COVID – 19 Resource Page


To ensure the upmost health and safety for our staff, members, and partners we are limiting meetings however we are available by phone 716-649-7917 or email us to help with any business or health insurance concerns you have. Any information that we receive regarding assistance for our business community will be shared via social media, so be sure to check here frequently and remember to use us as a resource. Let us know if we can help answer any questions you may have or get you in touch with the appropriate parties that can be a resource.

Here are some helpful links to assist you and your business:

If you have questions on what essential businesses include call 716-846-8200 or visit Empire State Development has now posted guidance intended to assist businesses in determining whether they are an essential business and steps to request such designation which can be Viewed here

Business Information:

NEW – Erie County Back to Business Grant Program

WNY COVID-19 Business Impact Survey

ATTENTION: New York seeks private sector partners to bring rapid COVID-19 testing to scale and accelerate testing capacity. Businesses interested in working with the state to manufacture these rapid tests on a large scale should contact Empire State Development at 212-803-3100 or [email protected].

IMPORTANT NEW EXECUTIVE ORDER ADDITION: “For all essential businesses or entities, any employees who are present in the workplace shall be provided and shall wear face coverings when in direct contact with customers or members of the public. Businesses must provide, at their expense, such face coverings for their employees.” This requirement shall be effective Wednesday, April 15 at 8 p.m. https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/no-20216-continuing-temporary-suspension-and-modification-laws-relating-disaster-emergency

Small Business Owners Guide to the CARES Act provided by Harris Beach PLLC, Attorneys at Law

Small Business Stimulus Section-by-Section Summary  provided by Harris Beach PLLC, Attorneys at Law

Stimulus Small Business Explainer-FINAL provided by Harris Beach PLLC, Attorneys at Law

The LISC Rapid Relief and Resiliency Fund will inject much-needed, flexible resources into historically under-invested communities. Additional information here.

Facebook offering $100 Million in Grants. Check it out here.

SBA Small Business Disaster Relief  View Here or Fill out an Application

New York State Department of Health Guidance for Employers

Employee Retention Tax Credit: this refundable and advanceable credit is available to employers whose businesses were fully or partially suspended due to COVID-19, or whose gross receipts declined by more than 50%. The most up-to-date information, including forms to claim an advance of the credit, can be found here.

NFIB Small Business Resources

Keybank Assistance

First Responders: CARES included $100 million in Assistance to Firefighter Grants for personal protective equipment, $100 million in Emergency Management Performance Grants for state and local governments to support coordination, communications, and logistics. It also includes $3.5 billion in the Child Care Development Block Grant to ensure that first responders and health care workers can access child care while they respond to the pandemic. More information about FEMA Grants can be found here

Unemployment Information:

Relief for workers affected by Coronavirus Act

Cares act need to know flowchart

Pandemic unemployment assistance

Health Information:

Independent Health FAQ Sheet for Businesses

Independent Health Updated Subscriber Info

New Erie County COVID-19 Interactive Map View Here.

Erie County COVID-19 Information Page

Center for Elder Law & Justice  – COVID-19: What New Yorkers Need to Know

New York State is looking to create a reserve workforce from a variety of professional areas. Click to see how you can get involved!

Important Phone Numbers
Erie County COVID-19 Hotline- (716) 858-2929, Monday-Friday, 8am-8pm
Crisis Services- (716) 834-3131

 

NEW WEBSITE COMING SOON!