COVID-19 Business Resource Page

5.13.20 

An updated FAQ has been posted today on treasury.gov addressing how SBA will evaluate the good faith certification regarding the necessity of the PPP loan request:  https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/Paycheck-Protection-Program-Frequently-Asked-Questions.pdf

5.4.20

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR AGRIBUSINESS ENTITIES- 

EIDL Application Re-Opening

• • The EIDL Advance/Loan portal will be re-opening shortly. The re-opening of the portal is for agricultural businesses that were previously ineligible for the program. New non-agricultural business applications will not be accepted.
  • Note: If you have already applied under the streamlined application (March 30th to program closure), there is no need to re-apply.
  • Use the link below to apply:

http://www.sba.gov/Disaster

• • New non-agricultural business applications will not be accepted.

Agricultural Businesses Defined: SBA is encouraging all eligible agricultural businesses with 500 or fewer employees wishing to apply to begin preparing their business financial information needed for their application. Agricultural businesses includes those businesses engaged in the production of food and fiber, ranching, and raising of livestock, aquaculture, and all other farming and agricultural related industries (as defined by section 18(b) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 647(b)).

4.27.20– EIDL/EIDL-A Status

Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) & Advances: The SBA is unable to accept new applications at this time for the EIDL -COVID-19 related assistance program, including EIDL Advances, based on available appropriations funding. Applicants who have already submitted their applications will continue to be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Previous EIDL & Advances Status: If you submitted an application, received correspondence from SBA, and have a loan number that begins with a “3”, you are in the queue and your patience is appreciated.  If you would like to further inquire about the process and understand what to expect next you should contact the Office of Disaster Assistance 24/7 Customer Service line at 800-659-2955.  

 

Memo from Bill Briggs, Deputy Associate Administrator, Office of Capital Access, U.S. Small Business Administration – Sunday, April 26, 2020

PPP Lending Operations Update – Sunday, April 26, 2020

Due to the unprecedented demand for Paycheck Protection Program loans by the nation’s small businesses and to ensure equitable access and system integrity, SBA and Treasury are taking prudent and reasonable steps to protect SBA’s loan systems for the next phase of PPP loan processing.

SBA and Treasury are implementing the following measures:

Pacing the number of loans processed in the E-Tran system for participating lenders when processing resumes on Monday, April 27, 2020 at 10:30 am EDT;

Instituting a maximum dollar amount at 10% of PPP funding authority that any lending institution will be able to originate, exclusive of the additional $60 billion preserved for lenders with assets under $50 billion (i.e. $60 billion cap);

Implementing operational standards to ensure that lenders access PPP funds based on their asset size;

Ensuring the Paycheck Protection Program continues to operate on a first-come, first-serve basis so that every small business has access to PPP loans to sustain their business and retain their employees; and

Issuing the following guidance (https://content.sba.gov/document%E2%80%8C/policy-guidance%E2%80%8C-%E2%80%8C-guidance-memo-xml-file-submission-process-paycheck-protection-program-ppp) for lenders who have received a significant amount of loan applications.

SBA and Treasury value all lenders and their small business customers and will continue to provide updates to the PPP lending community as loan processing resumes this week.

Interim Final Rule & FAQ Updates Posted

 Updated PPP FAQ – additional questions Q&A added Friday and last night. https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/Paycheck-Protection-Program-Frequently-Asked-Questions.pdf

HOW TO CALCULATE MAXIMUM LOAN AMOUNTS – BY BUSINESS TYPE posted 4/24 – https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/How-to-Calculate-Loan-Amounts.pdf

Interim Final Rule on Requirements for Promissory Notes Authorizations Affiliation and Eligibility posted 4/24- https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/Interim-Final-Rule-on-Requirements-for-Promissory-Notes-Authorizations-Affiliation-and-Eligibility.pdf

PPP Resources are below; they are frequently updated with FAQs and other guidance:

https://www.sba.gov/paycheckprotection

https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/top-priorities/cares-act/assistance-for-small-businesses

4.16.20-SBA Announces Lapse in Appropriations

SBA is unable to accept new applications at this time for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)-COVID-19 related assistance program (including EIDL Advances) based on available appropriations funding.  Applicants who have already submitted their applications will continue to be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Learn more HERE.

