Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information and Resources

Updated: September 13, 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.

We are providing guidelines and suggestions to help you open your doors while supporting and protecting your employees and customers. Please click here for the Capital Region Guide to Reopening.

*The Chamber has compiled a list of members who are offering PPE. Please click here for details.


Paycheck Protection Program	EIDL Emergency Advance	SBA Express Bridge Loans	SBA Debt Relief

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.

NY-COVID19-Recovery-Grant-Program-Guide-06.10.21

Cross Program Eligibility
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.

Click here for more information and resources
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.
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.

Regional VAC Hub

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.
Official News from the Office of the Governor

For the most up to date news, please visit https://www.governor.ny.gov/news.
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 [email protected] 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.
Labor/Workforce Information & Updates

March 24: U.S. Department Of Labor Publishes Guidance Explaining Paid Sick Leave And Expanded Family and Medical Leave Under The Families First Coronavirus Response Act

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.

The NYSDOL Shared Work Program
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.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Launches Fund with Vistaprint to Support Small Business Recovery in Economically Vulnerable Communities