COVID-19 Updates

Transmission Rates & Trends 

As of August 9, all five New York City counties have community transmission considered substantial or high by the CDC. On July 27, the CDC issued an updated recommendation that all people, regardless of vaccination status, should return to wearing masks in indoor, public spaces in areas of high COVID-19 infection rates. To see the risk of transmission in your area, visit covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#county-view.

 

Delta Variant

An internal CDC document leaked by The Washington Post revealed that further research proved that the Delta variant causes more severe illness than other variants and is as contagious as chickenpox. Symptoms of the delta variant are different from the original strain of the virus. The most common symptoms include headache, sore throat, runny nose, and fever.

 

Vaccination Deadline for Healthcare workers at State-Run Hospitals 

Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on July 28 that patient-facing, healthcare workers at State-run hospitals are required to get vaccinated by Labor Day.

 

COVID-19 Rules for State Employees 

New York is also requiring state employees, as well as employees of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and Port Authority, to show proof of vaccination or face weekly testing.

 

New York City Requirements for Municipal Workers 

Beginning in mid-September, New York City will require all of its 340,000 municipal workers, including police, firefighters and teachers, to either be vaccinated against COVID-19 or tested weekly.

 

Public Transportation Mask Guidelines

Residents should continue to mask-up when using any form of public transportation.

 

New York City Public Schools 

On May 24, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that all public schools which had closed for on-site instruction in March 2020, in efforts to curb the spread of the coronavirus, will fully reopen in September without any option for students to learn remotely, as reported.

 

Vaccination Deadline for Public School-Goers Over 12 

State Sen. Alessandra Biaggi said that the departments of education and health are launching a multi-media campaign to promote vaccination to kids and parents so they can be fully immunized by the first day of school. Aug. 9 was the last day for children 12 and up to get their first shot in time to be fully protected by school opening on Sept. 13. Children under 18 are only eligible for the Pfizer vaccine, which entails a five-week period to full vaccination, including the three weeks between the first and second doses.

 

Proof of Vaccination When Out & About 

On Aug. 3, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced a new policy that requires people to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination to dine inside restaurants, work out at gyms, attend a play or go out dancing. Enforcement, but not by police, will begin on Sept. 13 to coincide with the return to in-class learning.

 

COVID-19 Business Guidelines

COVID-19 restrictions in New York State have been lifted, subject to ongoing guidance (see above), since 70 percent of adults have received their first dose of the vaccine. For the latest industry guidance, go to: https://forward.ny.gov/active-industry-guidance.

 

Extension of Deadline for Uninsured New Yorkers 

The open enrollment period for uninsured New Yorkers has been extended through Dec. 31, 2021. New Yorkers can apply for coverage through NYS Department of Health or directly through insurers.

 

Emotional Support Services for Health Care Workers 

Health care workers can text NYFRONTLINE to 741-741 to access 24/7 emotional support services. Any New Yorker can call the COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline at 1-844-863-9314 for mental health counseling.

 

$100 Vouchers for Those Who Get Vaccinated

Starting July 30, anyone in NYC who receives their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at a city-run vaccination site will receive $100. The $100 prepaid debit card is open to those living/working in NYC, and can be redeemed immediately in a digital wallet by those with an email address, while they wait in the observation area after being vaccinated.

 

Vaccine Update

All individuals 12 years of age and older that reside in the United States are eligible to receive the vaccine. FDA fact sheets for recipients and caregivers on each vaccine are available: Pfizer; Moderna; Johnson & Johnson. To make an appointment, visit ‘Am I Eligible’ or call 1-833-697-4829.

You can book your appointment online by clicking on the following links:

• City sites: https://vax4nyc.nyc.gov/patient/s/

• State sites: https://am-i-eligible.covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov

• Walk-in appointments are also accepted at New York State mass vaccination sites for all eligible individuals

• Pharmacies: 

  • Walgreens: https://bit.ly/2QFsG5x

  • CVS: https://bit.ly/2P6fCFO

  • Rite Aid: https://bit.ly/3tVqwNy

  • Or call your local independent pharmacy to ask about availability

 

Assistance for New Yorkers with Disabilities

People with disabilities can get help making a vaccination appointment at an accessible site, traveling to their appointment, and getting their vaccine.  If you need help making an appointment because of a disability, you can call (855)-491-2667. To learn more about vaccination help for people with disabilities, visit here.

