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Sign up for email updates for downtown Far Rockaway businesses. We’ll share information on COVID-19, construction, and other important announcements. https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/rema4usbiz

COVID-19 Information for Businesses

Loans

• Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) MORE INFORMATION
  Businesses and nonprofits with fewer than 500 employees may get loans with payment forgiveness (essentially grants) of up to 8 weeks of payroll if they retained all their employees. Payments are deferred for at least six months, with maximum deferrals of up to a year.

• Economic Injury Disaster Loan APPLY HERE
  Businesses and nonprofits can apply for up to $2 million in loans to cover financial obligations and operating expenses. The interest rate is 3.75% for businesses and 2.75% for nonprofits. There is also an optional $10,000 advance that does not need to be repaid.

• KIVA is offering up to $15,000 in zero interest loans for small businesses. Apply here.

Grants

• The Red Backpack Fund for Women-Owned Businesses  MORE INFORMATION 
  Sara Blakely, the CEO and founder of Spanx, is giving $5 million to support women-owned small businesses impacted by COVID-19. The Red Backpack Fund will be making 1,000 grants of $5,000 each to female entrepreneurs in the U.S. The application is managed by GlobalGiving, which is currently open.

• Facebook For Business MORE INFORMATION
  Facebook is committing $40 million to support 10,000 small businesses.

• GoFundMe Small Business Relief Fund  MORE INFORMATION
  The GoFundMe.org Small Business Relief Fund will provide micro-grants to qualifying small businesses negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Until the Fund is depleted, GoFundMe.org will continue issuing $500 matching grants to qualifying businesses. You must raise $500 on GoFundMe in order to be eligible for the match.

• Salesforce Care Small Business Grants  MORE INFORMATION
  Salesforce will offer $10,000 grants to U.S. small businesses. OPENS April 24 - May 1

• Hello Alice $10,000 Grant
  Hello Alice is offering $10,000 grants being distributed immediately to small business owners impacted by coronavirus, as part of our broader mission to ensure “Business for All”. In addition to funding, grant recipients will receive ongoing support from the Hello Alice community. Learn more and apply here - https://www.covid19businesscenter.com/ 

• NYC COVID-19 Response & Impact Fund   MORE INFORMATION (FOR NONPROFITS)

  The New York Community Trust created the NYC COVID-19 Response & Impact Fund to aid nonprofit service providers struggling with the health and economic effects of the Coronavirus. It will give grants and loans to NYC-based nonprofits that are trying to meet the new and urgent needs that are hitting the city

Legal, Financial and Other Resources

• NYC Department of Small Business Services: COVID-19 Resources for NYC Businesses

• QEDC is compiling a more extensive resource list here.

• City Bar Justice Center is providing free legal advice on 45-minute calls, if you fill out this form to register for an appointment.

  NELP COVID-19 Small Business Legal Clinic: The Neighborhood Entrepreneur Law Project's COVID-19 legal clinics are an opportunity for New York City's entrepreneurs and small businesses who have suffered adversely from the impact of the COVID-19 crisis to receive free legal advice during a 45-minute remote consultation with a volunteer attorney. Potential clients must request an appointment in order to receive a phone-based or video-call consultation. Please complete the following form to request an appointment. Questions? Contact us at (212) 382-6633 or at NELP@nycbar.org

• WE NYC 1-on-1 Free Financial Advisor Appointments for Female Entrepreneurs 

   In response to Covid-19, WE NYC and the NYC Department of Small Business Services are offering special 1-on-1 Economic Relief Consultations during the month of April.  Talk to a certified financial advisor who will offer guidance on the economic relief programs you may be able to qualify for. Personal appointments for 1-on-1 counseling sessions will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.  See the link below to register.

  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/we-nyc-1-on-1-covid-19-economic-relief-consultation-personal-appointment-registration-tickets-101723682272?aff=followup

• View NY State’s list of essential and non-essential businesses.

• Sick Pay Reimbursement: The IRS announced 100% reimbursement for small businesses for costs incurred when providing staff with paid sick leave related to COVID-19, available as a payroll tax credit. For full details, please visit the IRS’ website and consultant with your accountant.

• New York State is waiving late and penalty fees for sales tax that is paid late. The federal tax deadline has been extended to July 15.

• When filing business or excise tax payments to The City of New York, businesses can request to have penalties waived when submitting a late-filed extension or return. For information, visit the Department of Finance.

Downtown Far Rockaway Construction Information for Businesses

• To receive updates from the NYC Department of Design and Construction regarding streetscape reconstruction, email the Community Construction Liaisons at sandr02ccl@gmail.com.