presented by Vision Long Island and the Long Island Main Street Alliance

January 29th, 2021

Quotes of the Day

“Allowing patrons to stay in restaurants after 10pm will surely discourage the onset of house parties and other unsafe gatherings that are on the rise. It also allows for a safe escape for those who wish to briefly get out of their homes- all while giving our small businesses the support and revenue they so desperately need.” - Suffolk County Legislator Kevin McCaffrey

“Transit remained open during the pandemic to serve essential workers, and we are ready to expand mobility options so our communities can reopen, recover and grow. Robust transit service supports growth in the economy and jobs, addresses climate change, improves social equity, and moves people from poverty to prosperity. Accelerating investment in transit will accelerate these benefits." - Bill Carpenter, president of the New York Public Transit Association (NYPTA)

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Local Businesses and Officials Call for Relaxation of Curfew on Restaurants

Vision was out this past Thursday, along with some LI Main Street Alliance members, in support of relaxing NYS regulations on local restaurants.  Specifically, changing the 10pm curfew to allow for later seating while safely having patrons spread out over multiple hours at the local restaurant or bar.

Suffolk Legislator Kevin McCaffrey, who hosted the event, stated that “Allowing patrons to stay in restaurants after 10pm will surely discourage the onset of house parties and other unsafe gatherings that are on the rise. It also allows for a safe escape for those who wish to briefly get out of their homes- all while giving our small businesses the support and revenue they so desperately need.”

The Main Street Alliance has heard from each of the downtowns and small businesses that we have connected with since the imposition of the curfew in November, and this curfew has been a crippling blow to local establishments.  These businesses continue to lose business as the pandemic drags on and feel confident that they can safely adjust regulations in a way that serves both the public and economic health of our region.  As the anchors of our local Main Streets, that deserve to be heard in this.

The turnout for the outdoor press event in the Village of Babylon included NYS Senator Phil Boyle, Suffolk County Legislator Steve Flotteron, Village of Babylon Mayor Mary Adams, and host Argyle Grill & Tavern.  Other businesses that spoke at the conference included Mary Carroll's Irish Pub, Gemelli's Fine Foods, Local Burger Co., Bay Shore Chamber,  Babylon Burger Bar, The Refuge, and Babylon Village Chamber of Commerce.

Watch for coverage on Channel 4 and Newsday.

Pink Tie Delivers to Huntington Station and Riverhead

The Pink Tie Delivers team were able to make some much needed drops for food and financial contributions to both Huntington Station and Riverhead.

The first stop was to the Helping Hands Rescue Mission in Huntington Station.  They have been working all day and every day through the pandemic, and it was great to check in and support.

The next stop was to Riverhead at the Salvation Army Riverhead center.  Their team was prepping to feed folks on the street in adjoining parking lots and replenishing their pantry.

Pink Tie Team members that made it out to the drops included included Co-Founders Rich Cave, Mike Cave, Ray Thomas from 1st Equity Title, Pink Tie, and Black Business Zone, Mike Passantino from Trinity Solar,  Lula Lukasiewicz from Tied In Media, Paxton Provitora, Asia Lee, and Eric Alexander from Vision LI and the LI Main Street Alliance.

Later this week, the team was out in Copaigue to see our friends at the Bethel AME Church.

For more info on how you can take part in the doorstep donation program or join the Delivers Team  check out pinktie.org or please email us at contact@pinktie.org.

Trellus Brings New Same-Day Local Delivery Option to Long Island Businesses

A new company on Long Island is providing a delivery service that could help hundreds of small businesses to drive down costs and provide expanded services to local customers.

Trellus is a new delivery service that was created by local business owners who were seeking to assist small retail and home-based businesses who are seeking to compete with national online delivery services.  They offer fast, same-day delivery that is reliable and convenient.

The company is also offering an integrated delivery option for a website shopping carts and can fill the shoes of a courier service used for sending supplies, documents, garments, and much more locally.