 

Free Transportation Options

There are a number of programs available to facilitate transportation to a vaccination site:

• If you currently use Access-a-Ride,  contact them at (877) 337-2017.
• If you have Medicaid-provided transportation, you can dial your usual contact number to schedule transport. Alternatively, you can call (844) 666-6270.
• If you need an ambulette or use a wheelchair and cannot ride in an accessible taxi, you can schedule free transport with Hunter ambulettes at (516) 812-9827.
• If you are over 65, you can schedule a free ride with Curb at (646) 349-0289.

 

At Home COVID-19 Tests

New York City has announced that at-home COVID-19 tests will soon be available to all New Yorkers aged 65 and up, as well as those who are immunocompromised. To schedule an appointment, please call 929-298-9400 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., seven days per week. The at-home test will be a molecular PCR test administered by a trained clinician and will be provided at no cost. The test will be performed within two days of the request, depending on when the patient is available. Results will be returned within two days by text, e-mail, or telephone.

 

Local COVID-19 Vaccination Sites 

Additionally, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz announced that Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines will be available in the local community from Tuesday, Aug. 10 through Saturday, Aug. 14 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Van Cortlandt Pool located at West 242nd Street & Broadway, and from Monday, Aug. 9 through Friday, Aug. 13 and on Sunday, Aug. 15, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Lehman College Apex Center located at 250 Bedford Park Boulevard West. [Pfizer only] For more information, please visit nyc.gov/covidvaccine.

 

In-home Vaccination Program

The in-home vaccination program has been further expanded to include all NYC residents who are age 12 or above. To express interest in an in-home vaccination, fill out this form: https://forms.cityofnewyork.us/f/home or call 877-829-4692.

Excelsior Pass

The Excelsior Pass is New York’s voluntary and secure way to retrieve proof of COVID-19 vaccination or negative test results. Excelsior Pass empowers New Yorkers to retrieve and easily store a digital form of vaccine or negative test credentials, so that they don’t have to worry about misplacing or damaging their CDC vaccination card or other paper records.

 

Excelsior Pass provides a free, fast and secure way to present digital proof of COVID-19 vaccination or negative test results. Think of it as a mobile airline boarding pass, but for proving you received a COVID-19 vaccination or negative test. New Yorkers can store the Pass digitally on smartphone with the Excelsior Pass Wallet app, available for free from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. New Yorkers can also print their Pass from the Excelsior Pass website or add it to their smartphone’s native wallet.

 

Alternative NYC App for COVID-19 Vaccination or Test Status 

An alternative NYC App to prove COVID-19 vaccination or negative test status is now live, as confirmed on Twitter by Councilman Mark Levine. He said it’s different from the State’s Excelsior app in some significant ways. Excelsior checks against the State’s immunization database. This reduces the likelihood of fraud, but a not insignificant number of people can’t get it to work because, for example, one letter of their name is off in the official record. Also, it doesn’t work if you get vaccinated out of state. The City’s new app simply stores a picture of your vaccination card, test result, etc. It doesn’t communicate with any outside databases. This will allay some people’s privacy fears, especially undocumented immigrants. To access the app, for iPhone users, go to https://apps.apple.com/us/app/nyc-covid-safe/id1565213506… For Android users, go to https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=gov.nyc.doitt.covidsafe&hl=en_US&gl=US…. 

 

NYC Homecoming Week Concerts

Homecoming NYC is hosting a series of free concerts called, “It’s Time for Hip Hop In NYC Summer 2021” throughout the city during August. The Bronx concert will be held on Monday, Aug. 16, from 3 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Orchard Beach. The concert will feature KRS One, Remy Ma, Slick Rick, and Kid Capri. To reserve free tickets, visit nyc.gov/HomecomingWeek.

 

Public Hearing on Redistricting 

The Independent Redistricting Commission of New York State will hold a virtual public hearing on August 15, 2021, at 3pm to seek comments from all New Yorkers. Residents can sign up to participate and stay updated about the process on the commission’s website: www.nyirc.gov. The Commission is eagerly seeking input from community residents as it embarks on this process. This includes, but is not limited to information such as how residents feel about the current lines outlining their district, what would residents like the IRC to know about their community of interest. Participants will have up to three (3) minutes of speaking time, with no question or answer period. Residents are also invited to create their own maps using resources available on the commission’s website.

