Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information and Resources
Updated: May 29, 2020
The Capital Region Chamber is dedicated to providing leadership and resources for our members and region. While we may be in a time of uncertainty, our commitment will not change.
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.
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.
Click here to submit your COVID-19-related business question to Empire State Development
Click here to submit your COVID-19-related business question to the Capital Region Chamber
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| Paycheck Protection Program | EIDL Emergency Advance | SBA Express Bridge Loans | SBA Debt Relief |
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Guidelines for Businesses
All employers should be ready to implement strategies to protect their workforce from the Coronavirus while ensuring continuity of operations. Please see below for guides to learn more about how employers and employees can prepare for and address the impacts of the Coronavirus.
Opening Up America Again (released April 16, 2020)
The President’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America
Empire State Development is providing up-to-date guidance for the agency’s partners and other stakeholders impacted by the virus. Please click here for more information.
Coronavirus Tips: Frequently Asked Questions and Advice
Under legislation signed by Governor Cuomo, New York workers are guaranteed job protection and financial compensation while they are on a mandatory or precautionary quarantine order due to COVID-19. What employers need to know about COVID-19 Paid Sick Leave.
https://paidfamilyleave.ny.gov/covid19
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD) published its first round of implementation guidance pursuant to the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). The guidance addresses critical questions such as:
- How does an employer count its number of employees to determine coverage?
- How can small businesses obtain an exemption?
- How does an employer count hours for part-time employees?
- How does an employer calculate wages employees are entitled to under the FFCRA?
The initial WHD guidance is available in three-parts:
Fact Sheet for Employees
Fact Sheet for Employers
Questions & AnswersCoronavirus (COVID-19) Workplace Tips for Employees
Guidance For Employers To Plan and Respond To Coronavirus
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Summary of CARES Act
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act was passed and has allocated $350 billion to help small businesses keep workers employed amid the pandemic and economic downturn. Please see below for helpful links that break down details and its impact.
The Small Business Owners Guide to the CARES Act
Summary of Bipartisan Agreement on “CARES” Act
CARES Act Section by Section Overview
Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act: What Small Businesses Need to Know
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Paycheck Protection Program
On May 20, 2020, the U.S. Chamber published a new Paycheck Protection Program Guide to Forgiveness. Please click here for the guide, which will be updated as new guidance is issued by the Dept. of the Treasury.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) issued an Interim Final Rule with respect to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan. In this rule, the SBA confirmed that the PPP loan applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. We encourage you to contact your lender and submit an application at your earliest convenience if you plan on participating in this loan program. Please note that the Interim Final Rule also increased the previously publicized interest rate on the loan from .5% to 1.0%.
The U.S. Department of Treasury issued additional guidance regarding the Paycheck Protection Program. Links to the resources provided by Treasury can be found below, or on their webpage.
Their FAQ was released April 8.
– A top-line overview of the program can be found here.
– If you’re a lender, more information can be found here.
– If you’re a borrower, more information can be found here.
– The application for borrowers can be found here.On April 3, U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Nick Vaugh, Senior Manager, Eastern Region provided a summary of the CARES Act legislation and shared details about how small businesses and self-employed individuals may qualify and prepare to file for a loan through the Paycheck Protection Program. View the recorded webinar here.
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Guidance Regarding Essential Businesses
Please continue to check back for updates.
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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 [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: SBA.gov/coronavirus.
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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Upcoming & Recorded Webinars
MicroKnowledge is offering various training sessions covering topics like hosting and participating in a Zoom meeting, creating PowerPoint presentations, utilizing Office 365 to increase business productivity and getting the most from your data using Excel pivot tables. Please visit their website for dates, times and additional details.
Bond Schoeneck & King, PLLC will provide weekly guidance during a 45-minute webinar each Tuesday, 12 noon – 12:45 p.m. To register for this webinar series Coronavirus: A Weekly Update and Discussion on Legal and Practical Issues click here.
Recorded Webinars
On May 20, Manchester Media presented the Survival Marketing Workshop. View the recorded webinar here.
On May 19, the Times Union, Hugh Johnson Advisors and local business leaders discussed Back to Business: Retooling your Business. View the recorded webinar here.
Capital Region Chamber and UHY Advisors presented Got your PPP Loan! Now What? on Friday, May 15. View the recorded conversation here.
On May 5, 2020, Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul reviewed the framework for reopening New York and discussed factors that will drive how and when regions and industries will reopen. View the recorded conversation here.
Gretchen Meyer of Gretchen Meyer Financial presented Managing Your Personal Finances During a Pandemic on Tuesday, April 28. View the recorded webinar here.
On Tuesday, April 21 Senator Charles Schumer spoke about stimulus package and how he’s actively working with other congressional leaders and the White House to craft the next wave of federal support to aid businesses during this critical time. View the recorded webinar here.