This new company offers a new chance for companies adapting to the changing circumstances of our economy.  The local aspect of it helps them to keep more jobs local while providing elevated service to customers who might instead rely on large, national companies that drain local resources.

If you are a local business owner, you can check their coverage area here and please consider signing up for a one-month free trial at Trellus here.

Barstool Sports Fund Supports Local Business Through Direct Grants

West Babylon record shop Looney Tunes, which just celebrated its 50th anniversary, received a big lifeline donation this month as Barstool Sports provided them with an undisclosed donation aimed at helping small businesses get through the pandemic.

Looney Tunes owner Karl Groeger found out about the donation while on an impromptu FaceTime call with Barstool Founder Dave Portnoy.  The donation will be between $3,000 and $50,000, but the exact amount is unknown since Barstool does not release that information.

Mr. Groeger also talked about the challenges of owning one of the last record shops on Long Island even though it was once a thriving local industry.  He talked about needing to evolve and keep up with the times as the industry itself changed and shifted to a digital one more than physical.  They have had to rely more and more on in-store events such as signings and concerts, but those have dried up as the pandemic progressed.

“It’s a cool business, cool concept, one that I would have been like, ‘No way a place like that can actually survive’,” Portnoy said. “So, to have the pandemic be the one who takes it out — no chance…we want to help make sure you guys get through this thing.”

You can read more about this story at Greater Babylon, contribute to the Barstool fund here, or purchase a Looney Tunes Barstool Fund T-shirt here.

NYS Clean Energy Communities Program to be Expanded

On January 26th, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced $17 million in funding and expanded high-impact actions under the state's Clean Energy Communities program to help drive stronger community leadership to reduce harmful carbon emissions, expand assistance for disadvantaged areas and foster further investments in the growing clean energy economy. The program's new Leadership Round increases the options a community can choose from to lower their carbon footprint, recognizes their leadership through a point rewards system, provides access to additional grant opportunities for actions taken and supports New York’s goal to direct 40 percent of the benefits from clean energy investments to disadvantaged communities.

According to Neal Lewis, executive director of the Sustainability Institute at Molloy College, which coordinates the Long Island Clean Energy Leadership Task Force, this announcement is “Big news on the energy front; Competitive NYS grant opportunities for local government.”

The Governor's press release advises, the Clean Energy Communities Leadership Round, administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, will help more cities, counties, towns and villages join the more than 300 local governments that have already earned the Clean Energy Community designation. All communities, including those on Long Island, can participate in the new Clean Energy Communities Leadership Round without local cost share and regardless of previous participation in the program. In this round, $1.7 million is designated for communities on Long Island.

Four high-impact clean energy actions must be completed to earn a Clean Energy Communities designation. This round builds on the previous round of the program with new opportunities for communities to save energy and reduce costs. This includes adopting Community Campaigns for qualifying clean energy initiatives such as electric vehicles, community solar, clean heating and cooling, energy efficiency or demand response, among others. Those participating in a Community Campaign must identify partners, volunteers, local officials and formal roles and responsibilities needed to achieve a clean energy initiative. Another opportunity a community may target is adopting the NYStretch Energy Code, a cost-effective statewide model building code to help local jurisdictions meet their energy and climate goals while accelerating energy cost savings, reducing building emissions, improving resiliency, and lowering utility bills. Additional funding is included for disadvantaged communities through the Leadership Round in support of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act goal of increasing access to clean energy and sustainable infrastructure to all end-users.

Local governments in New York State interested in participating in the program can apply for grants through NYSERDA's online portal on a rolling basis, until December 31, 2025 or until funds are exhausted. Grants available include:

1.   Clean Energy Communities Grant of $5,000 for communities that complete at least four NYSERDA-identified high-impact actions.
2.   Action grant of up to $50,000 for adopting the NYStretch Code and up to $60,000 for undertaking one or more clean energy Community Campaigns.
3.  Disadvantaged Communities that are awarded more than $20,000 for a clean energy project can qualify for an additional $10,000 to further the project.
4.  Point-based grants where communities earn points for each clean energy action completed. Upon crossing certain point thresholds, communities will become eligible for larger grant amounts.

