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

May 7th, 2021

Quote(s) of the Week

“Our local businesses play an essential role in maintaining the vitality of our communities and downtown areas. Offering this training program is part of the Town’s ongoing effort to help our businesses recover, thrive, and succeed. Having a professional strategist provide the training workshop presents our local businesses with a wonderful opportunity to enhance their marketing strategies and spread the word about all the great shops, restaurants, and services available in North Hempstead.” - North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth

“Our Fitness businesses were shut down for five long months. Creating Fitness in Village Square not only gave our fitness businesses an opportunity to show what they have to offer and help with their membership, but it also offered an opportunity for the community to stay fit.” - Patricia Holman, Executive Director of the Glen Cove Downtown BID.

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COVID Capacity Restrictions Being Lifted in Tri-State Area on May 19th

Beginning May 19th, New York and New Jersey look to be turning the COVID corner and plan to lift capacity restrictions for most businesses, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced on Monday, May 3rd.

According to the Governor, restaurants, museums, theaters, retail stores and other businesses in New York will be allowed to reopen at full capacity, as long as six feet of social distancing space is maintained. This increase in reopening comes as New York’s COVID and hospitalization rates fall.

The only capacity limits that will remain in place across New York and New Jersey as of May 19th are for large-scale indoor and outdoor venues and indoor/outdoor social and residential gatherings. Large indoor and outdoor venues will go to 30% and 33%, respectively.

Proof of vaccination or recent negative COVID test will still be required, NBC News reports. Outdoor social gathering limit increases to 500 on May 10th and indoor social gathering limit increases to 250 on May 19th, while outdoor residential gathering limit is removed and indoor residential gathering limit increases to 50.

Broadway will effectively be open that day, although it will take time to develop show schedules and sell tickets, Governor Cuomo recognized.

Indoor face coverings will remain the norm in the tri-state area.

“This announcement is a relief to so many as Main Streets struggle to find signs of life and hope," Eric Alexander, Director of Vision Long Island and the Long Island Main Street Alliance states.

You can read the NBC article here.

NYS Extends Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Act

On Tuesday, April 4th, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed an extension of the COVID-19 Emergency Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2020 and the COVID-19 Emergency Protect Our Small Businesses Act. This legislation extends protections prohibiting residential and commercial evictions, foreclosure proceedings, credit discrimination and negative credit reporting related to the COVID-19 pandemic until August 31st.

 According to the State’s press release, “The legislation adds to New York State's efforts to protect tenants and homeowners from the economic hardship incurred as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic at a critical time in the pandemic's trajectory as the State begins to lift restrictions on public gatherings and businesses.”

Details include:

Residential Evictions: A moratorium on residential evictions until August 31 for tenants who have endured COVID-19-related hardship. Tenants must submit a hardship declaration, or a document explaining the source of the hardship, to prevent evictions. Landlords can evict tenants that are creating safety or health hazards for other tenants, and those tenants who do not submit hardship declarations.

Residential Foreclosure Proceedings: A moratorium on residential foreclosure proceedings until August 31. Homeowners and small landlords who own 10 or fewer residential dwellings can file hardship declarations with their mortgage lender, other foreclosing party or a court that would prevent a foreclosure.

Commercial Evictions: A moratorium on evictions until August 31 for commercial tenants have endured COVID-19-related hardship. The legislation applies to small businesses with under 50 employees that demonstrate a financial hardship. Tenants must submit a hardship declaration, or a document explaining the source of the hardship, to prevent evictions.

Commercial Foreclosure Proceedings: A moratorium on commercial foreclosure proceedings until August 31.

Tax Lien Sales: The legislation prevents local governments from engaging in a tax lien sale or a tax foreclosure until at least August 31. Payments due to the locality are still due.

Credit Discrimination and Negative Credit Reporting: Lending institutions are prohibited from discriminating against a property owner seeking credit because the property owner has been granted a stay of mortgage foreclosure proceedings, tax foreclosure proceedings or tax lien sales. They are also prohibited from discriminating because the owner is in arrears and has filed a hardship declaration with the lender.

Senior Citizens' Homeowner Exemption and Disabled Homeowner Exemption: Local governments are required to carry over SCHE and DHC exemptions from the 2020 assessment roll to the 2021 assessment roll at the same levels. They are also required to provide renewal applications for anyone who may be eligible for a larger exemption in 2021. Localities can also set procedures by which assessors can require renewal applications from people who the assessors believe may no longer be eligible for an exemption in 2021. Recipients of the exemption do not have to file renewal applications in person.

You can read the entire press release here.

Fitness in Village Square Returns to Glen Cove

On Saturday April 17th, the Glen Cove Downtown Business Improvement District welcomed back Fitness in Village Square to Downtown Glen Cove just in time for the spring and summer months. The event provided free fitness classes, hosted by the four local fitness businesses in the downtown area, including Glen Cove Yoga, Soca Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Glen Cove, Garcia Muay Thai, and Glen Cove Fitness.

“Our Fitness businesses were shut down for five long months. Creating Fitness in Village Square not only gave our fitness businesses an opportunity to show what they have to offer and help with their membership, but it also offered an opportunity for the community to stay fit,” said Patricia Holman, Executive Director of the Glen Cove Downtown BID.

The socially distanced fitness routines range from martial arts, yoga, MX4 strength to cardio workouts, all specifically designed to give a unique fitness experience every week that is different than the last.

With COVID protocols continuously changing, fitness businesses have had to adjust in more ways than others. However, Fitness in Village square is giving some businesses hope and a creative way to stay in business. When asked about how COVID has affected his business, Tony Garcia of Garcia Muay Thai stated, “The COVID sickness has hit the fitness industry really hard, however one thing I’ve learned from martial arts is to roll with the punches. I am very fortunate to still be here to help the community and help them roll with the punches.”

Classes will be offered in front of Village Square every Saturday from 10 AM to 11 AM through mid-November.

Huntington Chamber to host PUBlic Art Crawl

On May 8th, the Huntington Township Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Arts & Experiences Committee and the Huntington Village BID, will be hosting its first annual PUBlic Art Crawl.

This community event will take place from 12 PM to 8 PM and it will highlight local restaurants and art throughout the town.

Participants will receive a guided map and will be able to explore over a dozen public murals, as well as receive special promotions at participating restaurants. Live murals will be created behind Kid Hitz and in the Nook at Leilu by artists Diego Garcia and Splashes of Hope. Partakers will enjoy live music and explore a pop-art market featuring local artists at Six Harbors Brewing Company.

The event is free and is a wonderful way to attract tourism to Huntington. With it being Mother’s Day Weekend, the event is also a great way for families to get together and enjoy a beautiful day.

Huntington is a vibrant community of businesses, events like this allow the town to be showcased beautifully. “This is really a terrific way to experience just one of Long Island’s exciting downtowns, while helping restaurants and small businesses recover from the detrimental impacts of the pandemic,” states Eric Alexander, Director of Vision Long Island and the Long Island Main Street Alliance.

How to participate:
• Go to the Huntington Township Chamber of Commerce table under the marquee at the Paramount (370 New York Avenue, Huntington).
• Grab a Map detailing all the art and restaurants participating.
• Scan the QR code on the map to learn more details.
• Enjoy the day!

If you have any questions, please feel free to e-mail leanne@huntingtonchamber.com.

North Hempstead to Host Free Social Media and PR Workshop for Small Businesses

The Town of North Hempstead is presenting a free workshop designed to assist local small businesses with social media and PR training. The program is being hosted by Christina Daves, a publicity strategist from PR for Anyone. The event will be held on Tuesday, May 18th at 2 PM via Zoom. Advance registration is required. Additionally, the program will be recorded for those who are unable to attend live.

“Our local businesses play an essential role in maintaining the vitality of our communities and downtown areas,” said Supervisor Judi Bosworth. “Offering this training program is part of the Town’s ongoing effort to help our businesses recover, thrive, and succeed. Having a professional strategist provide the training workshop presents our local businesses with a wonderful opportunity to enhance their marketing strategies and spread the word about all the great shops, restaurants, and services available in North Hempstead.”

Christina Daves will teach participants how to increase visibility for their businesses, how to attract new customers, ways to differentiate their business from competitors, best practices to getting media coverage, and more.

The social media and PR workshop was designed in conjunction with Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth’s Chamber of Commerce Roundtable and is part of the Town’s “Lift Up Local” campaign. Since the pandemic began, the Town has worked to help businesses across North Hempstead. Initiatives focused on helping to revive downtowns and small business include: implementing a small business spotlight, establishing dining in local parks, expanding outdoor dining options, creating a “parklet” sidewalk dining extension program, as well as facilitating street closures to help attract customers.

Those interested in attending can register here.

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.

A recent edition of LI Main Street News brought Jeff Gelbwaks from the Sidgmore Foundation and founder of the Split the Bill program in for an interview.

Jeff shared with us the impact of the Split the Bill program that invested in 5 downtowns over 7 nights in 2020 when local restaurants needed it most.

We also talked about the limited amount of corporate philanthropy on Long Island. 

His program is still up and running and working in other areas of NYS.  

Check it out here.

The second edition of LI Main Street News brought in East Meadow Chamber of Commerce President Rich Krug.

Mr. Krug shared not only the work of the very active chamber through the Coronavirus but he gave us a spotlight into the community of East Meadow.    His work as a local realtor also gives him a hands on approach to working in his community.  

Check it out here.

This edition of LI Main Street News took us over to the Town of Islip and Councilman James O'Connor.

Councilman O'Connor shared with us the many communities that are in the Town of Islip and a range of services the Town provides.   He also told us the key issues he is hearing from residents and business owners through the Coronavirus shutdowns. 

We had a great conversation about public service and a collaborative approach to governing.  He also has a focus on serving the disabled population as which was heartening to see as well. 

Check it out here.

The final edition of LI Main Street News interviews this week took us to the Town of North Hempstead with Councilwoman Veronica Lurvey.

Councilwoman Lurvey shared with us the communities in her district and the issues she hears from local residents. She also shared the needs of local businesses in her district through Coronavirus.

We also tackled perennial issues like sewers in Manhasset and working with the public on land use changes. It was a pleasure to hear the Councilwoman's perspective and bi partisan approach to governance.

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.

Upcoming PPP & EIDL Workshops

The SBA will be offering several PPP & EIDL Workshops in the upcoming weeks 

Lead by SBA’s Economic Development Specialist Elaine Powell-Belnavis, these workshops will cover the following:

• Latest updates of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and PPP Forgiveness.
• Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EDIL) and EDIL Advance, Shuttered Venue Operator Grant (SVOG), and SBA Debt Relief.
• Application process of the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF).
• Eligibility, Calculation Funding Amount, Eligible Uses, Time-frame, Documentation.

You can register for each of the workshops at the below links:

Tuesday, May 11, 2021 – 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Thursday, May 13, 2021 – 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Tuesday, May 18, 2021 – 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Thursday, May 20, 2021 – 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Tuesday, May 25, 2021 – 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Thursday, May 27, 2021 – 1:00pm – 2:00pm

Mon. May 10, 2021 11:00am (SBA and Italy-America Chamber of Commerce)
Restaurant Revitalization Fund Application Details and Brief of PPP, PPP Forgiveness, EIDL Increase
Register here.

Wed. May 12, 2021 11am-12pm (SBA and Hunts Point Library)
“Starting a Business at 50+”
Register here.

Thurs. May 13, 2021 11am-12pm (SBA and Hunts Point Library)
“How to Start Your Business”
Register here.

Fri. May 14, 2021 10:00am (SBA and NYS Senator Leroy Comrie)
Restaurant Revitalization Fund Application Details and Brief of PPP, PPP Forgiveness, EIDL Increase
Registration link will be announced when it is available.

Wed. May 26, 2021 at 11am (SBA and Queens Chamber of Commerce)
Marketing Strategies for Your Business
Registration link will be announced when it is available.

Thurs. May 27, 2021 at 2pm (SBA and Manhattan Chamber of Commerce)
Business Plan Writing, especially needed in Pandemic
Register here.

Thurs. June 3, 2021 at 2pm (SBA and Manhattan Chamber of Commerce)
Marketing Strategies for Your Business
Register here.

Thurs. June 10, 2021 at 9:30am (SBA and York College SBDC)
How SBA can Help Your Business Succeed
Register here.

Thurs. June 17, 2021 at 9:30am (SBA and LaGuardia Community College SBDC)
Doing Business with the Government
Register here.

Tue. June 22, 2021 at 7:00pm (SBA and Finkelstein Memorial Library)
Business Planning in a Pandemic
Register here.

Wed. June 23, 2021 at 11am (SBA and Queens Chamber of Commerce)
Starting a Business at 50+
Registration link will be announced when it is available.

Thurs. July 1, 2021 at 9:30am (SBA and Tech Incubator at Queens College)
Building a Blog for Your Business Step by Step
Register here.

Thurs. July 15, 2021 at 9:30am (SBA and York College SBDC)
Business Plan Writing
Register here.

Tue. July 20, 2021 at 7:00pm (SBA and Finkelstein Memorial Library)
Starting a Business at 50+
Register here.

INNkeepers’ Ball to Take Place on May 12th

The Annual INNkeepers’ Ball is scheduled for Wednesday, May 12.  This year, they will be honoring Elizabeth McCaul & Frank Ingrassia. The Honorary Chairs for this event are Janet & Frank J. DellaFera.

For the safety of those attending, this event will be an outdoor, tented cocktail reception at the Nassau Country Club in Glen Cove starting at 6pm on May 12. Dress is casual business attire. Following safety protocols, attendance will be limited to 200.

For those unable to attend in person, there will be a virtual ball at 7pm on May 12. This can be accessed on this page.

For questions, contact Nora White, Director of Events at nwhite@the-inn.org or 516-486-8506 x108 or Rob Kammerer at 516-732-6009.

Sponsorships and journal ads are available here.

You can find more information on this event here.

EmPower Solar to Host Training and Hiring Event on May 22nd

EmPower Solar, a solar and battery storage installation company, has partnered with the Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center to host Solar Installation 101: Training and Hiring Event.

This free event will be held on Saturday, May 22nd at 11:00 AM, at the Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center, Bay Parkway, Wantagh. Through a series of talks and interactive training, EmPower Solar will help attendees explore the opportunities available to advance their career, while supporting a future powered by clean, renewable energy. The event will focus on the solar industry, solar installation process, solar panels, and backup battery technology.

Participants are welcome to come arrive at 10:30 AM for a free tour of the Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center. After the educational series concludes at 1:30 PM, EmPower Solar will be hosting a series of 10–15 minute interviews for a variety of open positions. Bring a copy of your resume and any questions that you may have.

You can view available job opportunities here.

Registration is available here.

15th Annual Latina Hat Luncheon - Wednesday, June 9th, 2021

Founded in 1988, the Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce was established to serve the needs of the Long Island minority owned small business community. Through an array of networking events, members have an opportunity to make contacts necessary to help their businesses thrive. One such event, the Latina Hat Luncheon, is one of its best attended events, where attendees can be honored based on their work for the community and professional achievements.

Last year, the LIHCC, along with other non-profit organizations, were forced to cancel all in-person events due to COVID-19. This caused many individuals, business, and nonprofit organizations, including the LIHCC, to suffer deep financial losses.

The LIHCC has continued to fulfill its mission to service the minority business community by offering informational webinars related to COVID-19 updates, such as PPP loan information and where to get personal protective equipment (PPE). The Chamber is also continuing its yearly toy drive to benefit the victims of the 2020 Hurricanes in Honduras.

With the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines and restrictions being eased, the Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is moving ahead with planning the Latina Hat Luncheon. The Chamber is optimistic that by June 2021, it will be able to host this luncheon with limited in person capacity.

The LIHCC's biggest priority is the safety and well-being of its members, sponsors, and staff. The event will follow the guidelines provided by the CDC, federal, and local authorities.

The 15th Annual Latina Hat Luncheon will be held on Wednesday, June 9th, 2021. Contact their office at (516) 333-0105 or email at admin@lihcc.org for tickets and sponsorship packages.

LIBN Corporate Citizenship Awards to be Held Virtually on June 10th

Through its Corporate Citizenship Awards, Long Island Business News celebrates companies and individuals who prove that by being a good corporate citizen, we contribute to the economic and social well-being of employees, businesses and the community.

Past and present honorees consistently prove that true community stewardship evolves through building strong partnerships with nonprofit organizations and others that strive to meet the critical needs of our community.

The LIBN Corporate Citizenship Awards will be held virtually on Thursday, June 10th, 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

Congratulations to the 2021 Honorees:

COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD
Peter Klein
ALINE Wealth, Hightower Advisors

HELPING HANDS AWARD
Eric Alexander, Richard Cave and Michael Cave

CORPORATE TEAM OF THE YEAR
Ørsted and Eversource

NONPROFITS OF THE YEAR
Spectrum Designs Foundation
The Nicholas Center

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION
OF THE YEAR
Long Island Board of REALTORS

LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE – FOR PROFIT
Michael Farrell
LDI Color Toolbox
Elizabeth Kase
Abrams Fensterman
Hossam Maksoud
Community Care RX
Anne Shybunko
GSE Dynamics
Ronald Stair
Creative Plan Designs, Ltd.

LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE– NONPROFIT
Yolanda Robano-Gross
Options for Community Living, Inc.

CORPORATE CITIZENS OF THE YEAR – LARGE BUSINESS
Bank of America
Brookhaven National Laboratory
JPMorgan Chase
PSEG Long Island

CORPORATE CITIZENS OF THE YEAR – MID-SIZED BUSINESS
American Portfolios Financial Services, Inc.
Custom Computer Specialists
The Landtek Group
Riverhead Building Supply

CORPORATE CITIZENS OF THE YEAR – SMALL BUSINESS
Pinelawn Memorial Park and Arboretum

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Alure Home Improvements
Certilman Balin Adler & Hyman, LLP

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
Terrence Flood
HUB International Northeast

You can register for this event here.

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.

NEW DEADLINE EXTENSION: SBA HAS ANNOUNCED THAT APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED UNITIL MAY 31st!

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.

SBA Announces New Restaurant Revitalization Fund

The new Restaurant Revitalization Fund, part of the recently passed American Rescue Plan Act, provides $28.6 billion in grants to restaurants and bars in need.

The new fund, modeled on the bipartisan RESTAURANTS Act, will provide a down-payment of $28.6 billion in flexible grants through the Small Business Administration (SBA) as a lifeline for New York’s restaurant industry, one of the hardest hit by the economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Across Long Island more than 82,000 people that work in restaurants and in the hospitality industry lost their jobs due to the regional industry’s struggles. Food service or drinking establishments, including caterers, brewpubs, taprooms, and tasting rooms, that are not part of an affiliated group with more than 20 locations, will be eligible.

To provide comprehensive support to local restaurants, grants from the fund can be used alongside first and second Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance, and the Employee Retention Tax Credit.

The SBA will begin registrations for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund on Friday, April 30, 2021, at 9 a.m. EDT and open applications on Monday, May 3, 2021, at noon EDT. The online application will remain open to any eligible establishment until all funds are exhausted.

In preparation, the SBA recommends qualifying applicants familiarize themselves with the application process in advance to ensure a smooth and efficient application experience, specifically by:

• Registering for an account in advance at sba.gov starting Friday, April 30, 2021, at 9 a.m. EDT.
• Reviewing the official guidance, including program guide, frequently asked questions, and application sample.
• Preparing the required documentation.
• Working with a point-of-sale vendor or visiting sba.gov to submit an application when the application portal opens. [Note: If an applicant is working with a point-of-sale vendor, they do not need to register beforehand on the site.]

Additional Details

• Grant Maximum – $10 million per restaurant group, $5 million per individual restaurant, minimum award is $1,000.
• Eligible Expenses – Payroll and benefits, mortgage, rent, utilities, maintenance, supplies including protective equipment and cleaning materials, food, operational expenses, covered supplier costs as defined by the SBA under the PPP program, sick leave, and any other expenses deemed essential by the Administrator.
• Covered Period – Grants can be spent on eligible expenses from 2/15/20 through 12/31/21 and the Administrator may extend the period through two years from enactment if conditions warrant.
• Set Asides – $5 billion of the $28.6 billion total is reserved for restaurants with less than $500,000 in gross receipts in 2019 for the first 60 days of the program. During the initial 21-day period, the administrator will prioritize awarding grants to eligible entities that are owned or controlled by women or Veterans or are socially and economically disadvantaged businesses.

You can find more details here.

You can apply for grants here.

Orientación disponible en español aquí.

PPP Lifeline Available for 1099 Recipients

COVID-19 has created the most daunting financial challenges for businesses in our lifetime. Asset Enhancement Solutions, LLC is reaching out to fellow members of the business community with important information, such as Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan eligibility.

Many people who are 1099 recipients are not aware they are eligible for a PPP Loan. Individuals that receive non-employee compensation via Form 1099-NEC (or 1099-MISC) and report this income on Schedule C of their Form 1040 U.S. Individual Income Tax Return are eligible.

Included in this category are Sole Proprietors, Independent Contractors, Self-Employed Individuals and Single-Member LLCs. All of these taxpayers are eligible for a PPP Loan even if they do not have employees that are paid salaries.

If Salaries are Not Paid to Employees, the amount of the PPP Loan is determined either by the amount on Line 7, Gross Income, or Line 31, Net profit or (loss) on your Schedule C. Use whichever line has the higher amount. Also, you may use either 2019 or 2020’s Schedule C—whichever is higher. If you have not submitted your taxes for 2020 yet, you can prepare a Schedule C on a stand-alone basis for purposes of applying for a PPP Loan.

The PPP Loan amount is calculated by dividing the amount on either Line 7 or Line 31 by 12, then multiplying this result by 2.5. (If your business is a restaurant or hospitality business with an SIC code of 72, and this is its 2nd PPP loan, multiple by 3.5 instead.) PPP Loans for this category of taxpayers have a Cap of $20,833, or $29,167 for businesses with SIC 72.

Contact Asset Enhancement Solutions, LLC at (516) 767-0100 or PPPsupportstaff@assetenhancement.com with any questions.

Nassau County Reopens Restaurant Recovery Grant Program

Nassau County Executive Laura Curran is pleased to reopen the portal below to accept more applications for the Restaurant Recovery Grant Program (RRGP).

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. Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (M/WBEs) are encouraged to apply.

Nassau County is using funding made available through the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program to provide grants to restaurants. Grant funds are valued at either $5,000 or $10,000 depending on the number of employees.

If you have not already begun the application process and would like to APPLY, click here: https://zoomgrants.tools/zgf/nassaurestaurantrecovery

Eligible businesses that have been APPROVED to receive Restaurant Recovery Grant Program (RRGP) funding are shown in the list at this link. These businesses will receive a direct email from the Restaurant Recovery team this week, requesting confirmation of bank details so that the grant can be disbursed. Please watch for the email from nassaurestaurants@ndconline.org.

Restaurants that have applied to the RRGP but do NOT see their business on the list at the above link must get in touch with the Restaurant Recovery team immediately to complete their applications at nassaurestaurants@ndconline.org and 1-646-825-9617.

For any questions, please contact the Restaurant Recovery team at nassaurestaurants@ndconline.org and 1-646-825-9617.

Questions?

Please email any RRGP questions to the Restaurant Recovery team at mailto:nassaurestaurants@ndconline.org.

Check back to this webpage for any RRGP updates!

Program Eligibility Criteria

Eligible Businesses

• Full-Service Restaurants (NAICS code 722511) 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)
• Restaurant Establishment must have a current and valid Nassau County Department of Health Food Service Permit

General Eligibility

• Located in Nassau County
• In operation on or before March 1, 2019
• Must have 50 or fewer Full-Time equivalent (FTE) employees
              o Maximum $5,000 grant – 0 (sole proprietor)-10 employees
              o Maximum $10,000 grant – 11-50 employees
• Must agree to create or retain at least one low/moderate-income job at full-time status
• Must certify and demonstrate that they have experienced financial hardship due to COVID-19

Eligible Expenses

• Grant funds to cover working capital and operating expenses including:
            o payroll, rent, utilities, purchase of PPE and sanitation supplies; lease or purchase of equipment like kitchen equipment or delivery vehicles; or COVID-19 related business improvements like patio heaters or contactless technology.

Ineligible Businesses

• Non-profit organizations
• Businesses with greater than 50 employees
• Businesses in violation of New York State Executive orders relating to the COVID-19 pandemic or other State, County or local ordinances
               o e.g., EO 202.74 effective Friday, November 13 at 10 PM
                               ▪ SLA FAQ: https://sla.ny.gov/Guidance-COVID-Related-Closing-Times

Keep an eye on the restaurant recovery page on Nassau County’s website for more information and to apply once the grant program becomes available.

Suffolk County Water Quality Improvement Division Calls For Applications

The Suffolk County Department of Economic Development and Planning has issued a Call for Applications for the ¼% sales tax Suffolk County Water Quality Protection and Restoration Program (WQPRP) funding. 

The latest application and the instructions can be found on the Water Quality Improvement Division’s website here.

Applications are open to all Suffolk County departments, non-profit organizations, and to all local municipalities. All non-County projects will require a match of at least 50% of the total project cost which is equivalent to at least 100% of the WQPRP funding being requested.

Any potential applicants for this round of Suffolk County Water Quality Protection and Restoration Program funding have the opportunity to attend a remote Proposer’s Conference at 10 AM on April 21, 2021. Please be prepared with all questions/comments on the application at that time.

Application Available Online - April 7, 2021; Applications Due: May 28, 2021 by 4PM.

Award Amounts: Minimum $50,000/Maximum $250,000

PSEG LI is Helping the Local Economy Weather COVID

PSEG Long Island is proud to announce funding for the Outdoor Spaces program has been renewed for a limited time. More than $2 million in grants and discounts were provided last year to help more than 1,000 local businesses and organizations meet the ever-evolving challenges of COVID-19 and continue to thrive.

“PSEG Long Island knows that small and medium-sized businesses are the backbone of our communities and our local economy,” said John Keating, manager of Economic and Community Development at PSEG Long Island. “Even before the pandemic transformed all of our lives, we were offering grants and discounts to encourage foot traffic in downtown commercial districts and bring businesses into empty storefronts. We evolved our programs to address the new realities our commercial customers are seeing, and the response has been enormous.”

PSEG continues to offer Main Street Revitalization grants and Vacant Storefront discounts to businesses. In 2020, the company also began offering “Outdoor Spaces” grants to local chambers of commerce to help transform sidewalk areas and plazas with the seating, lighting and heating needed to keep customers dining and shopping locally. Limited funding for this grant program will be renewed for 2021 on a first come, first served basis. The program will offer funding of up to $5,000 to a Chamber of Commerce or Business Improvement District. Applications will be accepted until June 1, 2021.

Here is a breakdown of PSEG Long Island’s 2020 support of local businesses:

Small Business First

•             Supplemented PSEG Long Island’s already significant energy efficiency rebates with $1.8 million in PSEG Long Island Economic Development funding, allowing most projects to be done with no customer cost.
•             More than 1,000 participating small businesses, including auto body shops, seafood stores, delis, restaurants, barbershops, clothing stores, doctor’s offices, florists, beauty salons and more.

Outdoor Spaces

•             PSEG Long Island approved 29 applications, representing a total of more than $125,000.
•             These have been awarded to chambers of commerce and business improvement districts in municipalities all across the service area, including Wantagh, Port Jefferson, Lindenhurst, Kings Park, Huntington, Amityville, Babylon, Oyster Bay, Glen Cove, Port Washington, Sag Harbor, Nesconset, Smithtown, Syosset-Woodbury, Gordon Heights, Westhampton Beach, Massapequa Park and more.

Main Street Revitalization

•             More than $254,000 was provided to businesses and organizations through standard Main Street Revitalization grants in 2020, supporting upgrades and projects at restaurants, arts centers, breweries and more.
•             These projects are estimated to create close to 200 permanent jobs in the community and bring more vitality to business districts.

To learn more about all the programs PSEG Long Island offers to support local businesses, please visit this site.

New Funding from PSEG Now Available for a Limited Time

John Keating, Manager of Economic Development for PSEG Long Island, announced during a Long Island Main Street Alliance virtual meeting on Tuesday, March 23rd, that PSEG is again initiating its very successful Chamber of Commerce and BID grant program.

“These are very unusual times, and PSEG is trying to come up with programs that benefit small business,” Mr. Keating stated. “Last year PSEG was able to offer up to $5,000 grants to about 26 different Chambers and BIDs. We felt it was very worthwhile and we were able to help small businesses in downtowns to set up shopping and restaurant areas outdoors, which we saw as the lifeline for small business.”

“Since it was such a successful program, PSEG has agreed to offer it again,” Mr. Keating announced. “Even if you participated and got a grant last year, you can apply this year. This is a new round, new funding. Last year we ended up funded up to $120,000 and we anticipate being in the same ballpark this year.”

As businesses begin or continue to develop outdoor commercial spaces, they may qualify for a PSEG Long Island grant of up to $5,000 to reimburse the purchase of materials including, but not limited to:

• Barricades and/or planter style barricades
• Clothing racks
• Durable safety materials
• Limited amount of signage in support of outdoor dining/commerce, specifically to support and encourage participation in business openings. Signage funding is limited to 20% of total grant up to $1,000.
• Outdoor seating, tables, patio heaters and lighting

Funding is limited and available first come, first served. Applications will be accepted until June 1, 2021. Eligible grantees include Chambers of Commerce and Business Improvement Districts. Pre-approval is required and purchases must be made by a Chamber of Commerce or Business Improvement District. Marketing and promotional expenses and rentals of any kind of equipment do not qualify under this program. There is talk about use enhancements of this grant, check the PSEG website for any changes.

“We are happy to see the impact of actual corporate philanthropy on Long Island," stated Eric Alexander, Director of Vision Long Island and the Long Island Main Street Alliance, “and we are happy to see these kinds of programs for small businesses that are most in need during these tough times. Kudos to PSEG for its commitment to Long Island’s downtowns.”

Click here to access PSEG loan application and information: https://www.psegliny.com/inthecommunity/revitalization/chambers

SBA Launches Portal to Begin Accepting Shuttered Venue Operators Grant Applications

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has launched a splash page for the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) application portal in anticipation of opening applications for the much-anticipated critical economic relief program on Thursday, April 8, 2021.

“Help is here for venue operators hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. The SBA has worked diligently to build the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program from the ground up to assist and address the diverse eligibility requirements of each type of applicant and we will open for applications on April 8th.” SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman said. “This vital economic aid will provide a much-needed lifeline for live venues, museums, movie theatres and many more.”

Prior to the official SVOG application opening, the SBA will host a national informational webinar to highlight the application process for potential eligible entities from 2:30 to 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, March 30, 2021.

The SVOG program was established by the Economic Aid to Hard Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits and Venues Act, which appropriated $15 billion for it. The American Rescue Plan Act, signed into law by President Joe Biden on March 11, 2021, appropriated an additional $1.25 billion, bringing the program funding to a total of $16.25 billion, with more than $16 billion allocated for grants.

To ensure eligible venues do not miss a window to receive assistance through the Paycheck Protection Program, the American Rescue Plan Act also amended the SVOG program so entities that apply for a PPP loan after Dec. 27, 2020, can also apply for an SVOG, with the eligible entity’s SVOG to be reduced by the PPP loan amount. The PPP loan applications have been updated to reflect this.

For more information, click here for the dedicated SBA SVOG portal: https://www.svograntportal.sba.gov/s/

SBA to Increase Lending Limit for COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loans

The U.S. Small Business Administration is increasing the maximum amount small businesses and non-profit organizations can borrow through its COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. Starting the week of April 6, 2021, the SBA is raising the loan limit for the COVID-19 EIDL program from 6-months of economic injury with a maximum loan amount of $150,000 to up to 24-months of economic injury with a maximum loan amount of $500,000.

“More than 3.7 million businesses employing more than 20 million people have found financial relief through SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans, which provide low-interest emergency working capital to help save their businesses. However, the pandemic has lasted longer than expected, and they need larger loans. Many have called on SBA to remove the $150,000 cap. We are here to help our small businesses and that is why I’m proud to more than triple the amount of funding they can access,” said SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman.

Businesses that receive a loan subject to the current limits do not need to submit a request for an increase at this time.  SBA will reach out directly via email and provide more details about how businesses can request an increase closer to the April 6 implementation date.  Any new loan applications and any loans in process when the new loan limits are implemented will automatically be considered for loans covering 24 months of economic injury up to a maximum of $500,000.

This new relief builds on SBA’s previous March 12, 2021 announcement that the agency would extend deferment periods for all disaster loans, including COVID-19 EIDLs, until 2022 to offer more time for businesses to build back. In order to shift all EIDL payments to 2022, SBA will extend the first payment due date for disaster loans made in 2020 to 24-months from the date of the note and to 18-months from the date of the note for all loans made in the calendar year 2021.

Questions about SBA COVID-19 EIDL and disaster loan payments can be emailed to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov or directed to SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (1-800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard of hearing).

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.

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