COVID-19 Resources

Small businesses need your help more than ever. If you would like to support them, please spread the word about your favorite open businesses on social media. Write a review for them on Yelp or Google. Buy gift cards to use in the future. We’re all in this together!⠀

View WEDC businesses open during COVID

Federal & Private Resources

The Small Business Owner’s Guide to the CARES Act

The programs and initiatives in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that was just passed by Congress are intended to assist business owners with whatever needs they have right now.

Español - Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Orientación y recursos de préstamos para pequeñas empresas 

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act Bill Summary

On March 27th, 2020, Congress passed The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act to give $2 trillion in aid and relief to individuals and businesses affected by the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic. Senator Gillibrand's bill summary.

U.S. Department of Labor

The U.S. Department of Labor has resources to help workers and employers prepare for the COVID-19 virus (also known as novel coronavirus).

Self-Employed Unemployment Insurance

Guidance for Self-Employed Individuals How to file an Unemployment Insurance Claim on New York State Department of Labor’s Website.

Restaurant & Restaurant Workers Relief

RWCF is working to collect information and links to resources that will help restaurants and workers deal most effectively with the COVID-19 Emergency.

Loans Available for Nonprofits in the CARES Act

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act has a number of programs that charitable nonprofits will be eligible to apply for. The chart provides information on those loan options, eligibility criteria, terms, and application information. Here is a chart provided by Nonprofit Westchester.

Mastercard Small businesses COVID-19 resources

At no additional cost, Mastercard Small Business Credit or Debit cardholders are eligible for this special Microsoft offer: qualified cardholders who are first-time Microsoft 365 Business Premium or Microsoft 365 Business Standard customers can receive the first four months of a one-year subscription (for up to 5 authorized users) to either Microsoft service at no cost.

Verizon Small Business Recovery Fund

The Round 4 application period is now closed. Please register below to be notified of the next round opening July 27. For questions, please review our grant information and FAQ.

The Hebrew Free Loan Society (HFLS)

The Coronavirus Financial Impact Loan Program provides interest-free loans of $2,000-$5,000 to residents of New York City’s five boroughs, Westchester, or Long Island who are facing financial challenges caused by the Coronavirus outbreak.

Hello Alice Small Business Grant

$200,000 in grants will be awarded to Business for All applicants, as a critical step towards tackling entrepreneurs’ single greatest barrier to growth: access to capital. Grantees will be selected by an esteemed council of leaders from across the business ecosystem, representing diverse organizations, industries, locations and demographics.

Facebook $100M Commitment to Small Businesses

Facebook is offering $100M in cash grants and ad credits for up to 30,000 eligible small businesses in over 30 countries where we operate. We’ll share more details as they become available. Applications open soon – sign up to receive updates.

State

NY Forward - Reopening New York State

New York State will allow non-essential businesses to reopen on a regional and industry-specific basis, as each region meets the criteria necessary to protect public health. The State's plan focuses on getting New Yorkers back to work—without triggering renewed spread of the COVID-19 virus or overwhelming local hospital systems.

Governor Cuomo's Announcements

For up to date COVID-19 information

New York Forward Small Business Lease Assistance Partnership

The Small Business Lease Assistance Partnership provides pro bono legal services to small businesses, including landlords, to codify modified lease agreements.

New York State Economic Development

As New York State continually monitors and responds to developments related to COVID-19, ESD is providing up-to-date guidance for the agency’s partners and other stakeholders impacted by the virus. This is a rapidly changing situation and ESD will be updating the resources below to reflect the latest information available.

Empire State Development

Has now posted guidance intended to assist businesses in determining whether they are an essential business and steps to request such designation.  If your business falls clearly into one of the categories listed in the guidance, no further action is needed at this time. If your business does not fall within the categories, you must complete this form and submit it to covid19designations@esd.ny.gov.

State Liquor Authority

New York State Liquor Authority Guidance on Restrictions for Licensees and To-Go & Delivery Sales in Response to COVID-19 Outbreak

New York State Department of Labor

New York Department of Labor's Shared Work Program allows employees on a reduced schedule to collect unemployment for days not worked helping to offset reduced incomes. NY is apparently moving much more quickly than other states and the program is a great way to help reduce expenses while retaining employees.  Here is Information on Paid Sick Leave for COVID-19 Impacted New Yorkers

New York State Department of Taxation and Finance

Sales tax payments and returns were due 3/20/20; however, penalty and interest may be waived for quarterly and annual filers who were unable to file or pay on time due to COVID-19.

COVID-19-Related Tax Credits for Small and Midsize Businesses

COVID-19-Related Tax Credits for Required Paid Leave Provided by Small and Midsize Businesses FAQs

COVID-19 Resources for Nonprofits and Community-Based Organizations

New York State Health Foundation: A list of national, State, and local resources for our grantees and other partners that may help their organizations and the New Yorkers they serve during these difficult times. NYSHealth will continue to add more resources and initiatives as they are made available. 

Empire State Digital

Empire State Digital is an invitation for small businesses to explore the benefits of expanding beyond their physical brick and mortar location to an online marketplace.

Raising the NYS Bar Restaurant Recovery Fund

In an effort to support small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Raising the NYS Bar Restaurant Recovery Fund offers ​approximately $3 million in reimbursement grants for up to $5,000 to eligible businesses. The program is intended to support full-service restaurants – the industry hit hardest by the pandemic – during the winter months when outdoor dining is limited and as restaurants adjust to New York State’s COVID-19 safety restrictions and new mandates.

Local

Dutchess Business Notification Network

This network was created to help coordinate responses and share the burden, and we ask that you please contact us with any questions or concerns so our elected officials can focus on their task at hand. Thank you for your continued support through this time.

Dutchess County Government

Dutchess County Government Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information

WHAT TO DO IF YOU OR SOMEONE IN YOUR BUSINESS TESTS POSITIVE FOR COVID-19

If you or someone in your business has tested positive for COVID-19 (a positive case is referred to as the Index), follow these steps immediately.

Orange County Government

Orange County Government Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information

Rockland County Government

Rockland County Government Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information

Ulster County Government

Ulster County Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information

NYC Small Business Assistance

New York City will provide relief for local businesses.

Westchester County Government

Westchester County Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information

The Child Care Council of Westchester

The Council is reaching out to the child care and after school community to see who is open and has openings to provide care during this time of need. Their staff is there to help. Please call 914-761-3456 x 140. Kindly leave a message and they will return your call. Please check the Child Care Council Facebook page for child care updates and other important info regarding COVID-19. Resources that parents might find useful while at home with their children will also be posted.

TRANSLATE >>
Scroll to Top