The program also provides Clean Energy Community Coordinators at no charge to help communities develop and prioritize clean energy goals; assist with accessing easy-to-use resources, such as guidance documents and case studies; and help them leverage available funding and technical assistance opportunities. Local governments interested in working with a coordinator to develop their plan and complete the actions can find local contact information here. 

The Clean Energy Communities Program is funded through the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) and the Clean Energy Fund (CEF). For more information on Clean Energy Communities, please visit NYSERDA's website.

$466.8 Million in Federal Funding for New York’s Vaccine Distribution and Administration

Following Senator Schumer’s call last week with Mr. Jeffrey Zients, President Joe Biden’s pick to be the White House coronavirus coordinator, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand have just announced procurement of $466,800,000 in federal funding for New York’s COVID-19 vaccine distribution and administration.

These federal funds are critical to the safe and effective distribution of COVID-19 vaccines and were allocated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Specifically, this funding covers the costs of supplies required for storing, handling, distributing, transporting, and administering COVID-19 vaccines. This includes emergency medical care, containers for medical waste, and supplies necessary for proper storage of the vaccines including liquid nitrogen, dry ice and portable storage units.

Additionally, the funding supports vaccine transportation such as refrigerated trucks and transport security, medical and support staff, onsite infection control measures, PPE for staff and face masks for patients, temperature scanners, physical barriers and disinfection services for vaccine distribution facilities.

Finally, the funding will be used for facility costs, including leasing space for storage and administration of vaccines.

According to Senators Schumer and Gillibrand, New York needs three things: predictability, communication, and vaccines, in order to have an effective and efficient vaccine distribution system. This is a step in the right direction.

Click here for more information about the COVID-19 vaccine in New York.

NYPTA President Urges Restoration of State Transit Assistance: Long Island Bus Services at Risk

On January 26, 2021, Bill Carpenter, president of the New York Public Transit Association (NYPTA), urged the New York State Legislature to reconsider cuts in Statewide Mass Transportation Operating Assistance (STOA) levels in Governor Andrew Cuomo’s proposed 2021-22 state budget.

The 2021-22 Executive Budget proposes a decrease in state operating aid of 16.2 percent for downstate county bus systems and of 9.3 percent for upstate systems from the levels in the 2020-21 budget. Mr. Carpenter, who is also chief executive officer of the Rochester-Genesee Regional Transportation Authority, told a joint hearing of the Senate Standing Committee on Finance and the Assembly Standing Committee on Ways and Means that this reduction in revenue “has the potential for long-term consequences to transit and the communities we serve.”

Mr. Carpenter told the committees that NYPTA recommends “STOA levels be returned to at least the levels in the 2021-enacted budget so we can help our communities recover and grow.”

“The fiscal impact of the COVID-19 crisis has been devastating to everyone, including public transit,” he continued. “State revenue sources dedicated to transit, including fuel taxes and the new upstate auto rental fee, were hit hard by the decline in travel. In addition to lost revenues, transit operating budgets absorbed the increased costs of PPE (personal protective equipment) for employees and enhanced cleaning and disinfecting of vehicles and facilities.”

Despite these developments, transit systems kept their communities connected to jobs and services by using federal relief funding. “Recently received federal relief funding will offset lost passenger revenues and the proposed STOA reduction for a while but will then be depleted,” Mr. Carpenter said. Without additional assistance, “transit may be forced to reduce services just as we are most needed to help the economy rebound.”

“Transit remained open during the pandemic to serve essential workers, and we are ready to expand mobility options so our communities can reopen, recover and grow. Robust transit service supports growth in the economy and jobs, addresses climate change, improves social equity, and moves people from poverty to prosperity. Accelerating investment in transit will accelerate these benefits,” Mr. Carpenter stated.