Loan Application: https://covid19relief.sba.gov/#/

Paycheck Protection Program– https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/paycheck-protection-program-ppp

Corona Virus (COVID-19): Small Business Guidance and Loan Resources- https://www.sba.gov/page/coronavirus-covid-19-small-business-guidance-loan-resources

 

4.16.20- SBA Warns of Scammers

The SBA is warning of an increase in reports of scammers with respect to the PPP and EIDL programs. consistent with legitimate SBA communications. If in doubt, the borrower may contact their local SBA office.

Report Fraud

Report any suspected fraud to OIG’s Hotline at 800-767-0385 or online at, https://www.sba.gov/about-sba/oversight-advocacy/office-inspector-general/office-inspector-general-hotline.

https://www.sba.gov/document/report–sba-programs-scams-fraud-alerts

The Office of Inspector General recognizes that we are facing unprecedented times and is alerting the public about potential fraud schemes related to economic stimulus programs offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration in response to the Novel Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19).  The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the largest financial assistance bill to date, includes provisions to help small businesses. Fraudsters have already begun targeting small business owners during these economically difficult times.  Be on the lookout for grant fraud, loan fraud, and phishing.

Scams and Fraud Schemes

Grants

• SBA does not initiate contact on either 7a or Disaster loans or grants.  If you are proactively contacted by someone claiming to be from the SBA, suspect fraud.

Loans

• If you are contacted by someone promising to get approval of an SBA loan, but requires any payment up front or offers a high interest bridge loan in the interim, suspect fraud.
• SBA limits the fees a broker can charge a borrower to 3% for loans $50,000 or less and 2% for loans $50,000 to $1,000,000 with an additional ¼% on amounts over $1,000,000.  Any attempt to charge more than these fees is inappropriate.
• If you have a question about getting a SBA disaster loan, call 800-659-2955 or send an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.
• If you have questions about other SBA lending products, call SBA’s Answer Desk at 800-827-5722 or send an email to answerdesk@sba.gov.

Phishing

• If you are in the process of applying for an SBA loan and receive email correspondence asking for PII, ensure that the referenced application number is consistent with the actual application number.
• Look out for phishing attacks/scams utilizing the SBA logo.  These may be attempts to obtain your personally identifiable information (PII),to obtain personal banking access, or to install ransomware/malware on your computer.
• Any email communication from SBA will come from accounts ending with gov.
• The presence of an SBA logo on a webpage does notguaranty the information is accurate or endorsed by SBA.  Please cross-reference any information you receive with information available at sba.gov.

Report Fraud

Report any suspected fraud to OIG’s Hotline at 800-767-0385 or online at, https://www.sba.gov/about-sba/oversight-advocacy/office-inspector-general/office-inspector-general-hotline.

 

4.6.20.- Paycheck Protection Program Updates

We now have a web page where everything you need to know about PPP is available to lenders, borrowers, and an updated lender locator.  That site is www.sba.gov/paycheckprotection.  Borrowers who want to know how to participate, lenders who want info, and the lender locator are available here.

EIDL loan dollars should start to be disbursed on or near 4/7/20.  Anyone wanting to know the status of their loan should call 1-800-659-2955. Please be patient.  Money that the applicant was approved for will be direct deposited into their account once it is approved.  If a borrower filed for EIDL under the original website or the upload portal, they must submit again on the new streamline website. Those applicants will be contacted and they will NOT lose their place in line. Please note, if you did not need to upload anything, and are unsure of your status, you probably completed the form correctly. The new streamlined EIDL program contains a self-certification system so there is nothing to upload.  Additional information is only requested if contacted by an SBA loan officer after submission.

 

4.1.20- Paycheck Protection Program

Please note that while the application form has been made public by the US Treasury Department, SBA advises us that currently there is no mechanism to apply for the program yet.

Target date is Friday, April 3, 2020 for lenders to be able to start processing applications. Therefore, you will not be able to apply for this program until then. You can find out more information about the PPP on SBA’s website at https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/paycheck-protection-program-ppp#section-header-4

Please note SBA’s instructions on HOW TO APPLY – IT WILL NOT BE THROUGH AN SBA PORTAL like the Economic Injury Disaster Loan:

You can apply through any existing SBA 7(a) lender or through any federally insured depository institution, federally insured credit union,  and Farm Credit System institution that is participating. Other regulated lenders will be available to make these loans once they are approved and enrolled in the program. You should consult with your local lender as to whether it is participating in the program. Below is a list of SBA’s approved district lenders.

