Business Resources
Niagara County COVID-19 Hotline 1-888-364-3065
NY Forward Business Reopening Lookup Tool - https://www.businessexpress.ny.gov/app/nyforward
Phase 2 Began June 2, 2020
Phase 3 Began June 16, 2020
Phase 4 Began June 30, 2020
***Phase 4 opens in Western New York under the New York Forward plan on Tuesday, June 30. Phase 4 includes:
- Higher Education
- Low-Risk Outdoor Arts & Entertainment
- Low-Risk Indoor Arts & Entertainment
- Media Production
- Read and AFFIRM your requirements
- Have a safety plan in place and train your employees
- Keep a printed copy of your safety plan on your premises.
Please see below:
Industry specific reopening guidelines for employers and employees are available online. Please visit the links for more information.
Phase 1 Guideline Information
Phase 2 Guideline Information
Phase 3 Guideline Information
Phase 4 Guideline Information
https://esd.ny.gov/nyforward-faq - Frequently Asked Questions regarding NY Forward and Business Reopening.
CARES ACT - The CARES Act establishes a new $349 billion Paycheck Protection Program. The Program will provide much-needed relief to millions of small businesses so they can sustain their businesses and keep their workers employed. Find out more information HERE.
Know Your Rights - Information regarding testing, insurance, unemployment, mortgages and banking, utilities, and price gouging can be found HERE.
FAQ about returning to work and unemployment insurance can be found on the NYSDOL website. The following link is now on the home page of DOL.NY.gov under “What you need to know.”
https://www.labor.ny.gov/ui/pdfs/returning-to-work-and-UI.pdf
To help keep up with the quickly changing response to the COVID-19 pandemic, here are some important resources related to the economic impacts for businesses and workers:
There are so many questions regarding the
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.
We have found this PDF from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce as the best resource to use as a guide / resource to answer any questions you might have.
Download the PDF file HERE.
Source: U.S. Chamber of Commerce
CLICK HERE FOR THE LINK TO THE LOAN program
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State Website https://www.ny.gov/
New York State Department of Labor Unemployment
The New York State Department of Labor is dedicated to ensuring that every New Yorker who is entitled to unemployment insurance benefits will receive all benefits due. New Yorkers seeking to file an unemployment insurance claim should visit labor.ny.gov or call the Telephone Claim Center at (888) 209-8124. Below are some resources that will assist New Yorkers in filing their claims:
Unemployment Insurance FAQs
What You Need to Know and Do About the CARES Act
New York State Department of Labor - Shared Work Unemployment Program
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) provides payment to workers not traditionally eligible for unemployment benefits (including people who are self-employed, independent contractors, workers with limited work history and others) who are unable to work as a direct result of the #COVID19 emergency. Easy to read PDF of PUA.
For more information, please visit: labor.ny.gov/ui/cares-act.shtm
Niagara Small Business Development Center - Contact for Assistance filling out SBA loan applications
Business Mentor NY Program
Find a mentor or become a mentor to help navigate your business during this time. Click Here for details.
Federal Government
USA Gov - Federal Information
Grants
Facebook Small Business Grant - Under Development
National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation is providing grants to restaurant industry employees who have been adversely impacted by #COVID19, financially, whether through a decrease in wages or loss of employment. Learn more about the Restaurant Employee Relief Fund:
https://rerf.us/apply-for-aid/
Save Small Business Fund - through the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Application opens 4/20/20
Small Business Relief Initiative through Go Fund Me
Loans
COVID-19 Emergency Loan Small Business Guide - Click HERE for the link
Small Business Administration Disaster Loans - Click HERE for the link
Niagara County Center of Economic Development
Members
Join the Niagara River Region Chamber of Commerce Member Facebook Group HERE.
The Chamber is operating both in the office and remotely during regular business hours. If you need to contact us , please use the info below:
Jennifer: Jennifer@NiagaraRiverRegion.com (716) 940-1063
Suzanne: Suzanne@NiagaraRiverRegion.com (716) 628-4607
Paycheck Protection Program: Important - Contact your local lender soon to discuss their current position on the PPP Loans.
Recovery / ReStart / Renew Your Business:
Download a customized flyer you can add your Business / Organization policies regarding safety precautions. Provided by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Download HERE.
Small Business Administration
NCCC Small Business Development Center
Small Business Administration - Small Business Guidance and Loan Resources
Remote Work
Guidelines and Template for Employees - from Complete Payroll
Work from home Employee Agreement - from Complete Payroll
Graphics to Share on Website/Social Media
Open for Business - Social Media Badges
Downloadable jpg files
Lewiston
Niagara Falls
Ransomville
Sanborn
Wilson
Youngstown
Don't see your township? Let us know and we will create one! If you are a member of the Chamber and would like a personalized badge with your logo/business name on it, contact Jennifer@NiagaraRiverRegion.com
Show your Support for Small Business
Support Small Business - JPG File to share on social media
Printable PDF File
Listing of Take-Out / Delivery Options
Listing to share on social media - JPG File to share here
A listing of our member businesses who accept River Region Gift Certificates can be found here.
Share the jpg below with your customers!
Village Gift Cards - Tom Deal has created a website for Village of Lewiston businesses to list their information regarding purchasing gift cards.
We want to remind everyone that the Niagara River Region Chamber of Commerce is not a health official or government official. Our goal is to share information that is accurate and unbiased in a timely manner.
If you are sick or feel sick, please contact your healthcare provider and follow their instructions.