On April 14, Korey McCoy of Plaza Fitness Performance hosted a webinar Take Control of the Behaviors That Lead to Optimal Health & Fitness. View the recorded webinar here.
On April 3, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Nick Vaugh, Senior Manager, Eastern Region provided a summary of the CARES Act legislation and shared details about how small businesses and self-employed individuals may qualify and prepare to file for a loan through the Paycheck Protection Program. View the recorded webinar 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.
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
The Federal Reserve has announced that it is establishing a Main Street Lending Program (Program) to support lending to small and medium-sized businesses that were in sound financial condition before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Independent Contractors Guide to CARES Act Relief
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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/Coronovirus 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.
Laurie Ballard, President, LMB Development Consulting, LLC and Michael Buckley, CFRE of The Killoe Group, are offering a webinar Pivoting the Discussion through your Online Platforms on Tuesday, April 21 from 12 – 1 p.m.
Best Practices for a Socially Distant Workplace: Wednesday, April 22nd at 1:00pm. This Spitfire Strategies communication webinar will focus on two skills – 12 key steps for holding a successful virtual meeting (and creating more creativity and connection across your staff) and the new role of a virtual leader. Register here.
Working Remotely and Community Engagement from Afar: Wednesday, April 29th at 1:00pm. Community engagement is central a nonprofit’s mission. This Spitfire Strategies webinar will explore how nonprofits are using technology (new and old) to reach their communities and clients and find stronger engagement. Register 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.
Visit www.tipyourbartender.online to virtually tip your those in the hospitality industry. With any tip over $5 you’ll be entered into a raffle for a free $50 gift card to a restaurant in the Capital Region.
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.
Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfection for COVID-19 for Retail Stores
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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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Notice Regarding Chamber Offices, Events and Programs
Due to COVID-19, please note all three office locations of the Capital Region Chamber are closed until future notice. Our staff are working remotely and can be contacted through the Chamber directory at 518.431.1400 or by email as found on our homepage.
We have postponed or canceled our events and in-person meetings through the end of April and we will not be offering the ability to rent our conference rooms located in Albany, Clifton Park and Schenectady. To stay up to date on the status of our events, please visit our events calendar.
Certificates of Origin will be done by appointment only. Please see below for locations, dates and times.
Office in Clifton Park: 58 Clifton Country Road, Suite 102, Clifton Park on Tuesday and Thursday from 9 – 10:30 a.m. Please email Sheila Whinnery to schedule your appointment.
Office in Schenectady: 1473 Erie Blvd, 3rd Floor, Schenectady (building next to the casino with the pedestrian walkway going over Erie Blvd. We are on the casino side of the building) on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 3 – 4 p.m. Please email Sharon Cutler to schedule your appointment.
Sheila and Sharon need to be NOTIFIED IN ADVANCE if you intend on coming by.
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Employment Opportunities and Resources
The Chamber has compiled a list of businesses who are currently looking to hire along with local recruitment and staffing firms who can assist you. Please check back as we will be updating this document as necessary.
Job & Employment Opportunities
You can also 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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Giving Opportunities
The COVID-19 Small Business Continuity Grant Program will award small businesses up to $20,000 to help them stay afloat during the COVID-19 crisis. Small businesses can use the grant funds to make payroll, pay bills, and keep their operations going. The program has been funded through generous donations from Neil and Jane Golub, the Capital Region Chamber, Berkshire Bank, Citizens Bank, KeyBank, the City of Albany, as well as other municipalities and community organizations.
Co-led by the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region and the United Way of the Greater Capital Region, The Capital Region Community COVID-19 Response Fund has been established to provide flexible resources to 501c3 organizations working with local communities who are disproportionately impacted by coronavirus and the economic consequences of this outbreak.
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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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Online Education Resources
The Chamber has compiled a list of online education resources. View them here.
Capital Region BOCES has created a webpage providing continuous COVID-19 updates regarding continuity of instruction, meals for students, and childcare resources every weekday. View their website here.
WMHT Public Media has introduced a new programming block in coordination with Capital Region Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) to support in-home learning for grades 4-12. Learn more here.
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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.
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Freelance Artist Resources
HowlRound plus a group of artists, arts administrators, and others from around the US presented a webinar on Monday, March 16 about how COVID-19 is impacting freelance artists (those who identify as independent contractors) from all disciplines and where artists can look for support in this complicated moment. Click here to view the video recording.
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Child Care Resources and Information
https://ocfs.ny.gov/main/news/COVID-19/
On April 6, the Center for Education and Workforce hosted a webinar focused on the impact of COVID-19’s impact on the childcare industry, the federal legislative response, resources available to small businesses, recommendations on how childcare providers can leverage loan programs, and more. Access the recording here.