"Our Main Street businesses, residents and local workforce rely on robust and reliable mass transit for economic recovery,” explains Eric Alexander, Director of Vision Long Island and LI Main Street Alliance. “Servicing our existing workforce, students, seniors, disabled and Main Streets should not be forgotten and, in fact, prioritized. Our local bus systems need not be on the frontlines for service cuts during this pandemic.”

Click here for more information.

Long Island Main Street News, Under Production, makes Extended Interviews with Local Leaders Available

Vision Long Island has been in the process of interviewing some of our community partners: local civics, small business/chamber friends, municipal officials and local food pantry and religious leaders. 

As part of these efforts, we have reached over half of the communities we work in and are starting now to connect to some of our friends not rooted in any one community from development, design and infrastructure professionals and environmental leaders as well.   These interviews will be pieced together into a future show titled "Long Island Main Street News," but, in the meantime, you can view an extended version of these interviews here.

Special thanks to our guests for sharing their experiences, to our friends at Pink Tie for providing access to their studio, and to Rob Comforto from Videomasters for the filming and production.

We were back with another edition of the LI Main Street News interviews last week where we feature Village of Lynbrook Mayor Alan Beach.

Mayor Beach profiled his community including the work to bring new restaurants, housing and infrastructure improvements while maintaining the quality of life, local events and neighborhood spirit that has been important for residents.   The Mayor is very hands on and even gets out on his bicycle connecting with local residents and business owners to ensure his community stays well managed with Village services and local police as well.

Great to hear from the Mayor and learn more about Lynbrook's approach to revitalization. 

Check it out here.

This interview brought us to Wyandanch with the President of the Wyandanch Chamber of Commerce and Wyandanch Public Library and practicing attorney Ghenya Grant.

Ms. Grant gave us a profile of the activities tied to their downtown revitalization initiative.   She also shared the work that small businesses in her community are doing to adapt to the Coronavirus regulations. 

Her perspective on giving back to the local community is inspiring and she doesn't simply mouth the words but truly lives the principles.  

Check it out here.

We were back with another edition of the LI Main Street News interviews earlier this week. This one took us to Central Islip where we featured a conversation with Debbie Cavanaugh from the Central Islip Coalition of Good Neighbors and Joan Crescitelli from the Central Islip Civic Council.

Ms. Cavanaugh shared the efforts at revitalization through the NYS DRI, initiatives at securing sewers, improved walkability and other community initiatives like parks improvements. Ms. Crescitelli covered the work of the Central Islip Civic Council including Coronavirus relief and food distribution and the events they typically hold on their property.  Both leaders spoke about their efforts at code enforcement, public safety and quality of life concerns as well.

Happy to work with both of these community leaders who have brought so much effective service and advocacy for Central Islip. 

Check it out here.

A recent edition of the LI Main Street News interviews took us to downtown Merrick.  We had the opportunity to chat with Julie Marchesella with the Merrick Chamber of Commerce as well as the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce. 

As a longstanding small business owner Julie shared outreach strategies for independent small businesses along with the work of the Chamber.   Her "Shop Local" effort started in 2005 alongside Vision's and the many years of pushing the issue has now born fruit during the pandemic. 

Great to hear from Julie and welcome the continued partnership we have with the multiple chambers she works with.  

Check it out here.

Our latest edition of the LI Main Street News interviews brought us over to Franklin Square.  We had the opportunity to connect with Lisa Delipizzi the President of the Franklin Square Chamber of Commerce.

Lisa spotlighted how she was aggressive during the pandemic growing her chambers membership while also providing promotional support to their local businesses and the surrounding community.   She also gets involved in her local food pantry as well so great to hear the very local and charitable focus.

Check it out here.

Keep an eye on Vision Long Island's Facebook page here, where we'll be premiering a new Main Street News Interview daily! Simply follow us if you have not already and you should get alerts before a new video debuts.