Small Business Owners Guide to the CARES Act

U.S. Small Business Administration NYDO Lenders Resource Guide

 

3.30.20- New Business Resource Page

Small Business Guidance Loan Resources

3.27.20- Forms

SBA Business Loan Application 2020

IRS 4506-T SBA

EIDL Supporting Information (P-019)

EIDL Additional Requirements – Form 1368

Schedule of Liabilities Instructions

Schedule of Liabilities Instructions

SBA Personal Financial Statement (Form 413)

 

3.24.20-

Disaster Loan Submission Form

disasterloan.sba.gov

Submit your Small Business Disaster Loan Application through this form

Some notes to help you with the application:

The SBA is advising businesses to fill out the PDF forms and reach out to SBDC if they need assistance with compiling the financial information. They may request assistance with the application at www.nyssdbc.org to make an online request.

Welcome to nysdbc.org

In addition to the attached forms, applicants will also need to submit the most recently filed tax returns for the business and all owners of the business or a justification if not available. Sole proprietors are required to complete the 5C loan application form. All other businesses should fill out the form 5 business loan application.

• On all forms “Damaged Property” simply refers to your primary location for the operations of the business.
• On Form 5, skip box 15, this only applies to property damage loans.
• There is no specific location to input a requested loan amount. The loan amount is determined by the supporting documents and any other relevant financial information provided that substantiates the economic injury.
• All owners with 20% or greater ownership in the business must be included in the application.

3.23.20– New Informations from the SBA regarding Automatic Deferment on Existing SBA Disaster Loans Through End of 2020

3.19.20- Dutchess County business are now eligible to apply for SBA disaster loans through New York State disaster declaration.

Businesses are eligible for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program only at this time. 

Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Summary

Disaster Loan Assistance Available:

Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) – Working capital loans to help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes meet their ordinary and necessary financial obligations that cannot be met as a direct result of the disaster. These loans are intended to assist through the disaster recovery period.

Credit Requirements:

• Credit History – Applicants must have a credit history acceptable to SBA.
• Repayment – Applicants must show the ability to repay the loan.
• Collateral – Collateral is required for all EIDL loans over $25,000. SBA takes real estate as collateral when it is available. SBA will not decline a loan for lack of collateral, but SBA will require the borrower to pledge collateral that is available.

Interest Rates:

The interest rate is determined by formulas set by law and is fixed for the life of the loan. The maximum interest rate for this program is 3.750 percent.

Loan Terms:

The law authorizes loan terms up to a maximum of 30 years. SBA will determine an appropriate installment payment based on the financial condition of each borrower, which in turn will determine the loan term.

Loan Amount Limit:

The law limits EIDLs to $2,000,000 for alleviating economic injury caused by the disaster. The actual amount of each loan is limited to the economic injury determined by SBA, less business interruption insurance and other recoveries up to the administrative lending limit. SBA also considers potential contributions that are available from the business and/or its owner(s) or affiliates. If a business is a major source of employment, SBA has the authority to waive the $2,000,000 statutory limit.

Loan Eligibility Restrictions:

Noncompliance – Applicants who have not complied with the terms of previous SBA loans may not be eligible. This includes borrowers who did not maintain required flood insurance and/or hazard insurance on previous SBA loans.
Note: Loan applicants should check with agencies / organizations administering any grant or other assistance program under this declaration to determine how an approval of SBA disaster loan might affect their eligibility.

Refinancing:Economic injury disaster loans cannot be used to refinance long term debts.

Insurance Requirements:

To protect each borrower and the Agency, SBA may require you to obtain and maintain appropriate insurance. By law, borrowers whose damaged or collateral property is located in a special flood hazard area must purchase and maintain flood insurance. SBA requires that flood insurance coverage be the lesser of 1) the total of the disaster loan, 2) the insurable value of the property, or 3) the maximum insurance available.
Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. Individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing may call (800) 877-8339. Completed applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, FortWorth, TX 76155.

To apply online go to: https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela

If you have questions or need assistance contact the Small Business Administration (800) 659-2955

For further guidance and instruction, you can also reach out to the Mid-Hudson Small Business Development (845) 802-9150

3.18.20

SBA Offers Disaster Assistance to Connecticut Small Businesses Economically Impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19)

La SBA ofrece asistencia en caso de desastre a las pequeñas empresas de Connecticut afectadas económicamente por el Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Dutchess Business Notification Network

A collaborative resource from our partner network to provide you with email notifications regarding changing COVID-19 information as it pertains to business, health, and safety.

