REOPENING READINESS
Governor Cuomo outlined a plan to reopen New York State, called
New York Forward. The plan focuses on getting people back to work and easing social isolation without triggering renewed spread of the virus or overwhelming the hospital system.
As of May 27, NYC has met 5 of 7 required “metrics” that must be met in order for a region to reopen. As we get closer to meeting all the requirements in our region, we wanted to highlight the many resources available online from the State, especially those of interest to small businesses.
As we mentioned last month, New York will reopen on a regional basis phased by industry, with “less essential” businesses (those that present a higher risk of infection) being lower priority.
Each business and industry must have a plan (see a template
here) to protect employees and consumers, make the physical work space safer and implement processes that lower risk of infection in the business. There’s even
guidelines for curbside and in-store pickup for retail businesses (read
here.)
The State has also set up a NEW loan program for businesses: the New York Forward Loan Fund (NYFLF) is a new economic recovery fund aimed at supporting New York State small businesses and nonprofits (with 20 or fewer full-time employees), along with small landlords as they reopen and incur expenses while they comply with guidelines under the New York Forward Plan. These expenses can include inventory, marketing, refitting for new social distancing guidelines, etc.
During the wait for our region to be reopened, we encourage you to
prepare your pre-application in advance by taking advantage of the application preparation resources available
here.We will share more updates as we near a state-wide reopening!
***FAB FULTON ANNUAL MEETING POSTPONEMENT***
In light of COVID-19 and subsequent recovery efforts, FAB FULTON’s Annual Meeting + Reception, typically held in the spring, is postponed to Fall 2020. Stay tuned for a “Save The Date” notice in your mailbox!
AFTER THE GREEN LIGHT, WHAT’S NEXT?
New York City is due to get the signal to reopen small businesses very soon. But the COVID-19 pandemic has effected so many facets of doing business; things won’t be the same. How do we getting up and running again?
The Queens Economic Development Corporation has asked expert speakers in the areas of Finance, Operations and Marketing to provide guidance as small businesses plan their reopening. Each webinar is designed to provide practical information you need, along with a Q&A session and follow-up materials.
You MUST check out the robust calendar of these
FREE webinars, and sign up now! The online events are scheduled through mid-June, with possibly more to be added.
Register here.
SMALL BUSINESS DEPENDS ON THE CENSUS, TOO
We’re in the stretch with Census 2020 reporting, and unfortunately, New York (and Brooklyn, in particular) is lagging in the percentage of homes that have completed the very brief form.
Why is a count of the population important for small businesses?
The U.S. Census Bureau produces extensive information quarterly and annually; much of this data makes it easy for existing and aspiring entrepreneurs to use the Census Bureau’s demographic and economic statistics to grow their businesses and compare their operations with other businesses in their geographic area or industry. Results from the 2020 Census will also be used to determine the number of seats each state has in Congress and your political representation at all levels of government.
HELP NYC CUSTOMERS PLUG IN TO YOUR BUSINESS
Local event listing site
NYC Plugged has created a
map with updated listings in support of the city’s beleaguered hospitality industry during this difficult time.
The map shows current restaurants, bars, cafes, bakeries, wine shops, and delis open for delivery and/or pick-up. Also, it indicates those who are also offering gift cards or merchandise for purchase, holding employee fundraisers, or participating in frontline worker programs. This information can be accessed by the public to support their favorite neighborhood spots!
Click here to request that your business be added to the map. (Note: if you would like to list multiple locations, a form must be submitted for each.)
RETHINK
Rethink Food NYC Incis a non-profit organization that utilizes food excess from restaurants, grocery stores and corporate kitchens to create new and nutritious meals for those in need. During the recent pandemic crisis, Rethink’s Restaurant Response Programassisted with food need and access, providing program participants — small business restaurant operators — with up to $40,000 to stay open during the COVID-19 outbreak and help feed those in need.
While Rethink has reopened
applications for that program, they have also set their sights on a new initiative, Rethink Certified, a national
plan to utilize restaurants to feed those impacted by food insecurity at all times, including during a crisis. This philanthropic initiative will create the infrastructure we need to sustainably create a more equitable food system, which is the organization’s core mission.
Want to
get involved? Click
here to get in touch with Rethink today!
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!