Here is our upcoming schedule of interviews for next week, so be sure and tune in for any that you are interested in:

February 1st
Hon. RJ Renna, Trustee, Village of Lindenhurst Village & Joanne Boettcher - Lindenhurst Chamber of Commerce

February 2nd
Bob Kern, Riverhead Chamber of Commerce
Jim McGoldrick, Huntington Station Community Leader

February 3rd
Keith Wilson, Massapequa Chamber of Commerce
Hon. Mercy Smith, Trustee, Village of Northport

February 4th
Sue Auriemma, Council of Manhasset Civic Associations
Lois Howes, Freeport Chamber of Commerce / Long Island Arts Council at Freeport

February 5th
Hon. Jorge Martinez, Trustee, Village of Freeport
Bernard Macias, AARP Long Island

NYS Vaccination Guide Now Available

The State of New York has prepared a guide to help eligible New Yorkers schedule a COVID-19 vaccination appointment at a state-operated distribution site.

· Appointments are REQUIRED. To make an appointment, you can call the hotline or go the New York State eligibility website using the links below;
· New York State Vaccination Hotline: 1-8333-NYS-4-VAX (833-697-4829). The Hotline is open 7 days a week from 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM;
· Check your eligibility at this site:  https://am-i-eligible.covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/ You can also locate the site by googling “New York am I eligible.” If eligible, you will be able to move forward and search for an appointment near you at a state-operate distribution location;
· For further information, the New York State website is a great resource: www.ny.gov/vaccine.

A reminder: Appointments are based on vaccine supply. Supply is currently limited.

SBA New York Hosting PPP2 Webinars

The SBA New York office is holding webinars on the SBA PPP 2 program many days next week.  Important to take advantage of this program and get your paperwork in order to apply.

Check them out:

Please register at the Zoom link to secure your seat
Mon. Feb. 1, 2021 at 1:00PM Eastern Time (LaGuardia CC SBDC and Queens College)
New PPP First Draw/Second Draw (Briefing) and Forgiveness (details)
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85318643895

Please register at the Zoom link to secure your seat
Wed. Feb. 3, 2021 at 2:00PM Eastern Time (QEDC Women’s Business Center)
New PPP First Draw/Second Draw (Briefing) and Forgiveness (details), EIDL Application
https://queensny.org/calendar/ppp-and-eidl-loans/

Please register at the Zoom link to secure your seat
Thurs, Feb. 4, 2021 at 9:30AM East Time (Queens College)
SBA Corona Relief Five Programs Summary: PPP 1st and 2nd Draw Loans, PPP Forgiveness, EIDL, Shuttered Venue Operator Grant, SBA Express Bridge Loans and SBA Debt Relief
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0scuChrzorE9CNHTFaXcXd5ZoiWEDI3gBj

Please register at the Zoom link to secure your seat
Mon. Feb. 8, 2021 at 10:00AM Eastern Time (Women’s Enterprise Development Center)
New PPP First Draw/Second Draw Forms and Instructions
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Vy_ycTp0RlSxmmT4cnAGFQ

Please register at the Zoom link to secure your seat
Mon. Feb. 8, 2021 at 1:00PM Eastern Time (LaGuardia CC SBDC and Queens College)
New PPP First Draw/Second Draw (Briefing) and Forgiveness (details),
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82878151312

Applying for the Second Round of PPP Loans for Small Businesses

The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) has been revived, with $280 billion available for a second round, for small businesses still struggling to make ends meet. Monday, January 11th, was the first day to apply for this new, potentially forgivable, federal loan.

What you need to know about PPP Loans:
PPP loans are forgivable loans, meaning the money doesn’t need to be repaid if it meets the criteria laid out by the Small Business Administration. They have an interest rate of one percent and the current batch will mature in five years. The loans require no collateral and come without fees. Borrowers must spend at least 60% of the loans on payroll, with the other 40% going to other eligible operating expenses. Forgiven PPP loans are not considered income for federal tax purposes.

