Supporting Downtown Businesses

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP):  The Small Business Administration (SBA)'s Paycheck Protection Program has reopened for certain borrowers, authorizing up to $284 billion toward job retention and certain other expenses through March 31, 2021. Community financial institutions (such as CDFIs) were able to make First Draw PPP Loans, starting January 11. On Wednesday, January 13, certain existing PPP borrowers were able to apply for a Second Draw PPP Loan. Other lenders will be able to accept applications for new First Draw PPP Loans at a date soon to be announced. 

Key PPP updates include:

• PPP borrowers can set their PPP loan’s covered period to be any length between 8 and 24 weeks to best meet their business needs;
• PPP loans will cover additional expenses, including operations expenditures, property damage costs, supplier costs, and worker protection expenditures;
• The Program’s eligibility is expanded to include 501(c)(6)s, housing cooperatives, destination marketing organizations, among other types of organizations;
• The PPP provides greater flexibility for seasonal employees;
• Certain existing PPP borrowers can request to modify their First Draw PPP Loan amount; and
• Certain existing PPP borrowers are now eligible to apply for a Second Draw PPP Loan. 

For more information, visit sba.gov/ppp or treasury.gov/cares. 

Syracuse Economic Development Corporation (SEDCO) COVID-19 Small Business Grant Program: Small businesses with 50 (FTEs) or fewer employees in the City of Syracuse are eligible for grants between $2,500 and $10,000. Eligible purchases include: Outdoor equipment, indoor equipment to optimize social distancing, technology systems for e-commerce or online ordering, HVAC upgrades, take-out supplies, sanitizing supplies and equipment, and marketing and advertising to promote online and takeout options. Click here to apply. 

Onondaga County Outdoor Dining Program: Restaurants that invest in outdoor dining equipment - such as tents or heaters - will be eligible for matching grants. Grants will reimburse up to $5,000 of qualified expenditures. Click here to apply. 

New York Forward Loan Fund: The New York Forward Loan Fund provides maximum loans of $100,000, with interest rates of 2-3% and a five-year repayment term. Click here for more information about the New York Forward Loan Fund.  

Small Business Adminstration Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program: The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) provides small businesses and nonprofits with low-interest loans of up to $2 million to help overcome other financial losses due to COVID-19. Click here for more information on how to apply. 

Inc. continues to compile a growing list of small business resources; the link is provided here. 

In addition to statewide guidance for certain industries, several organizations have released industry-specific guidance for business owners to consider in developing reopening plans:

Childcare:

• AIHA Guidance for Childcare Centers

Construction:

• OSHA Guidance for the Construction Industry
• AIHA Guidance for Returning to Work in the Construction Environment 

Dentistry:

• OHA Guidance for Dentistry Workers and Employers

Entertainment:

• AIHA Guidance for Small and Medium Sports and Entertainment Venues

Fitness:

• AIHA Guidance on Gyms and Workout Facilities 

Hair & Nail Salons:

• AIHA Guidance for Hair and Nail Salons

Museums:

• American Alliance of Museums: Resource Guide on Reopening and sample reopening plans

Offices: 

• OSHA Revised Enforcement Guidance for Recording Cases of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
• OSHA Guidance on Preparing Workplaces 
• Cushman Wakefield/Pyramid Brokerage How-To Guide for Reopening the Workplace
• AIHA Guidance for General Office Settings
• AIHA Guidance for Business Services (Banks, Notaries, Title Companies, etc.)

Restaurants and Bars:

• The New York State Restaurant Association (NYSRA) is providing free online COVID-19 content, including webinars and reopening resources. To receive NYSRA’s weekday email update, please email info@nysra.org. Click here to print "The New York Restaurant Promise,” outlining safety expectations for employees and guests. 
• UPDATED: COVID-19 Safe Operating Guidance  
• Streetsense Toolkit for Reopening Bars & Restaurants
• ServSafe Takeout has provided free training videos
• CDC Restaurant and Bars Decision Tool
• Empire State Restaurant and Tavern Association
• AIHA Reopening Guidance for the Bar Industry
• AIHA Reopening Guidance for the Restaurant Industry 
• Restaurant Workers Community Foundation 
  

Retail:

• OSHA Guidance for Retail Workers and Employers
• National Retail Federation's Operation Open Doors: Path to Reopen Retail
• AIHA Guidance for the Retail Industry 

Worship:

• AIHA Guidance for Worship Services and Religious Gatherings

Additional Statewide Guidance for certain commercial and recreational activities is provided here.