FAB Biz Blast – May 2021

MORE RESOURCES FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
The Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) Grant program is now OPEN for applications. The US Small Business Administration (SBA) is awarding funding to restaurants, bars, and other similar establishments that serve food and drink. The program aims to provide support to eligible businesses that suffered revenue losses related to the COVID-19 pandemic. SBA may provide funding of up to $5,000,000 that can be used to cover payroll costs, mortgage, rent payments, debt service, utility payments, maintenance expenses, construction of outdoor seating, business supplies, operating expenses, supplier costs, and food and beverage expenses, including raw materials.

 
For the first 21 days of the program, priority will be given to applications from small & women-owned businesses, veterans, and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. 
 
You can apply for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund in three ways:
  • Through a recognized SBA Restaurant Partner
  • Through SBA directly at restaurants.sba.gov
  • Via phone: (844) 279-8898
 
Check out the SBA Guide here, which also features a sample application for you to review.
 
 
REMINDER!
The deadline to apply for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans was extended to May 31. We’re now down to the last 30 days for you to apply for the newly-funded SBA program, meant for the smallest of small businesses. Citi continues to host a series of informational webinars on how to apply and get your paperwork in order; see details and sign up for webinars here.
 
 
RE-OPENING NYC UPDATES
This week, the Governor announced many upcoming changes to regulations for restaurants, bars, event venues, offices, and catered events.
 
For restaurants and bars:
  • Starting May 3, seating at bars will be allowed in NYC
  • Indoor dining will expand to 75 percent capacity beginning on May 7
  • Starting May 17, the 12 a.m. (midnight) food and beverage service curfew will be lifted for outdoor dining
  • Open Restaurants (i.e. any sidewalk or curb lane seating self-certified through the DOT program) must still close by midnight
  • Other private outdoor space (e.g. backyard, rooftop) closing times depend on individual liquor licenses
  • Starting May 31, curfew will be lifted for indoor dining areas
  • The purchase of food with alcoholic beverages is no longer required at SLA-licensed establishments
For personal care services (salons, barbers, etc.):
  • expand to 75 percent indoor capacity beginning on May 7
For gyms and fitness centers:
  • expand to 50 percent indoor capacity beginning on May 15
 
 
ART 360º / FORT GREENE IS BACK! SAT., MAY 8, 2021
We’re so excited to hold our annual springtime event again, to celebrate the new season and the artistic culture of Fort Greene!
 
A day of discovery and exploration of the vibrant art that surrounds us, ART 360º / FORT GREENE also pays homage to the many creative merchants on the corridor who showcase their talents and expertise every day! A huge thank you goes out to all the FAB FULTON-area businesses who are slated to participate or display in the ART 360º / FORT GREENE event, including Endswell, Greene Grape, Polux Fleuriste, Clic, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, and Stem FG. We also appreciate our merchants who are working with a team of local artists to transform their storefronts, roadway seating, and other areas for the event; you made it possible to bring the streetscape to life: baba cool, DSK, Brooklyn Moon, Greene Grape Wine, Emack & Bolio’s, Ralph’s, The Salon by Ursula Stephen, Greenlight Bookstore, Yours Truly Brooklyn, Greene Grape, Broccoli Bar and Brooklyn Plaza Medical Center. Click here to see the entire schedule of activities.
 
And Clinton Hill merchants, don’t fret! You’ll get your chance to activate your side of Fulton Street during our inaugural ART 360º / CLINTON HILL event, scheduled for September 18th! Save the date on your calendars!
 
 
OPENING / REOPENING? GET A RIBBON-CUTTING!
It’s been a tough year, yet many businesses are bouncing back, and some enterprising folks are opening for the first time. Celebrate these milestones with the Brooklyn Chamber! They are now hosting in-person (COVID-safe) opening and reopening ribbon-cutting events for Chamber members at their place of business. Click here to find out more about how the Chamber can help introduce you to the neighborhood and let everyone know you’ve arrived! (You can also follow the Chamber’s Instagram feed, @thebrooklynmarketplace, to follow the latest openings all over the borough — and list YOUR biz, too!)
 
 

MAY OBSERVANCES
May is Asian-American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and there’s no better time to reiterate that Hate Has No Business Here in our neighborhoods. We welcome, honor, and protect our AAPI business owners and merchants, customers and clients, neighbors, essential workers, and lifesavers. We won’t tolerate discrimination or hatred against them this month or ANY month. #StopAsianHate

May is also Small Business Month and NYC Small Business Services will be broadening the Shop Your City campaign to encourage New Yorkers to spend their dollars locally. SBS will promote the campaign through paid advertising, PSAs, social media, their website, and community engagement. FAB FULTON will amplify this messaging on our own channels and platforms. Each BID will be receiving posters and “I Shopped Local” stickers to distribute to their businesses within the next two weeks, so look for us to stop by your storefront soon! 
 
 

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!