FAB Biz Blast – Apr 2021

EXTENSIONS AND INCREASES: MONEY MOVES
Last week, President Biden signed the PPP Extension Act, which extended the original PPP deadline through May 31. Originally set to end on March 31, the act provides an additional 60 days for small businesses to file applications for Paycheck Protection Program loans, and more time for banks to process those applications, mostly from first-time borrowers. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has said that about $79 billion in funding remains. CNBC published a good need-to-know list, here.

Also, the SBA is increasing the maximum amount small businesses and non-profit organizations can borrow through its COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. Starting the week of April 6, 2021, the SBA is raising the loan limit for the COVID-19 EIDL program from 6-months of economic injury with a maximum loan amount of $150,000 to up to 24-months of economic injury with a maximum loan amount of $500,000. (Get more info here.)

And, in case you missed it: the IRS tax filing deadline was also extended to May 17.

 
#STOPHATE
The recent rise in acts of violence against Asians in the city has once again prompted us to remind the community that Hate Has NO Business Here, in our neighborhoods. We still have a good number of postcards and window clings from this past campaign and we’d be happy to drop off one to you to display in your door or window. To request one, send an email here.
 
There are resources to report harassment:
  • If you are the victim of a crime or witness a crime, call 911. NYPD officers are not allowed to ask about your immigration status. Learn more at nyc.gov/stopcovidhate.
  • You can also report discrimination and harassment to NYC Commission on Human Rights at 212-416-0197 or online at nyc.gov/reportdiscrimination.
  • Do you have a hate incident to report? Help document the recent rise in hate crimes against Asian American elders by going to stopaapihate.org/.
 
TRASH TALK!
Our street crew works really hard to maintain a clean and safe district, but it’s becoming more and more common for construction debris, household trash, and other large items to appear on our local streets, in front of businesses, and at street corners. This garbage dumping is illegal and is both an eyesore and a potential hazard to the public. Many of the recent incidents seem to occur overnight. If you happen to witness or catch any offenders on your store’s cameras, please share the information with us, so we may work with local authorities to hopefully stop dumping from occurring on our streets.  
 
 
DID YOU KNOW?
Business owners: did you know you can partner with the DSNY to help keep your neighborhood clean? Join the Adopt-a-Basket program to help keep NYC litter-free. Call 311, or go here for more info.
 
 
YOUR ONE-STOP SHOP FOR RECOVERY SUPPORT!
Join NYC Small Business Resource Network for a webinar with industry expert, Natalie Black, photographer, videographer, and digital director of popular NYC restaurant, Crown Shy. Learn useful tips and tricks to improve your restaurant’s social media presence. Natalie will share strategic advice and best practices that can upgrade your look, style, and reach on Instagram and other popular social media platforms. RSVP here for the FREE webinar set for Tue., April 6.

The NYC Small Business Resource Network is a public-private partnership between the city’s corporate, financial and professional sectors, as well as universities, philanthropists, and expert volunteers. Together they offer you, the business owner, meaningful assistance, personalized guidance, and recovery resources! Join the network, FREE, for more benefits; go here.

 

EMERGENCY CARDS
Did you complete one of these cards yet? If not, we’ll be around to visit your business! We’re compiling an “Emergency Contact List” of all FAB FULTON-area merchants, which will be useful in case of after-hours incidents like break-ins, burglaries, vandalism, or other emergency situations. We need your help to create our information network to help ensure all businesses stay secure.

 
If you check the BID member registration box on the contact card, you will automatically be on the email list for this newsletter, and receive all important communications regarding voting at the Annual Meeting. (You can opt-out from the newsletter at any time by clicking “unsubscribe” at the bottom of the page.)
 
FULTON ST. FRIDGE
The Fulton Street Community fridge is now open, thanks to the great crew at Clinton Hill Fort Greene Mutual Aid! Located near Key Food at 991 Fulton, this will be a neighborhood source of free food for anyone, and the group welcomes donations of surplus food and produce from local businesses. You can get involved with product or cash donations by checking out their detailed info here.
 
 

ABOUT FAB FULTON
The Fulton Area Business Alliance (FAB FULTON) is a non-profit organization that advocates for and collaborates with small businesses and property owners along Fulton Street in Brooklyn’s neighborhoods of Fort Greene and Clinton Hill to maintain a safe, clean, and welcoming community while securing resources and partnerships for initiatives that enhance and promote the district.

This post contains links to the articles and information referenced in our latest FAB BIZ BLAST email communication. You can subscribe to future newsletters; sign up here for the FAB FULTON BIZ BLAST to get the latest information and resources for FAB FULTON Businesses!