BUSINESS & NONPROFIT

FOR BUSINESSES REOPNING
Each business or entity, including those that have been designated as essential under Empire State Development's Essential Business Guidance, must develop a written Safety Plan outlining how its workplace will prevent the spread of COVID-19 before they can reopen according to their phase.  Find the safety plan application here. Read about each phase here.
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THE CAPITAL REGION IS ENTERING PHASE 3
The Capital Region is entering Phase 3 on June 17, 2020, impacting Food Service & Personal Care Industries


​Local Resources

New Lebanon Business & Economic Development Committee
The New Lebanon Business & Economic Development Committee can help businesses with any questions they may have. Contact Monte Wasch, Committee Chairman, by email or phone.
For Nonprofits
Check out these resources, compiled by Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, who is actively raising funds to provide aid to nonprofits and vulnerable neighbors during this outbreak.

Columbia Economic Development Corporation

The Columbia Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) is one of the most comprehensive local resources for small businesses and nonprofits. A list of excellent resources can be found here .

Columbia Comeback is conducting a survey to determine how the business community has been affected
by COVID-19 and what resources are needed to ensure business continuity. Take the survey.
GET NIGHTLY UPDATES FROM NEW YORK STATE WITH THE LATEST COVID-19 NEWS BY SIGNING UP HERE
COVID19 Paid Sick Leave
Under legislation signed by Governor Cuomo, New York workers are guaranteed job protection and financial compensation while they are on a mandatory or precautionary quarantine order due to COVID-19.  
Resources for Farmers 
​Local, state, and national resources - including free webinars - accessible via the links below. 
local Emergency funds
  • UPDATE! The Small Business Administration has re-opened the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and Advance (EIDL Advance) Programs for new applications, and as well for prior applicants who were unsuccessful in the first (March) round. (Per the New Lebanon Economic and Business Development Committee.) Access the application here.
    • Who should NOT apply:
      • If you have not previously applied to the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program before and would like to be considered for an EIDL Loan or the EIDL Advance.
      • If you applied between March 19th and March 30th in the original application portal or document upload and have not received an EIDL Advance or Loan.
      • If there was an error in your original EIDL application.
    • Who should NOT apply:
      • If you have already been awarded an EIDL Loan and Advance.
      • If your EIDL application has been reviewed and declined.
  • The Capital Region COVID-19 Small Business Continuity Grant Program is intended to help businesses keep their employees and stay afloat during a time of economic hardship due to the impacts of COVID-19. Businesses are encouraged to apply for this funding to help make payroll, to pay bills and to keep their operations going. This Program will be administered by the Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region and allocated in accordance with program guidelines and a scoring matrix approved by the donors to the Program. This Program is meant to bridge the gap for a brief financial hardship period. (Eligibility information and application are all on one easy-to-use page)
  • The Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation (BTCF) has launched the Columbia County COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund. It will provide flexible resources to nonprofit organizations to meet the needs of individuals and families who are disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus. The fund will prioritize human services and community-based organizations with experience helping individuals and families stabilize their lives in times of crisis. Donations to the fund and applications from eligible nonprofits can be made at BerkshireTaconic.org. BTCF staff and volunteer members of BTCF’s Fund for Columbia County committee will review and award grants.
ABOUT THE MANDATORY PAID SICK LEAVE ACT
Some employers in New York State are now required to provide at least five days of job protected, paid sick leave to employees who need to take leave because they or their minor dependent child are under a mandatory or precautionary order of quarantine or isolation due to COVID-19. The amount of paid sick leave an employer is required to provide depends on the number of employees they have and the employer’s net annual income.
ABOUT The CARES ACt
The CARES ACT
1. SBA loans that can be forgiven based on continuing to pay employees at normal wage levels
2. The tax rebates included in the third COVID-19 stimulus package
signed into law on Friday will provide $1,200 payments to adults with
annual incomes up to $75,000, plus another $500 per child under the age
of 17. Married couples with an adjusted gross income of 150,000 will
qualify for $2,400 payments, and an additional $500 for each child.
Individuals whose annual income falls between $75,000 -$99,000 will
receive reduced benefits; the benefit amount is reduced by $5 for every
$100 over the aforementioned annual incomes. Individuals making more
than $99,000 annually
are not eligible for this benefit.
Most individuals will not have to take any action to receive this
funding. The IRS will automatically disburse payments to anyone who
filed in tax years 2018 or 2019 as well as anyone receiving Social
Security or VA benefits. For most Americans, the money will arrive in
April via direct deposit. Mailed checks may take longer. The IRS will
send notice of your rebate to the address corresponding to your last tax
filing. These checks will not be taxable. You can find more information
about this stimulus go to this link https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus
3. Enhanced unemployment benefits, self-employed eligible for enhanced federal benefits(although not necessarily state benefits)
4. DELAYING EMPLOYER PAYROLL TAX PAYMENTS – employers can defer 2020
(employer portion only) FICA and Medicare payments to 2021 and 2022.
ABOUT Unemployment
Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation and Assistance/Increases Benefit Amount
The Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation program will provide an additional $600 per week to individuals receiving unemployment compensation through July 31, 2020. This is in addition to the state-provided benefit amount and aims to replace 100 percent of wages for the average worker in the United States.

