COVID-19 News, New York Related News

Updated COVID-19 Guidance for the Small Business Community in NYC

A message from NYC Small Business Services, based in NYC |

Dear small business partner,

We know the past few months have been challenging, but it’s up to us to keep our city safe and healthy. This week Mayor de Blasio urged New Yorkers to continue to wear face coverings indoors regardless of social distancing measures put in place. More information about face covering guidance can be found here.

Testing and Tracing

Getting tested is safe and by getting tested, you are helping to keep your loved ones safe! Get tested even if you do not have symptoms or are unsure if you were exposed to COVID-19. And if you HAVE been exposed (maybe you’ve been in a large crowd), have symptoms or are planning to visit a loved one who is at risk, you should get a COVID-19 swab test. Most results are returned in about 3-5 days.

New Yorkers who test positive for COVID-19 will receive a call from the Test & Trace Corps to make sure that they receive care, and can safely separate to prevent the spread. Be sure to answer any calls from NYC Test+Trace or (212) numbers to get free resources and support.

Learn more about how New York City is here to help you with FREE resources at www.testandtrace.nyc.

Updates to the Payroll Protection Program

The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan has been extended from June 30, 2020 to August 8, 2020. If your business is still in need of funding, please contact your local lender or local SBA branch today for more information on how to apply.

Have questions? Visit nyc.gov/financingassistance to see how we can help.

Need Help Recruiting Staff?

No matter what your staffing needs are, our Workforce1 team can help you hire the right employees at no cost. We can tap our pool of 100,000+ candidates to identify qualified individuals to meet your needs in essential services, such as food services, healthcare, manufacturing, pharmacy retail, transportation, and warehousing.

Our services include:
  • Sourcing job seekers through our candidate databases, paid advertisements (at no cost to you) and through local partner organizations
  • Recruiting and screening candidates based on your needs—referring the most qualified to your business
  • Scheduling interviews

Learn More

Looking for non-medical PPE?

If you would like to purchase additional masks or other non-medical Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), the City has compiled a list of non-medical PPE manufacturers and suppliers. While the City of New York cannot endorse any of these companies, we hope that this list will be helpful to you.

Check Out the Marketplace

Is Your Business Prepared?

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 on Thursday, August 6th for a webinar to start your business continuity plan.
You will learn how to:
  • Stay in business: Identify your key business functions, employees, and documents
  • Protect your investments: Understand how to protect your assets and navigate insurance processes
  • Be ready for action: Create a business continuity plan for your business

Learn More and RSVP

New Guidance for Restaurants from the NYC Department of Buildings

The NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) issued a bulletin with updated guidance for restaurants based on Mayor de Blasio’s executive orders 126 and 128.

This bulletin provides information for when a DOB permit application would and would not be required for the safe Phase 2 reopening of restaurants and bars.

Read the DOB Bulletin

Reopening Assistance is Available!

Check out our NYC Business Reopening Guide and NYC Restaurant Reopening Guide to find out how you can safely reopen your non-essential business.

If you have any questions, you can call our hotline: 888-SBS-4NYC (888-727-4692).

You can also visit nycsmallbizcourses.eventbrite.com and search for “Reopening Guidelines” to sign up for an upcoming webinar to learn about State requirements, recommendations, and resources available to help businesses reopen in NYC. Upcoming workshops are available in Spanish.

Compliments of NYC Department of Small Business Services.