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.
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!