Differences in Round 2:
Targeted funds are being made available for the most vulnerable businesses; restaurants can get bigger loans; the forgiveness process is simpler; the tax break for PPP loan recipients have gotten bigger; and there is an expanded use of funds.

Eligibility for PPP funding:
For round 2 of the PPP funding, both first-time and second-time qualified borrowers are eligible to apply. First-time borrowers can apply for loans up to $10 million.

PPP applicants who are seeking funding in addition to what they received earlier in the year (also known as Second Draw Loans) are eligible for loans up to $2 million provided they meet the following requirements:
-          Employ fewer than 300 people (down from 500);
-          Have used or will use the full loan amount granted to them in their first round of PPP funding;
-          Can show a 25% gross revenue decline in any 2020 quarter compared with the same quarter in 2019 (if a business was out of operation for a portion of 2019, they can use different quarters to compare gross receipts.)

How and when to apply:

SBA reopened the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for First Draw PPP Loans the week of January 11, 2021. SBA will began accepting applications for Second Draw PPP Loans on January 13, 2021.

To promote access for smaller lenders and their customers, SBA will initially only accept Second Draw PPP Loan applications from participating community financial institutions (CFIs), which include Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs), Certified Development Companies (CDCs), and Microloan Intermediaries. Paycheck Protection Program lending will reopen to all participating lenders shortly thereafter. At least $25 billion is being set aside for Second Draw PPP Loans to eligible borrowers with a maximum of 10 employees or for loans of $250,000 or less to eligible borrowers in low- or moderate-income neighborhoods.

Applications close on March 31, 2021.

How much can a business borrow?
Loans are capped at 2.5 times an applicant’s average monthly payroll costs in the one year prior to the loan being issued (3.5 times for restaurants and other eligible hospitality businesses).
Loans are limited to a maximum of $10 million for first time PPP borrowers and $2 million for second time borrowers.

What can the money be used for?
The loan proceeds can be used to cover a business’s payroll and certain other expenses, including operations expenditures, property damage costs, supplier costs, and worker protection expenditures.

What about loan forgiveness?
If a business uses at least 60% of the loan on payroll expenses and maintains its employment levels during the covered period of the loan, it can apply to have the loan forgiven. Otherwise, the loans carry a 1% interest rate and a maturity of five years.

For further information, and to apply, click here.

La Fuerza CDC Offers P.O.W.E.R. Tech Loan

La Fuerza is a community development financial institution is currently offering loans to women entrepreneurs who need new technology, such as computers, for their businesses.

This tech loan program can provide zero-interest loans up to $3,000 and training for Women Entrepreneurs to help them get what they need for their small business.

For more information, please call 516-922-8700 or email Power@lafuerzacdc.org for more information.

Raising the NYS Bar Restaurant Recovery Fund

Restaurants in New York State have been among the hardest hit by the ongoing Coronavirus regulations and have been relying on local residents and their loyal customers to rally around these establishments to help them stay open.

In an effort to support small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Raising the NYS Bar Restaurant Recovery Fund offers ​approximately $3 million in reimbursement grants for up to $5,000 to eligible businesses. The program is intended to support full-service restaurants – the industry hit hardest by the pandemic – during the winter months when outdoor dining is limited and as restaurants adjust to New York State’s COVID-19 safety restrictions and new mandates.

The Raising the NYS Bar Restaurant Recovery Fund is a partnership between New York State, Diageo Wine & Spirits, Southern Glazer Wines & Spirits and The National Development Council (NDC). Grant funding will be managed by The National Development Council (NDC).

