Updated COVID-19 Guidance from SBS

The New York City Department of Small Business Services has released updated COVID-19 guidance for the small business community. Please read below for more information on testing and tracing, non-medical PPE equipment, updates to the Payroll Protection program, reopening assistance, and more. 

Testing and Tracing 

Getting tested is safe and by getting tested you are helping to keep your loved ones safe! Get tested even if you do not have symptoms or are unsure if you were exposed to COVID-19. And if you have been exposed (maybe you’ve been in a large crowd), have symptoms or are planning to visit a loved one who is at risk, you should get a COVID-19 swab test. Most results are returned in about 3-5 days.  New Yorkers who test positive for COVID-19 will receive a call from the Test & Trace Corps to make sure that they receive care, and can safely separate to prevent the spread. Be sure to answer any calls from NYC Test+Trace or (212) numbers to get free resources and support. 

Learn more about how New York City is here to help you with FREE resources at www.testandtrace.nyc. 

Updates to the Payroll Protection Program 

The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan has been extended from June 30, 2020 to August 8, 2020. If your business is still in need of funding, please contact your local lender or local SBA branch today for more information on how to apply.  

Have questions? Visit nyc.gov/financingassistance to see how SBS can help.

Need Help Recruiting Staff?  

No matter what your staffing needs are, SBS's Workforce1 team can help you hire the right employees at no cost. SBS can tap its pool of 100,000+ candidates to identify qualified individuals to meet your needs in essential services, such as food services, healthcare, manufacturing, pharmacy retail, transportation, and warehousing. Click here to learn more.

Looking for non-medical PPE? 

If you would like to purchase additional masks or other non-medical Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), the City has compiled a list of non-medical PPE manufacturers and suppliers. While the City of New York cannot endorse any of these companies, we hope that this list will be helpful to you. Click here to check out the marketplace. 

New Guidance for Restaurants from the NYC Department of Buildings 

The NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) issued a bulletin with updated guidance for restaurants based on Mayor de Blasio’s executive orders 126 and 128.  This bulletin provides information for when a DOB permit application would and would not be required for the safe Phase 2 reopening of restaurants and bars. Read the DOB Bulletin by clicking here. 

Reopening Assistance is Available!  

Check out SBS's NYC Business Reopening Guide and NYC Restaurant Reopening Guide to find out how you can safely reopen your non-essential business. If you have any questions, you can call the SBS hotline at: 888-SBS-4NYC (888-727-4692).

You can also visit nycsmallbizcourses.eventbrite.com and search for "Reopening Guidelines" to sign up for an upcoming webinar to learn about State requirements, recommendations, and resources available to help businesses reopen in NYC. Upcoming workshops are also available in Spanish.  

Virtual Compliance Consultations 

The NYC Department of Small Business Services offers no-cost virtual compliance consultations to help businesses understand how to comply with key City rules and regulations to avoid receiving common violations.  This program focuses on the Open Restaurants Program. SBS's virtual consultation walk-throughs will help businessses understand common compliance challenges faced by new or operating business owners in New York City related to the Open Restaurants Program.  SBS will not issue violations or fines - they will help businesses understand the rules! Click here to request a virtual consulation.