Expands Eligibility for Unemployment
Unemployment assistance coverage is now expanded to include self-employed workers (including gig workers
and independent contractors), part-time employees and those with limited work histories, so long as their unemployment is connected to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Extends Duration of Benefits
When benefits provided by the state have been exhausted, individuals are now eligible for an additional 13 weeks of federally-funded benefits. To access these benefits, please apply here.

Short-Time Compensation for workers with reduced hours
The CARES Act provides $100 million for “work sharing” programs. Employers can make agreements with the New York State Unemployment Insurance Office to reduce hours instead of laying off employees. Workers can then receive partial unemployment benefits for lost hours. For more information on New York State shared work requirements and eligibility, please visit this webpage.

See also UNEMPLOYMENT & FINANCIAL page.
Common Issues Small Businesses May FACE
Common Issues Small Businesses May Encounter:
  • Capital Access – Incidents can strain a small business's financial capacity to make payroll, maintain inventory and respond to market fluctuations (both sudden drops and surges in demand). Businesses should prepare by exploring and testing their capital access options so they have what they need when they need it.  See SBA’s capital access resources.
  • Workforce Capacity – Incidents have just as much impact on your workers as they do your clientele. It’s critical to ensure they have the ability to fulfill their duties while protected.
  • Inventory and Supply Chain Shortfalls – While the possibility could be remote, it is a prudent preparedness measure to ensure you have either adequate supplies of inventory for a sustained period and/or diversify your distributor sources in the event one supplier cannot meet an order request.
  • Facility Remediation/Clean-up Costs – Depending on the incident, there may be a need to enhance the protection of customers and staff by increasing the frequency and intensity by which your business conducts cleaning of surfaces frequently touched by occupants and visitors. Check your maintenance contracts and supplies of cleaning materials to ensure they can meet increases in demand.
  • Insurance Coverage Issues – Many businesses have business interruption insurance; Now is the time to contact your insurance agent to review your policy to understand precisely what you are and are not covered for in the event of an extended incident.
  • Changing Market Demand – Depending on the incident, there may be access controls or movement restrictions established which can impede your customers from reaching your business. Additionally, there may be public concerns about public exposure to an incident and they may decide not to go to your business out of concern of exposing themselves to greater risk. SBA’s Resources Partners and District Officeshave trained experts who can help you craft a plan specific to your situation to help navigate any rapid changes in demand.
  • Marketing – It’s critical to communicate openly with your customers about the status of your operations, what protective measures you’ve implemented, and how they (as customers) will be protected when they visit your business. Promotions may also help incentivize customers who may be reluctant to patronize your business.
  • Plan – As a business, bring your staff together and prepare a plan for what you will do if the incident worsens or improves. It’s also helpful to conduct a tabletop exercise to simulate potential scenarios and how your business management and staff might respond to the hypothetical scenario in the exercise. For examples of tabletop exercises, visit FEMA’s website at: https://www.fema.gov/emergency-planning-exercises
EXTREMELY USEFUL ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Coronavirus Tax Relief for Businesses and Tax-Exempt Entities

Get information on coronavirus (COVID-19) tax relief for businesses and tax-exempt entities. Filing and Payment Deadline Extended The deadlines to FILE and PAY federal income taxes are extended to July 15, 2020. Get answers to your questions on the filing and payment deadline.