Restaurants can apply to the Rising the NYS Bar Restaurant Recovery Fund starting Monday, January 11, 2021.  ​

To qualify for the program, an establishment must:

·         Be full-service restaurants (NAICS code 722511), or establishments engaged in providing food services and meals prepared on-premises to patrons who traditionally order and are served while seated (i.e., waiter/waitress service), including on-premises food and drinking establishments licensed through the State Liquor Authority (SLA).  Establishments providing take out or grab and go food services due to COVID-19 restrictions are also eligible;
·         Franchises are not eligible;
·         Have no more than $3 million in 2019 revenue;
·         Be located in New York State;
·         Have been in operation on or before March 1, 2019;
·         Certify and demonstrate that they have experienced financial hardship due to COVID-19
·         Agree to comply with all applicable New York State and local reopening guidance and COVID-19 health and safety policies, including the New York Forward reopening guidance and Cluster Action Initiative guidance, as well as SLA and DOH regulations.

Click here for full details.

New York Reopens Rent Relief Program

New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas has announced the COVID Rent Relief Program will be reopened for application with expanded eligibility criteria in an effort to serve New Yorkers who may have not had the opportunity to initially apply and those who may have been previously ineligible. HCR will accept applications from households through Monday, February 1, 2021.

The Program’s eligibility has been changed to no longer require households to have been considered “rent burdened” prior to the pandemic in order to qualify. Rent burden is defined as paying more than 30 percent of monthly gross income towards rent.  Residents that previously applied for COVID Rent Relief will not have to reapply to be reconsidered. HCR will re-evaluate all applications that were denied according to the new criteria and issue revised determination letters to applicants.

To qualify for this one-time subsidy, low-income renters impacted by the pandemic must meet all of the following criteria:

•  Must be a renter and have a primary residence in New York State;
•  Applicants must have lost income during the period of April 1, 2020 to July 31, 2020;
•  Before March 7, 2020, household income must have been at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income, adjusted for household size; and
•  Households must be “rent burdened” during the months they are applying for assistance between April 1, 2020 to July 31, 2020.

For the purposes of assessing applicant income, cash benefits and unemployment benefits are both included in the calculation.

The subsidy for eligible applicants will be calculated as: the difference between the household’s rent burden on March 1, 2020 and the household’s rent burden during the months of April, May, June and July of 2020. For applicants who were not considered rent burdened on March 1, 2020, the subsidy will be calculated to bring them to the 30 percent rent burden threshold.

The application period will be open until February 1st, 2021.

Applications are available on the COVID Rent Relief Program portal on HCR’s website here.

New York State Accepting Applications for NY Forward Loan Fund

New York State has opened pre-applications for the New York Forward Loan Fund. Loans from this fund are available to small businesses, nonprofits, and small landlords in New York State. New York Forward loans must be fully repaid over a 5-year term with fixed annual interest rates of 3 percent for small businesses and landlords.

Small businesses may apply for the lesser of $100,000 or up to 100% of the average monthly revenues in any 3-month period from 2019 or the first quarter of 2020. This loan can be paid back over five years with first year being interest only.  However, if small businesses have received either a PPP loan or an EIDL loan from SBA, they would not be eligible to apply. NYS has set a goal of 18% of total funds under this Program for Long Island

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis as industries and regions reopen however, priority for New York Forward Loans will be given to industries and regions that have been reopened. Resources are available to assist in preparing applications for small businesses, landlords and nonprofits in industries and regions that have not yet reopened.

To view more details, including eligibility requirements and how to apply, click here:

If you need technical assistance through this process, please contact an Entrepreneurial Assistance Center near you and inform the counselor that you need help for the NY Forward Loan application.  You can find your closest contact center here.

Today's Sponsor

Zyscovich Architects

For nearly forty years, Zyscovich Architects has strived to create projects with purpose, bringing new life and vibrancy to cityscapes through integrated urban planning, architecture and interior design. To this day, Zyscovich Architects has remained true to the original concept: design projects that have purpose and meaning. Since the firm’s inception in 1977, the goal has always been to establish a company that can provide high-value services for design-specific issues while placing “social betterment” at the core of everything they do. 

Zyscovich Architects has designed the full spectrum of projects, from transportation facilities and airports to K-12 schools and universities, mixed-use commercial and public-private partnership developments to multi-family residential high rises and master plans for cities.