 

Public Hearing on Voting 

All New Yorkers aged 14 to 25 are invited to provide their thoughts and concerns about voting and local government at a public hearing streamed live on the NYC Votes Facebook page.

The third annual “We, the Young People,” youth-led Voter Assistance Advisory Committee (VAAC) hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, August 18, starting at 5:30pm. All New Yorkers may RSVP in advance to view the hearing live. Any youth who are interested in testifying should contact Olivia Brady at obrady@nyccfb.info.

 

Norwood Library

Norwood Community Library opened a free library box at the Keeper’s House at 3400 Reservoir Oval East. All community members are welcome to take and/or leave a book in the library for free.

 

Parklet Event Series

Jerome Gun Hill BID is hosting a parklet event series throughout August and September. On Aug. 11, the BID is hosting an event called “Dance to the Rhythm of the Afro-Latineers,” at 3498 Jerome Avenue from noon to 4 p.m.

 

NYC Utility Moratorium

New York’s statewide utility shut-off moratorium, which had expired on March 31, has been extended. The law extends the statewide moratorium on utility shut-offs, including water, heat, electric, telephone, cable, and broadband services until the conclusion of the COVID-19 state of emergency, or until December 31, 2021, whichever comes first. For New Yorkers suffering financially due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the law enshrines a further moratorium extension of 180 days.

 

Free Summer Meals NYC 

Free Summer Meals are available via NYC Department of Education to those who need them. Go to schools.nyc.gov/summermeals for more information.

A number of important bills were signed into law this summer, including:

Early Voting and Absentee Ballot Reform

These laws would align the last day a ballot can be postmarked with the deadline for hand-delivered ballots. They also allow absentee ballots to be requested by letter rather than a signed absentee ballot application. Similarly, it provides that federal write-in absentee ballots, military ballots, special presidential ballots and special federal ballots received after Election Day must contain a postmark, cancellation mark or witness dated Election Day or earlier.

 

Sidewalk Service Law 

This law allows restaurants and bars statewide to use sidewalks, parking spots and other municipal spaces for outdoor food and beverage service for another year.

 

Opioid Settlement Fund

This law creates an independent settlement fund for money collected from opioid litigation.

 

Gun Control

This law is the first-of-its-kind in the nation and would allow sellers, manufacturers, importers, or marketers of guns to be held liable for a “public nuisance,” defined as actions that harm the public.

 

Partial Unemployment System Reform 

This law revamps New York’s partial unemployment system so that it reduces benefits based on earnings the worker receives from part-time employment.  It also establishes an earnings disregard equal to one-half of a worker’s weekly UI benefit and requires New York State’s Department of Labor to implement an immediate interim fix by allowing workers to work up to 10 hours a week without reduction in part-time unemployment benefits, up from the current 4 hours. The new law is scheduled to take effect by April 2022. For more information about the program, visit http://dol.ny.gov.

 

Small Business Public Hearing

NYC Department of Small Business Services NYC Small Business (DSBS) will hold a public hearing on its proposal to create a new program to provide grants to small businesses in low to moderate income neighborhoods, and for the hardest hit business sectors throughout NYC. The hearing will take place on Sept. 1, at 11 a.m. by video conference. Use the following link to join: https://nycsbs.webex.com/nycsbs/j.php?MTID=me438f36d9e8d8d62b14c0d630d 60857f. Enter the meeting number 179 776 1609 and password pZaEmYJp864. For phone access, dial (646) 992-2010. When prompted, enter the same meeting ID.

 

Woodlawn Run for a Cause – 15th Annual 5K (Virtual)

The 15th Annual Woodlawn 5K Run for a Cause will take place virtually between Sept. 12 and Sept. 18. Money will be raised for Feeding Westchester and Fordham-Bedford Housing Corporation. For more information, please visit www.woodlawnrunforacause.org.

 

Job Opportunity

Norwood Terrace is seeking per diem and part time employees to assist with 24/7 social services coverage in the building. They are looking for a weekend evening counselor, a per diem facilities custodian, and a per diem counselor. To learn more, visit www.concernhousing.org or email HR recruiter Elaina Kaye at elainakaye@concernhousing.org.

 

NYC Health Community Advisory Board

New York City Health and Hospitals is looking for volunteers to join its community advisory board (CAB). Volunteers are sought to represent their communities in voicing their healthcare concerns. CABs raise awareness about healthcare services, and advocate for the public healthcare system. Anyone interested in getting more information or scheduling an interview can email their name and contact information to Amir Abbady at abbadya@nychhc.org.

