinos, gyms, theaters are closed until further notice. Bars and restaurants are closed, but takeout can be ordered during the period of closure.

As always, we will continue to share updates with you as they are available.

This press release was produced by NYC Small Business Services. The views expressed here are the author's own.