To receive these notifications email: Contact@DutchessBNN.com

For more information visit: www.dutchessbnn.com

DCRCOC–

The Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce is offfering periodic educational and informational webinars for business. Learn more at: www.dcrcoc.org/

 

• 5.26.20

On Friday, May 22, Governor Cuomo approved the Mid-Hudson Region to begin Phase 1 of reopening contingent upon adequate numbers of contact tracers.  Beginning Tuesday, May, 26 Dutchess County is ready to move forward and begin the reopening plan. Information on reopening safely can be found: https://thinkdutchess.com/guidelines-for-reopening-dutchess-county/

Dutchess BNN has a list of Dutchess County-based suppliers of PPE Equipment. View the list HERE.

 

Dutchess County Government

www.dutchessny.gov/Departments/DBCH/2019-Novel-Coronavirus.htm

How You Can Help: https://www.dutchessny.gov/Departments/DBCH/Dutchess-Responds-COVID-19.htm

 

Dutchess County Mental Health Hotline

(24/7): (877) 485-9700

Council of Industry prepared a summary of CARES Act as it impacts the manufacturing industry. Download the Key Highlights for Manufacturing in the CARES ACT, including information on manufacturing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) here.

5.16.20

UPDATED ESSENTIAL BUSINESS GUIDELINES

ESD’s Guidance on Essential Businesses was updated on May 16th. You can find the updated guidance here: https://esd.ny.gov/guidance-executive-order-2026

Some of the updates include:
Acupuncture, prescribed by a medical professional is now considered essential (section 1).
Pet grooming but only to the extent necessary to ensure animal health is now considered essential (section 5).
Landscaping, gardening, and horticulture are now considered essential without the previous caveats (section 5).
Outdoor, low-risk recreational activities are permitted so long as social distancing and cleaning/disinfecting measures are in place, including: tennis, non-motorized boat use and rentals, and golf and driving ranges (except miniature golf), with food and retail services subject to the restrictions that are currently in effect within the region (section 13).
Drive-in movie theaters are considered essential, so long as social distancing and cleaning/disinfecting measures are in place (section 13)
Please review the updated guidance in detail on ESD’s website.

For Technical Assistance

NYS ESD—

Essential Business Guidelines–https://esd.ny.gov/guidance-executive-order-2026

Exempt List: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-issues-guidance-essential-services-under-new-york-state-pause-executive-order

Request To Be Exempt: https://esd.ny.gov/content/request-designation-essential-business-purposes-executive-order-2026

Health and Safety Resources

NYS Dept. of Health– https://www.health.ny.gov/

OSHA COVID 19 Guidance – https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/covid-19/

 

Dutchess Tourism Open Restaurant List:

https://dutchesstourism.com/covid-19-consumer-updates

 

Workforce/Unemployment Assistance

NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR–

How to file a claim: labor.ny.gov/ui/how_to_file_claim.shtm

Immediate job opportunities:

After clicking on the link, go to the right sidebar “Filter by City” and click on the (+) to see locations in our area. While many are in healthcare, if you continue (click MORE) down the list there is a diverse list of opportunities. https://nyhirenow.usnlx.com/

DCWIB–

http://www.dcwib.org/covid-19-links-and-information/#

 

3.30.20

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Labor Reporting

NYSDOL COVID-19 LABOR COMPLAINTS:

https://www.labor.ny.gov/workerprotection/laborstandards/coronavirus-complaints.shtm

Othe Labor Complaints:

(212) 416-8700

abor.bureau@ag.ny.gov

 

CONSUMER COMPLAINTS:

https://formsnym.ag.ny.gov/OAGOnlineSubmissionForm/faces/OAGCFCHome

 

3.30.20– Unemployment Information

UNEMPLOYMENT FOR AFFECTED EMPLOYEES:

If you are filing a new Unemployment Insurance (UI) claim, the day you should apply is based on the first letter of your last name:

Monday – last name starts with A – F

Tuesday – last names starting with G – N

Wednesday – last names starting with O – Z

If you missed your filing day, file your claim on Thursday, Friday or Saturday. Filing later in the week will not delay your payments or affect the date of your claim.

Any claim you file will be backdated to the date you became unemployed. If you are eligible, you will be paid for all benefits due.

