Government Alerts 1.12.20

NYC Parks: Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service

Every Martin Luther King Jr. Day, volunteers across the country honor Dr. King's legacy by coming together and giving back to their communities. On Monday, January 18 join the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation to care for the City's street trees and natural areas to make this lasting and positive change nearest you. Find out more here.

Paycheck Protection Program Reopens

Congress recently approved a $900 billion COVID-19 relief package, which includes $284 billion for a second round of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). According to the U.S. SBA and from information we received from SBS, as of Monday, January 11, community development financial institutions can initiate first-draw PPP loan applications, then offer second-draw PPP loans to qualifying businesses starting on Wednesday, January 13. The program will reopen to all participating lenders shortly thereafter and remain open through Wednesday, March 31.

NYC Launches New Mentorship Programs for Small Businesses

Mayor Bill de Blasio and SBS Commissioner Jonnel Doris has announced three new mentorship programs: Small Business Mentors NYC, BE NYC Mentors, and M/WBE Mentors. These programs will provide industry experts as guides for current and aspiring entrepreneurs seeking to start and grow a business in a post-COVID era. For more information on each mentorship program, visit nyc.gov/businessmentors. 

Free SBS Workshops

The NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) offers free workshops on entrepreneurship, marketing, finance, legal issues, reopening guidelines, and more. View the lineup here.

Join Your Local Community Board

Apply now to join your Community Board. The Boards are pivotal in shaping their communities and work to enhance and preserve the character of the city’s many unique neighborhoods. Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer's application closes Monday, February 1. Apply here.