 

FDNY Fire Safety Video

A number of residential fires have been reported in the Bronx in recent weeks, most of which are still under investigation. The FDNY has circulated a video to explain to the public the importance of mitigating risk when trying to escape a fire.  It can be watched below.

 

 

Public Library Service Restoration

As of July 6, The New York Public Library has reopened all available locations across the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island (except those undergoing improvements or being used by the City). NYPL is offering nearly full service, including general library use and seating, unlimited browsing, laptop and computer access, and more. In-person programs and classes will also resume at some locations in July and expand over the coming months. Masks are still required for all persons in NYPL locations. Van Cortlandt Library has a number of initiatives on offer for young people. Check out their teen newsletter and more at https://www.nypl.org/locations/van-cortlandt.

 

Woodlawn Cemetery – Woodlawn Landscape Restoration Program

Woodlawn Cemetery is offering a five-month career training program for young adults in landscape restoration. It includes a paid internship at the Woodlawn Conservancy. Expert instructors from the Davey Institute will review string trimming, tree pruning, lawn care, and more. The program is open for people aged 18 to 24 as of September 2021, who are residents of New York City. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED/equivalency, authorization to work in the United States, and cannot currently be working or in school. Successful applicants will receive a paid internship, OSHA-30 Safety Certification, CPR/First Aid Certification, career counseling, and job placement. Please contact Brian Scheibe at bscheibe@door.org with questions. Apply at https://forms.gle/xPgbM8MU2GZFnoBm6.

 

Black Entrepreneurs NYC (BE NYC)

Black entrepreneurs face enormous barriers and are vastly underrepresented among New York City’s business owners. While the Black community currently makes up 22% of New York City’s population (1.9 million), just 3.5% of NYC businesses are owned by Black entrepreneurs. There is tremendous potential for more Black-owned businesses to start and grow. In September 2019, in partnership with community members, organizations, advocates, and leaders, Black Entrepreneurs NYC (BE NYC), was launched to help create equity of opportunity by advancing Black entrepreneurship. More information is available here.

 

NYC Parks Summer 2021 Lifeguard Recruitment

Try out to become an NYC lifeguard! Qualifying tests for summer 2021 begin this winter. Click here to sign up and receive updates on the test schedule. Visit nyc.gov/parks/lifeguards or call 311 for more information and come to a training location to be tested. All you need is a bathing suit, towel, lock, and photo ID. Goggles are optional.

 

New York City Cooling Centers Open (Heatwave expected on Wednesday, Aug. 11) 

New York City Cooling Centers are open in cases of extreme heat. These centers are spaces where people can go to enjoy air conditioning during a heat emergency. You can find a cooling center near you by calling 311.

 

New Gas Meter Liability Legislation Passed 

A new law, sponsored by Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, has been passed that will strengthen State law which prohibits the illegal installation of any gas meters by expanding the law to include any installation that is not performed by a gas company or their licensed contractor. The law also expands liability for any illegally installed gas meters to include the property owner in question, in addition to the person who illegally installed the meter.

 

NW Bronx Food Justice Project- Emergency Food Resources

The NW Bronx Food Justice Project- Emergency Food Resources operate at the Kingsbridge Heights Community Center (KHCC), located at 3101 Kingsbridge Terrace, Summit Place, Bronx 10463, weekly on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from noon to 2:30 p.m. For more information go to: https://www.khcc-nyc.org/program/food-pantry or email Will Littleton at wlittleton@khcc-nyc.org. Other options are Bailey Fridge at 3016 Bailey Avenue, and the Friendly Fridge at 5977 Broadway (242nd Street and Broadway). Contact: thefriendlyfridgebx@gmail.com. For more information on the NW Bronx Food Justice project, contact foodjusticebronx@gmail.com.

 

Funeral Cost Reimbursement for COVID-19 Deaths

FEMA provides financial assistance for COVID-19 related funeral expenses. On June 29, 2021, FEMA amended the funeral assistance policy to assist with COVID-19 related deaths that occurred in the early months of the pandemic. This policy change will allow applicants to submit a signed statement from the certifying official on the death certificate or the local medical examiner, or coroner, that attributes the death to COVID-19 deaths that occurred between Jan. 20 and May 16, 2020.