The telephone filing hours have been extended as follows:

Monday through Thursday, 8 am to 7:30 pm.
Friday, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Saturday, 7:30 am to 8:00 pm

Call to file 1-888-209-8124 or go online: https://applications.labor.ny.gov/IndividualReg/

If you are uncertain about your qualification for benefits, more information regarding the new federal act and other COVID-19 updates will be posted in the Frequently Asked Questions about Unemployment Insurance During the Coronavirus Emergency.

 

You can also visit: https://www.labor.ny.gov/ui/cares-act.shtm

 

3.14.20

Unemployment Insurance Claims: The State is working to alleviate the significant pressure the influx of unemployment claims has created on the workforce system. Therefore, the New York State Department of Labor has just released a new schedule for individuals filing new Unemployment Insurance Claim by phone or web. As a reminder the 7-day waiting period has been waived. https://labor.ny.gov/ui/how_to_file_claim.shtm. UI is a complicated process and determining  eligibility before anyone files a claim is often difficult. The best advice is to give the inquiring party is the information on how to actually file so they may receive a determination or the UI handbook https://labor.ny.gov/ui/claimantinfo/Claimant%20Handbook%20-%20Languages.shtm

The day you file is based on the first letter of your last name, and filing later in the week will not delay payments or affect the date of your claim. Claims are effective on the Monday of the week of filing:

·     A-F: Monday

·     G-N: Tuesday

·     O-Z: Wednesday

·     If you missed a filing day, claim on Thursday or Friday.

Shared Work Program

 

Workforce/Unemployment Assistance

NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR–
How to file a claim: labor.ny.gov/ui/how_to_file_claim.shtm

Immediate job opportunities:

After clicking on the link, go to the right sidebar “Filter by City” and click on the (+) to see locations in our area. While many are in healthcare, if you continue (click MORE) down the list there is a diverse list of opportunities. https://nyhirenow.usnlx.com/

DCWIB– http://www.dcwib.org/covid-19-links-and-information/#

NYCON—

The New York Council of Nonprofits have released a page on their site that provides resources nonprofits may find helpful. This includes funding resources and opportunities. The page can be found HERE.

SBDC—

The NY SBDC has set up a website regarding the COVID-19 response which includes a link to a PDF that guides applicants through the EIDL process. There is a second page with a collection of resources and news that is of salient interest to New York’s small business community.

This page will be updated frequently so the information may be fluid. Additional information can be found under the SBA tab as well.

http://www.nyssbdc.org/covid19response.html

Dutchess SCORE—

is offering assistance to those applying for SBA loans. You can learn more HERE

GOV- US State Senator Gillibrand’s Office—

U.S. Senator, Kirsten Gillibrand, has prepared a guide to navigate the COVID-19 disaster funding process. Download your copy HERE.

WED-C—

https://wedcbiz.org/resources/covid-19-resources/

 

NYS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL (NYSEDC)

Empire State Development has created contact lists for resources for small businesses including:

Entrepreneurship Assistance Centers (EAC) Contact List

Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) Contact List

As resources are sent to us, we are keeping a running list at http://www.nysedc.org/event/covid-19-updates-and-resources/

3.25.20

US COMMERCIAL SERVICE- A Note to Exporters Regarding COVID-19 

The health and safety of our employees, clients, partners and communities is our top priority. Given the developing COVID-19 outbreak, we have made some recent changes to the way we serve U.S. exporters.

Our global network of experienced trade specialists will be working virtually and is looking forward to connecting with you via email, conference call, Skype, or video conference to discuss your international business plans. To contact a trade specialist in your area, visit our list of local U.S. Export Assistance Centers.

Know that we are here for you whether you have questions about the status of an event, need to cancel a service, or are checking on the status of an export market. To learn more about our virtual services, visit Trade.gov/virtual-services.

Additional Federal Government resources are available from the Small Business Administration and EXIM Bank.

Our thoughts are with you and the global business community, and we remain firmly committed to serving the needs of U.S. exporters like you. We will continue to evaluate options to ensure we can deliver on the objectives of our mission, and that we consider the safety of all parties involved. Connect with us on social media @USCommercialSvc for our latest updates and resources.

We look forward to working with you soon.

For more information on coronavirus, please visit: coronavirus.gov.

Critical Food Industry Resources- 

as provided by The Institute of Food Safety at Cornell University

Health and Safety Resources

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

CDC– Novel Coronavirus Hotline (24/7): 1-888-364-3065
www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCov/