Category: What’s Happening This Month

Alternate Side Parking

Alternate Side Parking (ASP) citywide will be suspended for an additional two weeks through Tuesday, April 14^th. Any New Yorker under isolation who has received a ticket can appeal to the Department of Finance and should provide medical documentation or testimony, which will be taken into consideration when their case is reviewed. For additional questions call 311.

Enforcing Closure of Non-Essential Construction Work

Following new State restrictions temporarily halting all non-essential construction, the Department of Buildings formulated specific guidance and agency operating protocols to implement these new emergency orders. Moving forward, only emergency construction work, essential facilities construction work, and work that is performed by a sole worker on a job site is permitted in New York City until further notice.

Emergency Construction Work includes the following:

• Projects necessary to protect the health and safety of a building’s occupants
• Any emergency work ordered by the Department
• Restoration work for essential services such as heat, hot water, or electricity
• Work necessary to repair a condition that severely affects life, health, safety or property
• Any work where it would cause an unsafe condition to halt the project before it is finished
• Essential Facilities Construction includes:
• Roads, bridges and transit facilities
• Utility work
• Hospitals or Health Care Facilities
• Transitional or Homeless Shelters
• Affordable Housing
• Other essential facilities as directed by the Department

All other work regulated by DOB, and not covered by the above, is required to suspend operations until further notice. In addition, DOB will be rescinding all previously issued After Hours Variance (AHV) permits. Going forward AHV permits, required to perform any work at night or on the weekend, will only be issued for approved essential or emergency work. Non-essential construction sites must submit a request to continue work and be approved by DOB. Requests can be submitted at www.nyc.gov/dobnow.

Department of Buildings inspectors will be regularly inspecting construction sites citywide to ensure that they are complying with the emergency order; that non-essential construction operations have been suspended where required, and proper safety measures have been implemented. All sites, essential or non-essential must maintain appropriate social distancing measures, including for elevators, meals and entry and exit. Violations of social distancing or non-essential construction work will lead to enforcement actions from the Department, and subject to fines of up to $10,000 starting on Tuesday, March 31.

Any construction site that has been halted due to this emergency order must be properly secured and maintained at all times in order to safeguard the public throughout the duration of time while operations at the site are suspended. The owner of the site is legally responsible to ensure the sites are kept safe. See below some of the requirements for suspended construction sites in the city: 

• Weekly safety inspections of the site by the owner, or an individual designated by the owner
• Accurate logs of each of these required safety inspections must be kept at the site at all times
• All public sidewalk and walkways adjacent to the sites must be maintained in a safe condition
• All garbage, debris, and standing water must be removed from the site

Helping NYC’s Small Businesses

The Department of Small Business Services started the NYC Employee Retention Grant program as an immediate response to the economic setbacks small businesses were facing because of the coronavirus outbreak. The City moved swiftly to provide service to businesses that have up to 4 employees with this grant and has been successful in serving over 1,200 businesses with the allotted $10 million for the grant program, an average of $7,800 for each grant. This grant program will officially close to applicants on Friday at 5pm, and the City will continue to serve small businesses through the Small Business Continuity Fund, which is also first come first serve. This loan gives up to $75,000 to businesses with up to 99 employees. Businesses can use this loan to supplement their payroll costs, for working capital, inventory, and other investments. Eligible owners who would like to learn more about the loan program should call 311 or visit nyc.gov/covid19biz. The City is also working to connect small businesses to the programs and loans offered by the United States Small Business Administration. SBS will be offering technical assistance to ensure that NYC small businesses are best prepared to fully access business assistance programs funded by the federal stimulus.

Postponing Annual Tax Lien Sale Until August

The City will postpone its annual tax lien sale until August, as residents continue to cope with the COVID-19 outbreak.

Property owners who are facing hardships making their property tax payments can take advantage of several existing Department Of Finance programs. These include exemption programs to lower the amount of taxes owed, standard payment plans, or a new Property Tax and Interest Deferral (PT AID) program, for those who qualify. More information on those programs can be found on the agency’s website.

Stay Informed

Nearly 800,000 New Yorkers have signed up for the City’s COVID text notification system to get regular updates on the latest developments with coronavirus in New York City text COVID to 692-692.  New Yorkers can text COVIDESP to 692-692 for updates in Spanish. You will receive regular SMS texts with the latest news and developments. If you have any questions on finding medical care call 311.

Katrina Asante 

Bronx Borough Director 

Office of the Mayor

Community Affairs Unit

212-788-6732 (o)

347-955-7714 (c)

Kasante@cityhall.nyc.gov

Important Deadline: The NYC Employee Retention Grant Program will officially stop accepting applications on Friday, April 3, 2020, at 5 p.m. Please visit nyc.gov/covid19biz to apply and for more information about this program. The NYC Employee Grant Program is an immediate response to small businesses affected by the COVID-19 outbreak and was put in place to provide services for businesses with one to four employees that can demonstrate at least a 25% decrease in revenue as a result of COVID-19. Eligible businesses will receive a grant covering up to 40% of their payroll for two months. Businesses can access up to $27,000.  Who Can Apply?Businesses, including non-profits, must:Be located within the five boroughs of New York CityDemonstrate that the COVID-19 outbreak caused at least a 25% decrease in revenueEmploy 1-4 employees in total across all locationsHave been in operation for at least 6 monthsHave no outstanding tax liens or legal judgementHave not received an insurance reimbursement for the same payroll costs ———————————————————————————————- The Greater New York Chamber is open and here to assist your business! Questions? email helana@chamber.nyc or call 212-686-7220 or 212-CHAMBER

For more information on the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce e mail helana@chamber.nyc or call 212-686-7220

CBDOs – Apply for Avenue NYC Commercial Revitalization Grants!

Avenue NYC Commercial Revitalization grants fund community-based development organizations to carry out programs targeting commercial districts in low- and moderate-income communities.   In City Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21), the program will include:   Grants of up to $100,000 per year over three years; maximum possible award of $300,000Dedicated funding for a full-time program managerAssistance for grantees to complete a Commercial District Needs AssessmentIn-depth group trainings and capacity building support    The program will help grantees to assess neighborhood needs and implement impactful, data-driven projects. Read the Avenue NYC Commercial Revitalization Program Guidelines.   Applications are due on April 5, 2020.

Learn More & Apply here:   https://www1.nyc.gov/site/sbs/neighborhoods/avenue-nyc.page

Citywide Nonprofit Management Technical Assistance Providers – Apply for Avenue NYC Organizational Development Grants!

Avenue NYC Organizational Development Grants are specifically intended to fund nonprofit organizations to provide services and technical assistance to enhance the project and fiscal management, program execution, legal compliance, leadership and strategic capabilities of community-based development organizations (CBDOs) implementing commercial revitalization activities benefiting low- to moderate-income communities across the five boroughs.   Grantees will be awarded up to $100,000 per year for a period of one year. Read the Avenue NYC Organizational Development Program Guidelines.   Applications are due on April 5, 2020.

Learn More & Applyhere:   https://www1.nyc.gov/site/sbs/neighborhoods/avenue-nyc.page

Help for New York Nonprofits: the NYC COVID-19 Response & Impact Fund

The NYC COVID-19 Response & Impact Fund was created to aid nonprofit service providers struggling with the health and economic effects of the coronavirus.   It will give grants and loans to NYC-based nonprofits that are trying to meet the new and urgent needs that are hitting the city. Priority will be given to nonprofits addressing essential healthcare and food insecurity as well as arts and culture, because New York is the cultural capital of the nation.

Learn More & Apply here   https://www.nycommunitytrust.org/covid19/

Check out resources for the nonprofit community by Candid to advance your work during the COVID-19 crisis.   Free tips and videos organized by topic: Fundraising with individual donorsFundraising for specific projects/causesFighting burnoutStorytelling and communicationsGovernance and talent managementCollaborationGrow as a leader and/or fundraiserRacial equity Visit Candid’s Website   https://blog.candid.org/post/candid-resources-to-advance-your-work-during-the-coronavirus-crisis/

Attend our upcoming webinar!

[Upcoming Webinar] Good Governance: New York State and New York City’s Employment Laws   New York City and New York State regulations aimed at protecting employees, and sometimes even individuals who are not employees, have proliferated over the past few years. This webinar will help make sense of them all, from criminal background checks to sick leave to new rules for independent contractors, not to mention employment protections for interns. The webinar will also cover the latest updates on laws to combat sexual and other harassment.   Date: Thursday, April 23   Time: 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.   Webinar dial-in info will be shared once you RSVP.

RSVP Here https://www.eventbrite.com/e/good-governance-new-york-state-and-new-york-citys-employment-laws-tickets-95905643361?aff=cc

FEDERAL CORONA VIRUS EMERGENCY LOANS

From the U.S. Chamber of Commerce:

_{CORONAVIRUS EMERGENCY L OANS}

_{Small Business Guide and Checklist}

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act allocated $350 billion to help small businesses keep workers employed amid the pandemic and economic downturn. Known as the Paycheck Protection Program, the initiative provides 100% federally guaranteed loans to small businesses. 

Importantly, these loans may be forgiven if borrowers maintain their payrolls during the crisis or restore their payrolls afterward. 

The administration soon will release more details including the list of lenders offering loans under the program. In the meantime, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has issued this guide to help small businesses and self-employed individuals prepare to file for a loan. 

Here are the questions you may be asking— and what you need to know. 

Am I ELIGIBLE? 

 _status.

You are eligible if you are:

• A small business with fewer than 500 employees 

• A small business that otherwise meets the SBA’s size standard 

• A 501(c)(3) with fewer than 500 employees 

• An individual who operates as a sole proprietor 

• An individual who operates as an independent contractor 

• An individual who is self-employed who regularly carries on any trade or business 

• A Tribal business concern that meets the SBA size standard 

• A 501(c)(19) Veterans Organization that meets the SBA size standard 

In addition, some special rules may make you eligible: 

• If you are in the accommodation and food services sector (NAICS 72), the 500-employee rule is applied on a per physical location basis 

• If you are operating as a franchise or receive financial assistance from an approved Small Business Investment Company the normal affiliation rules do not apply 

REMEMBER: The 500-employee threshold includes all employees: full-time, part-time, and any other status. 

In evaluating eligibility, lenders are directed to consider whether the borrower was in operation before February 15, 2020 and had employees for whom they paid salaries and payroll taxes or paid independent contractors. 

Lenders will also ask you for a good faith certification that:

 1. The uncertainty of current economic conditions makes the loan request necessary to support ongoing operations

 2. The borrower will use the loan proceeds to retain workers and maintain payroll or make mortgage, lease, and utility payments

3. Borrower does not have an application pending for a loan duplicative of the purpose and amounts applied for here

 4. From Feb. 15, 2020 to Dec. 31, 2020, the borrower has not received a loan duplicative of the purpose and amounts applied for here (Note: There is an opportunity to fold emergency loans made between Jan. 31, 2020 and the date this loan program becomes available into a new loan) If you are an independent contractor, sole proprietor, or self-employed individual, lenders will also be looking for certain documents (final requirements will be announced by the government) such as payroll tax filings, Forms 1099-MISC, and income and expenses from the sole proprietorship.

What will lenders be LOOKING FOR?

In evaluating eligibility, lenders are directed to consider whether

the borrower was in operation before February 15, 2020 and had

employees for whom they paid salaries and payroll taxes or paid

independent contractors.

Lenders will also ask you for a good faith certification that:

1. The uncertainty of current economic conditions makes the loan

request necessary to support ongoing operations

2. The borrower will use the loan proceeds to retain workers and

maintain payroll or make mortgage, lease, and utility payments

3. Borrower does not have an application pending for a loan

duplicative of the purpose and amounts applied for here

4. From Feb. 15, 2020 to Dec. 31, 2020, the borrower has not

received a loan duplicative of the purpose and amounts applied

for here (Note: There is an opportunity to fold emergency loans

made between Jan. 31, 2020 and the date this loan program

becomes available into a new loan)

If you are an independent contractor, sole proprietor, or self-employed

individual, lenders will also be looking for certain documents

(final requirements will be announced by the government) such as

payroll tax filings, Forms 1099-MISC, and income and expenses from

the sole proprietorship.

WHAT WILL LENDERS NOT BE LOOKING FOR?

• That the borrower sought and was unable to obtain credit elsewhere.

• A personal guarantee is not required for the loan.

• No collateral is required for the loan.

How much can I BORROW?

Loans can be up to 2.5 x the borrower’s

average monthly payroll costs, not to

exceed $10 million.

How do I calculate my average monthly PAYROLL COSTS?

sum of

INCLUDED

payroll costs

+

sum of

EXCLUDED

payroll costs

=

PAYROLL

COSTS

Act

INCLUDED Payroll Cost:

1. For Employers: The sum of payments of any compensation with

respect to employees that is a:

• salary, wage, commission, or similar compensation;

• payment of cash tip or equivalent;

• payment for vacation, parental, family, medical, or sick leave

• allowance for dismissal or separation

• payment required for the provisions of group health care benefits,

including insurance premiums

• payment of any retirement benefit

• payment of state or local tax assessed on the compensation

of the employee

2. For Sole Proprietors, Independent Contractors, and Self-Employed

Individuals: The sum of payments of any compensation to or

income of a sole proprietor or independent contractor that is a

wage, commission, income, net earnings from self-employment, or

similar compensation and that is in an amount that is not more than

$100,000 in one year, as pro-rated for the covered period.

EXCLUDED Payroll Cost:

1. Compensation of an individual employee in excess of an annual salary

of $100,000, as prorated for the period February 15, to June 30, 2020

2. Payroll taxes, railroad retirement taxes, and income taxes

3. Any compensation of an employee whose principal place of

residence is outside of the United States

4. Qualified sick leave wages for which a credit is allowed under section

7001 of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (Public Law 116–

5 127); or qualified family leave wages for which a credit is allowed

under section 7003 of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.

NON SEASONAL EMPLOYERS:

Maximum loan =

2.5 x Average total monthly

payroll costs incurred during

the year prior to the loan date

For businesses not

operational in 2019:

2.5 x Average total monthly

payroll costs incurred for

January and February 2020

SEASONAL EMPLOYERS:

Maximum loan =

2.5 x Average total monthly

payments for payroll costs for

the 12-week period beginning

February 15, 2019 or March 1,

2019 (decided by the loan

recipient) and ending

June 30, 2019

Will this loan be FORGIVEN?

Borrowers are eligible to have their loans forgiven.

How Much?

A borrower is eligible for loan forgiveness equal to the amount the

borrower spent on the following items during the 8-week period

beginning on the date of the origination of the loan:

• Payroll costs (using the same definition of payroll costs used to

determine loan eligibility)

• Interest on the mortgage obligation incurred in the ordinary

course of business

• Rent on a leasing agreement

• Payments on utilities (electricity, gas, water, transportation,

telephone, or internet)

• For borrowers with tipped employees, additional wages

paid to those employees

The loan forgiveness cannot exceed the principal.

How could the forgiveness be reduced?

The amount of loan forgiveness calculated above is reduced if there

is a reduction in the number of employees or a reduction of greater

than 25% in wages paid to employees. Specifically:

Reduction based on reduction of number of employees

Reduction based on reduction in salaries

What if I bring back employees or restore wages?

Reductions in employment or wages that occur during the period

beginning on February 15, 2020, and ending 30 days after enactment

of the CARES Act, (as compared to February 15, 2020) shall not reduce

the amount of loan forgiveness IF by June 30, 2020 the borrower

eliminates the reduction in employees or reduction in wages.

WHAT’S NEXT?

Look out for more information about eligible lenders and additional guidance from the SBA soon.

For more guidance and resources for small businesses, visit uschamber.com/co

The new Cares act is a massive new law designed to provide assistance to businesses and individuals during the Covid-19 crisis. For an excellent summary of its provisions, click here and here.

NYCDOE Regional Enrichment Center Enrollment Form

Regional Enrichment Centers are for children who are New York City residents, and whose parents/guardians are in certain fields noted below (initially: health care, FDNY, NYPD, OEM and some NYCTA roles).

Please go to  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdDNFMOezuG9mCu99utf3dkloTpdEhzBB1ancwlaeT3ny7uEQ/viewform for each child you are seeking to enroll at a Regional Enrichment Center.

Regional Enrichment Centers will be open 7:30am – 6:00pm Monday-Friday, starting on Monday, March 23rd. Children who are enrolled can attend anytime during open hours.

Regional Enrichment Centers are for children who are New York City residents, and whose

The U. S. Small Business Administration and the NYC Business Solutions have programs to assist small businesses impacted by the COVID-19. Details of loan and grant programs in place and being finalized.

Further information of the SBA.gov website and NYC.gov/sbs/businesses/covid-19-business-financial-assistance.page

The Bronx SBDC at Lehman College business advisors ready to assist. Contact us via our email at sbdc.bronx@lehman.cuny.edu or leave message at 718-960-8806.

For additional information, contact:

Clarence Stanley, Executive Director CLARENCE.STANLEY@lehman.cuny.edu

Small Business Development Center

Lehman College School of Continuing & Professional Studies

250 Bedford Park Blvd. West, Carman Hall 128

Bronx, NY 10468

(718) 960-8697
Cell (718-960-8806

Fax (718) 960-7340

Assistance & Guidance for Businesses Impacted Due to Novel Coronavirus

Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on March 8 that the City will provide relief for small businesses across the City seeing a reduction in revenue because of COVID-19. Businesses with fewer than 100 employees who have seen sales decreases of 25% or more will be eligible for zero interest loans of up to $75,000 to help mitigate losses in profit.

Please complete this interest form if your business has been affected
by COVID-19 to receive information on obtaining loan assistance

The City is also offering small businesses with fewer than 5 employees a grant to cover 40% of payroll costs for two months to help retain employees.

Learn More and Apply for the NYC Employee Retention Grant Program

Learn more about financial assistance for businesses impacted by COVID-19.

Below is some information to help you and your business stay safe and prevent the spread of germs. This is a rapidly changing situation, visit the NYC Health website for more up-to-date information, including FAQs for employers.

We encourage you to sign up to receive updates, and please continue to monitor your email – we will send information regarding the new loan and grant program for impacted small businesses, including application links, in the coming days.

Here is some information to help your business combat the spread of germs and tips to address changing behavior.

Business Continuity Planning Checklist

Business Planning Checklist for Pandemics

Eligibility Criteria for the NYC Employee Retention Grant Program 

Businesses, including non-profits, must:

•                Be located within the five boroughs of New York City 

•                    Demonstrate that the COVID-19 outbreak caused at least a 25% decrease in revenue

•                    Employ 1-4 employees in total across all locations 

•                Have been in operation for at least 6 months
•                Have no outstanding tax liens or legal judgements

Eligibility Criteria for the NYC Small Business Continuity Fund 

Businesses must:

•                Be located within the five boroughs of New York City 
•                Demonstrate that the COVID-19 outbreak caused at least a 25% decrease in revenue
•                Employ 99 employees or fewer in total across all locations
•                Demonstrate ability to repay the loan
•                Have no outstanding tax liens or legal judgements

We will be in touch as soon as possible about the application process and next steps. 

You can help your businesses begin to gather the documents they are likely to need in preparation

As part of the applications, businesses will be required to demonstrate a revenue decrease by providing documentation such as: point-of-sales reports, bank statements, quarterly sales tax filings, 2019 tax returns, or CPA-certified profit & loss statements.

The situation is quickly changing. We recommend visiting www.nyc.gov/coronavirus for the most up-to-date information from the NYC Department of Health. You can also visit www.nyc.gov/covid19biz for best business practices and updates regarding financial assistance.  

We will be sharing monthly updates from the Throggs Neck BID here. Check back soon!