 

Emergency Rental Assistance Program 

The emergency rental assistance program opened on June 1, 2021. Apply for ERAP online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Once the application is started, all questions must be answered and it must be signed and saved to submit the application. There is currently no way to save a partially completed application. Applicants are encouraged to gather all the information needed before starting the application, including income of household members and rental amounts. Elected officials, including State Sen. Alessandra Biaggi and others are available to help with any questions.

Applicants who previously started, but did not complete and sign an application, must start a new application. Applicants who have completed and signed an application can upload required documentation at any time. Ready to Apply? Get Help Applying for ERAP.

Excluded Workers Fund

Applications for the Excluded Workers Fund launch next month. Interested New Yorkers can subscribe for updates and get more information at on.ny.gov/ewf. This $2.1 billion State fund will provide financial relief for New Yorkers state-wide who have suffered income loss during the pandemic and were left out of the various federal relief programs, including unemployment and pandemic benefits.

 

Childcare for Essential Workers 

The New York Office of Children and Family Services is administering $25 million in funds to provide child care support for children of essential workers. The Essential Worker Scholarship is only available to residents of New York State and will be awarded weekly through payments made directly to child care providers on the parents’ behalf. Parents will be responsible for paying any tuition amount that is greater than the market rate. Families currently receiving child care scholarships under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act are strongly encouraged to also apply for this new funding opportunity. For more information and to apply visit https://ocfs.ny.gov/main/contracts/funding/COVID-relief/essential-workers.php.

 

Child Tax Credit

As reported, important changes to the Child Tax Credit will help many families get advance payments of the credit starting this summer. The IRS has started to pay half the total credit amount in advance monthly payments, since July 15. Applicants can claim the other half when they file their 2021 income tax return. These changes apply to tax year 2021 only.

To qualify for advance Child Tax Credit payments, applicants and their spouses, if they filed a joint return, must have:

• filed a 2019 or 2020 tax return and claimed the Child Tax Credit on the return; or
• given the IRS their information in 2020 to receive the Economic Impact Payment using the Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here tool; and
• a main home in the United States for more than half the year (the 50 states and the District of Columbia) or file a joint return with a spouse who has a main home in the United States for more than half the year; and
• a qualifying child who is under age 18 at the end of 2021, and who has a valid Social Security number; and
• made less than certain income limits.

 

The IRS will use the information provided to determine if applicants qualify and will automatically enroll them for advance payments. Applicants do not need to take any additional action to get advance payments. For more information, go to: https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021

 

Sewage Waste Back-Ups

Sewage waste back-ups continue to be a problem for residents, worsened by recent heavy flooding caused by recent storms. Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz said he has sent a pair of letters, along with Council Member Eric Dinowitz, to the NYC Department of Environmental Protection about several locations that appear to be overflowing. The assemblyman said he believes there is an underlying insufficiency with the City’s sewage and stormwater system and that the City needs to take tangible steps towards separating the currently combined sewer and stormwater system, which he said is a flawed urban design from decades passed.

 

He said the City needs to identify areas where development has outpaced the sewage system and upgrade the infrastructure to have larger pipes that can move more waste in shorter periods of time. To help illustrate the full extent of the problem, the assemblyman is asking for residents to share certain information with him if your house or building has experienced issues with sewage waste backing up into your home.

 

He is looking for your name, address, phone number, the 311 request numbers (if you have not filed a 311 complaint already, please do so using this link – and continue to do so every time it happens) and the frequency of the problem (e.g., during every rain storm, during heavy rain storms, happened one time, etc). He said there is a difference between stormwater flooding and sewage waste flooding. If you experienced stormwater flooding in/from the street, you can submit a complaint here instead.

Training for Small Businesses

The NYC Department of Small Business Services is providing no-cost, online training to help business owners and employees in NYC. Click here for more information: https://www1.nyc.gov/nycbusiness/article/nyc-means-business-training-for-your-employees.

 

Bronx Community Relief Effort Updates

Sign up for Bronx Community Relief Effort updates. Applications for grant funding from the Bronx Community Relief Effort are currently closed but the next round of applications will open soon. Head to their website to sign up for updates, or periodically check here: https://thebronx.org/ to see when the application window reopens. Check out https://www.uschamber.com for a list of current grants, loans and programs for small businesses.

 

New York Forward Loan Fund

The New York Forward Loan Fund is continuing to accept applications to assist those impacted by COVID-19. This program will target small businesses with 20 or fewer full-time equivalent employees, nonprofits and small landlords that have seen a loss of income or rental income. If approved, these loans will need to be paid back over a five-year term with interest. Go to: https://www.connect2capital.com/partners/new-york-forward-loan-fund/ for more information and the application.

