Updated COVID-19 Guidance For Small Businesses In NYC

Press release from the New York City Department of Small Business Services:

June 5, 2020

Dear small business partner,

In addition to sharing our usual weekly round up of updates related to COVID-19, I wanted to first acknowledge the other crisis affecting all of us. Right now we’re seeing the impact of centuries of systemic racism come to a head in the midst of a pandemic. The same pandemic that is disproportionately affecting black and brown communities worldwide.

At the Department of Small Business Services (SBS), we are well aware of how systemic racism plays out in the small business community. It’s the reason we launched BE NYC, an initiative to advance black entrepreneurship in September 2019. We also know that other communities of color are affected. Census data tells us that while the black community makes up 20% of New Yorkers, only 2% of businesses are black-owned. That doesn’t look like equity to me, and it's a disparity we are addressing through BE NYC.

Equity of access and inclusion are at the core of the work we do at SBS, and is a personal mission for me. We are committed to creating economic security for all New Yorkers by connecting members of our community to good jobs, creating stronger businesses, and building thriving neighborhoods. And it is my belief that none of us thrives when some of us suffer.

Equity for New Yorkers, especially for black New Yorkers, requires that we all play a part in elevating black voices, challenging the norms of institutional racism and connecting people of color to the resources they need to succeed—whether through education, transportation, housing, healthcare, or economic opportunity.

If you are a minority or woman business owner, please get M/WBE certified. Our team will work with you one-on-one to help with everything from filling out the application to winning your first contract with the City. More contracts won by communities of color means more dollars in the community. You can learn more at nyc.gov/getcertified or write to our team at mwbe@sbs.nyc.gov.

As Commissioner, I am committed to deepening our reach into communities of color and making sure our resources are being distributed equitably. Our agency is proud to work for you and alongside you.

Sincerely,

Commissioner Jonnel Doris

COVID-19 Updates

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.

Please see below for a roundup of new developments as of June 5, 2020.

Reopening Plain Language Industry Guides

As you may have heard in the news, NYC is on track to reopen in Phase One on Monday, June 8, 2020. In this phase, the following industries are now allowed to resume:

• Construction
• Manufacturing
• Wholesale Trade
• Retail (curbside only)
• Non-food Agriculture
• Forestry
• Fishing

If you own a business in one of these industries, you must affirm that you have read and understand the State-issued guidelines.

If you are unclear if your business is included in Phase One, you can use this tool to check.

Read the Plain Language Industry Guides

Face Coverings for Employees

Need face coverings for your employees? SBS, the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, and our partners are distributing over 2 million face coverings at no cost to small business owners and their employees!

Find a Distribution Site Near You

Financial Assistance for Small Businesses

As a reminder, the New York Forward Loan Fund application is open. This is a new economic recovery loan program aimed at supporting New York State small businesses, nonprofits and small landlords as they reopen after the COVID-19 outbreak and NYS on PAUSE.

Businesses who have already received SBA funding through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) or the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) are not eligible.
If you have any questions or need help with your application, visit nyc.gov/financingassistance to get support from our Business Solutions Centers.

Additionally, the State Department of Financial Services will issue an emergency regulation to help businesses and consumers who suffered damage from looting and vandalism. DFS is directing insurers to expedite claims, provide free mediation of disputes and accept photos as reasonable proof of loss so businesses don't have to wait for police reports. More information is available at dfs.ny.gov.

Upcoming Opportunities

Make sure your business is prepared for any emergency at our upcoming Business PREP webinar on June 13.

From gas leaks and fires, to major hurricanes, flooding, and blackouts, NYC business owners face many challenges that can impact your operations and assets. The Department of Small Business Services (SBS) is here to help guide you through the start of a business continuity plan. Join us in starting your business continuity plan.

Learn More & RSVP

WE NYC: Creative Leadership for Entrepreneurs in Times of Uncertainty

On June 30 WE NYC is bringing together leadership development and entrepreneurship experts to have an honest conversation and share practical takeaways for coping and adapting to the current environment.

In this conference you will learn how to cultivate a mindset of curiosity and creativity to identify opportunities in the face of adversity. You’ll also learn how COVID-19 has created a new normal in business and crafting value propositions that resonates in today's cultural and economic climate.

Learn More & RSVP

For additional general guidance and information, please visit nyc.gov/coronavirus. For additional guidance for business owners, please visit nyc.gov/covid19biz.

This press release was produced by the New York City Department of Small Business Services. The views expressed here are the author's own.