Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information and Resources
Updated: November 4, 2021
The Capital Region Chamber is dedicated to providing leadership and resources for our members and region.
It is important for each of us to stay informed and we believe that providing links to resources in one central location will help everyone in our community to make the best decisions possible.
There are two new funds open to businesses as of May 27, 2021:
Small Business Recovery Grant Program
Sign up for a FREE webinar with the Capital Region Chamber and receive the guidance and support that you need to apply for the NYS COVID-19 Pandemic Small Business Grant Program.
Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (As of August 20, 2021, the SVOG Portal is no longer accepting new applications. The portal remains open to all active applicants and awardees)
See the below tab on GRANT PROGRAMS to learn more about these and how the Capital Region Chamber can help you in the application process.
*The Chamber has compiled a list of members who are offering PPE. Please click here for details.
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| Paycheck Protection Program | EIDL Emergency Advance | SBA Express Bridge Loans | SBA Debt Relief |
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OSHA Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS)
As of November 4, 2021: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued an emergency temporary standard (ETS) to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission in the workplace. The ETS establishes binding requirements to protect unvaccinated employees of large employers (100 or more employees from the risk of contracting COVID-19 in the workplace).
Read more here: https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/OSHA4162.pdf
- CDC Guidance
- NYS Adoption of CDC Mask Guidance
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Grant Programs
Small Business Recovery Grant Program
Sign up for a FREE webinar with the Capital Region Chamber Foundation and receive the guidance and support that you need to apply for the NYS COVID-19 Pandemic Small Business Grant Program.
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HERO Act
The New York Health and Essential Rights Act (NY HERO Act) was signed into law on May 5, 2021. The law mandates extensive new workplace health and safety protections in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of the NY HERO Act is to protect employees against exposure and disease during a future airborne infectious disease outbreak.
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Restaurant Resiliency Program
The Restaurant Resiliency Program (RRP) was launched to provide relief to the restaurant industry, which continues to face severe challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The RRP will provide the ten New York State regional food banks with the funding to source meals from qualified restaurants that will be delivered to emergency feeding programs associated with the food bank’s network of providers, such as food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters. The emergency food providers will work directly with eligible restaurants which have been approved by an agreement plan developed by NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets (AGM). Participating restaurants are required to show the capacity to develop meals aligning with MyPlate.gov standards, hold up-to-date licenses/operating permits, and have passed recent health inspections. RRP encourages participating restaurants to use New York ingredients where possible.
For questions on this program please contact: RestaurantResiliency.Information@agriculture.ny.gov
Restaurants can apply to the program through this website: Restaurant Resiliency Program | Agriculture and Markets (ny.gov)
A listing of Eligible Food Providers can be found here: https://agriculture.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2021/10/emergencyfoodproviders.pdf
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Excelsior Pass FAQs and User Guides
Event & Venue Excelsior Pass User Guide – “How-to guide” including step-by-step instructions, helpful resources, and FAQs to set you up for success with Excelsior Pass: found here under “Using Excelsior Pass” on the NY Forward website.
These are written with events and venues in mind, but the same information applies to set up Excelsior Pass for other purposes as well.
Excelsior Pass Scanner Guides (attached) – These technical guides from the State are helpful for venues to distribute to employees and staff to train on the use of the Scanner.
These can also be found on the NY Forward website under the “Technical Support” section in both English and Spanish.
Marketing Flyers and Banners – To use day-of and distribute prior to events at a venue: found here under the “Digital Assets” section on the NY Forward website.
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COVID-19 Vaccine
New York has launched an “Am I Eligible?” app to help New Yorkers determine which phase of the state’s vaccination schedule they currently fall in, schedule appointments for vaccination, and identify nearby providers. The state is also encouraging residents to make appointments through its vaccine hotline at 1-833-697-4829.
Click here for more information about the COVID-19 vaccine
COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
The Regional VAC Hub has launched a communication toolkit for providers to use when communicating about the vaccine. There are also resources related to the NYS Department of Health’s messaging strategy are located here.
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Official News from the Office of the Governor
For the most up to date news, please visit https://www.governor.ny.gov/news.
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SBA Economic Disaster Loan Programs & Resources
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is providing low-interest loans to for-profit and non-profit businesses of all sizes.
U.S. Small Business Administration Fact Sheet – Economic Injury Disaster Loans
US Chamber Guide to SBA’s EIDL
US Chamber Guide to the Employee Retention Tax Credit
Listen to the Recording: SBA Economic Disaster Loan Programs Zoom Information Session
Eligibility for Economic Injury Disaster Loans is based on the financial impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). The interest rate is 3.75 percent for small businesses. The interest rate for private non-profit organizations is 2.75 percent. SBA offers loans with long-term repayments in order to keep payments affordable, up to a maximum of 30 years and are available to entities without the financial ability to offset the adverse impact without hardship.
Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. Individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing may call (800) 877-8339. Completed applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.
The deadline to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan is Dec. 18, 2020.
For more information about available SBA resources and services, please visit: https://www.sba.gov/page/coronavirus-covid-19-small-business-guidance-loan-resources
If you have a question in filling out the application, please contact John Skrobela on our Chamber team.
If you are looking for short-term capital to keep people working or to cover expenses ask your local bank if they are an SBA-preferred lender. If they are, the SBA Express program is offering bridge loans to those impacted by the outbreak. Loans of up to $25,000 are available for short term operating needs. Click here for more information.
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Labor/Workforce Information & Updates
NYS is waiving the 7-Day waiting period for Unemployment Insurance benefits for people who are out of work due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) closures or quarantines. Click here to learn more.
On March 18, 2020, Governor Cuomo signed emergency legislation guaranteeing job protection and pay for New Yorkers who have been quarantined as a result of novel coronavirus, or COVID-19. Read more here.
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Small Business Impact & Resources
More than 85% of the Chamber’s membership is made up of businesses and organizations with less than 20 employees. We understand the impact that Coronavirus is having on you, your business and employees. While you may be looking for short-term loan options, we remind you to be cautious of scammers who offer “quick money” or deals that are too good to be true. Please be sure to take the time to read contracts and/or fine print. We also recommend that members reach out to their various lending contacts and request possible forbearance of payment periods.
Economic Recovery and COVID-19 Loans for Small Businesses
Dec. 15: New York Forward Small Business Lease Assistance Partnership
View the small business guide and checklist on emergency loans from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
The Small Business Owners Guide to the CARES Act
Updated June 16: The Fed Reserve has announced that the Main Street Lending Program is now active. The program was established to support lending to small and medium-sized businesses that were in sound financial condition before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Federal, State and County Resources
As this situation is ever-changing, please regularly check this page, the NYS Department of Health COVID-19 webpage and the CDC Coronavirus webpage for updates. Also, each of our counties have websites that they will be updating as necessary.
To help protect yourself from COVID-19 and stop the spread of germs, download the COVID-19 and “attention all visitors” signs.
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Resources for Nonprofits
US Chamber Briefing for Nonprofits & COVID-19 Funding
US Chamber Emergency Loan Guidelines
NYCON has gathered local and national resources that your nonprofit may find helpful in light of the COVID-19/Coronavirus Pandemic. Please click here for links and resources.
The Institute of Nonprofit Leadership and Community Development at The University at Albany is moving all of their nonprofit workshops online with free access. Check out their calendar here.
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Resources for Restaurant Owners & Retail
NYS is waiving the 7-Day waiting period for Unemployment Insurance benefits for people who are out of work due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) closures or quarantines. Click here to learn more.
Feed Albany was launched by a group of concerned restaurant professionals, a business executive and local official who saw an opportunity to help both unemployed restaurant employees and those in need by providing prepared meal solutions to at risk and in need individuals in the Capital Region.
The New York State Restaurant Association is constantly updating their website with the latest information. Please check back frequently.
The Retail Council of NYS has established RetailNewYork.com, an online directory that enables NY retailers to safely sell goods and services.
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Restaurants Offering Delivery & Pick-up
Many local organizations and news outlets have been doing a great job keeping track of restaurants and small businesses that are offering delivery/curbside pick-up etc. per the guidelines from New York State. Please see below for links (by county)
Saratoga County
– Clifton Park Restaurant and Grocery Guide
–Halfmoon Restaurant and Grocery Guide
– https://www.saratoga.org/tourism/take-out-week/
Albany Times Union Guide to Food Delivery & Takeout (search by city, cuisine or zip code)
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Employment Opportunities and Resources
View current openings on the Chamber’s job board.
Resources Shared from Virtual Town Hall on April 30: Moving Forward: Adapting Your Career Transitioning or Job Search During COVID-19
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Guidance and Resources for Small and Medium Manufacturers
http://www.mfgfoundation.com/covid-19-guidance-resources-for-small-and-medium-manufacturers/
COVID-19 HR Guidance for Manufacturers – watch the recorded webinar here.
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Changes to Hospital/Medical Visitor Guidelines
Local hospitals have updated their visitor guidelines. Please be sure to call in advance to ask about their policies.
Update from Albany Medical Center re: visitor guidelines
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Mental Health Resources
Please take the time to read this article from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention about how to take care of your mental health in the face of uncertainty.
Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19 _ CDC
The Guardian: If coronavirus scares you, read this to take control over your health anxiety
Mental Health Association in New York State, Inc.
Second Nature Counseling and New York Online Counseling Collaborative are supporting parents and students through the COVID-19 crisis. Visit their respective websites for additional info.
- Child Care Resources and Information