 

Expanded Unemployment Benefits Winding Down

The NYS Department of Labor has shared that on September 5, 2021, several federal unemployment programs will be expiring nationwide. These include Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), which was intended to help those not traditionally eligible for unemployment benefits such as independent contractors, Pendemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), which authorized up to 53 weeks on top of traditional unemployment benefits, Extended Benefits (EB), which also authorized up to 20 weeks of additional unemployment benefits based on the state unemployment rate, and Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC), which provided an additional $300 per week to standard unemployment benefits.

Because New York fell under the established rate for Extended Benefits eligibility, these benefits will only be available for 13 weeks (instead of 20) starting on August 9, 2021. There will be a 30-day period after September 5, 2021 where the Department of Labor can evaluate new PUA claims and backdate benefits where appropriate.

Unemployment benefits will continue to be paid to eligible claimants for the first twenty-six (26) weeks of unemployment after September 5. People who have reached the end of their current benefit year can reapply for unemployment benefits, but they must have worked and earned enough wages in covered unemployment during the past five quarters in order to be determined eligible.

Everyone who is currently receiving unemployment benefits should have received (or should soon receive) correspondence from the NYS Department of Labor explaining these changes. Numerous resources are available on the NYS Department of Labor website to help people find jobs or acquire new certifications and skills. These resources include:

• Career Services, which offers resume writing tools, interview tips, job postings, and specialized services (on.ny.gov/findajob)
• JobZone, which currently has more than 180,000 jobs posted from all regions of New York State (jobzone.ny.gov)
• Coursera, which offers free, online programs and certificate courses to unemployed New Yorkers (on.ny.gov/coursera)
• SUNY For All, which offers free skill-building, college prep, and employment certification programs with one-on-one career coaching (suny.edu/sunyforall)
• Career Fairs & Workshops, which are no-cost and virtual (on.ny.gov/careercalendar)

 

Youth Run Farm Stand

Van Cortlandt Park Alliance reopened its Youth Run Farm Stand on July 7. This is the 10th anniversary of selling locally grown produce and other locally sourced goods. The farm stand is located in the Train Park, at Orloff Avenue and Gale Place and is open on Wednesdays from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Organizers accept WIC, FMNP Checks, EBT, SNAP, cash and credit/debit cards. For every $2 spent on EBT/SNAP, visitors will receive $2 in Health Bucks (maximum of $10/day), including new Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) benefits for all families that have school-aged children.

 

SBA 7(a) and SBA Community Advantage Loans

The SBA 7(a) loan program makes funding from $50,000 to $5 million possible for startups and growing businesses in any qualified industry. The SBA 7(a) rates fluctuate, and the rate is determined by your financing needs. The SBA Community Advantage loan program, which provides loans of up to $250,000, is a unique type of 7(a) loan designed to provide additional support for businesses operating in underserved areas. For more information, visit: https://pursuitlending.com/business-loans/products/sba-7a-community-advantage/

 

SmartLoan

The SmartLoan provides fast, small business loans with flexible terms. Through this program, you can access up to $100,000 in funding at a fixed interest rate with affordable monthly payments. You can apply online for the SmartLoan and be funded in as soon as five business days. For more information, go to: https://pursuitlending.com/business-loans/products/smartloan/

 

The Small Business Resource Network

The Resource Network is a newly established team of 22 dedicated Small Business Specialists embedded within the City’s five Chambers of Commerce to help small businesses navigate a range of challenges including technology, real estate, legal and accounting services, procurement opportunities, marketing, and sources of loans and grants. Help with navigating the complex new regulatory environment established to contain the pandemic is also available. Business owners can access these resources by contacting a Recovery Specialist in their borough via: https://www.nycsmallbusinessresourcenetwork.org/.

 

Arts Recovery Funding

“Rapid Live Performance Grants” focus on reinvigorating near term, in-person performance opportunities through 2021. Meanwhile, grants offered under the latest round of “Recovery for Organizations and Individual Artists” will greatly expand eligibility and encourage new applicants across a wide spectrum of artistic and cultural practices. “Capital Funding for the Arts” will assist organizations facing health and safety issues in their spaces, among other needs. Learn more about each of these grants and funding by visiting the NYSCA website.