CAPITAL REGION CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (CRCC) COVID-19 RESPONSE CENTER & EVENTS
CRCC is compiling resources and partnering with the Small Business Development Center to host a Zoom information session on the SBA Economic Disaster Loans.
NYS TO FUND BUSINESS THAT MAKE CRITICAL SUPPLIES – CONTACT ESD
Relevant businesses should contact Empire State Development’s Capital Region Office for more information at: (t): (518) 539-4083 and
(e): nys-capitaldist@esd.ny.gov
UNITED STATES TREASURY ANNOUNCES FEDERAL TAX DEFERRAL 
The Trump administration is authorizing that individuals can defer up to $1 million in payments and corporations can defer up to $10 million with interest and penalties waived automatically for 90 days. Those seeking deferment must still file by April 15 as scheduled. More information will be forthcoming from the IRS. 
NYS TAX UPDATES
NYS Sales Tax is still due March 20, 2020 but no interest/penalty if businesses pay late
NYS Income Tax Update: Still need to file by April 15th deadline, but NYS is offering a 90 day State Income Tax payment extension
U.S. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE COVID-19 TOOLKIT
The U.S. Chamber has compiled CDC’s coronavirus recommendations for businesses and workers across the country. We continue to encourage American businesses to follow data-based guidance from the CDC and state and local officials. It’s encouraged to share these assets on social media, websites, and other channels, and send them to your colleagues and employees. 
NYS COMPTROLLER’S OFFICE – COVID-19 FINANCIAL SURVIVAL TOOLKIT
NYS Comptroller’s office has created an online page of helpful resources and links to give you easy access to vital assistance and information you need at this time.
NYS EMPIRE STATE DEVELOPMENT COVID-19 RESOURCES 
As New York State continually monitors and responds to developments related to COVID-19, ESD is providing up-to-date guidance for the agency’s partners and other stakeholders impacted by the virus.  This is a rapidly changing situation and ESD will be updating the resources below to reflect the latest information available
NEW YORK STATE OF HEALTH 
NY State of Health is opening a special enrollment period due to the COVID 19 virus.  They urge all New Yorkers who do not have coverage now, to please call a health insurance broker, the insurance carrier or the NY Marketplace for further assistance
RESOURCES FOR CREATIVE ECONOMY WORKERS & ARTISTS 
To support Columbia County’s high concentration of artists and individuals working in the creative economy, we encourage you to review and continue to monitor the resources available to this community
NATIONAL HOUSING CONFERENCE COVID-19 RESOURCES 
NHC has compiled resources on how to prevent spreading the disease, help for vulnerable populations, and precautions and contingency planning for property managers. Includes resources for homeowners, homeless assistance providers, and public authorities working with vulnerable populations in need of housing solutions. We will continue to update this list as more resources become available.
FUZEHUB AVAILABLE TO ASSIST NEW YORK MANUFACTURERS
Fuzehub wants area manufacturers to know its staff is readily available to assist during this time of financial and industry uncertainty. 

COLUMBIA COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL (CDC)
NEW YORK STATE CORONAVIRUS HOTLINE
CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL GUIDANCE FOR BUSINESSES & EMPLOYERS
COLUMBIA MEMORIAL HEALTH  (Please call before going to the ER or any CMH Care Center if you think you have been exposed)
PURSUIT LENDING

​SEAMLESS & GRUBHUB ARE DEFERRING COMMISSION FEES 

GUIDANCE FOR BUSINESS ACTIONS DURING AN EPIDEMIC FROM DELOITTE 

COMPRENSIVE LEGAL FAQ FOR EMPLOYERS FROM FISHER PHILLIPS 

TIPS FOR SUCCESSFULLY MANAGING REMOTE WORK TEAM FROM GALLUP 
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RESOURCES FOR FREELANCERS & ARTISTS 
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WAYS TO MAINTAIN BUSINESS HEALTH DURING A PANDEMIC
ATTENTION BUSINESS OWNERS!
New Lebanon businesses and nonprofits who need hand sanitizer or masks can contact Town Supervisor Tistrya Houghtling directly and she will coordinate delivering supplies directly to you. 

Individual Loans & Programs in detail

New York Forward Loan Fund (NYFLF) is a new economic recovery loan program aimed at supporting New York State small businesses, nonprofits and small landlords as they reopen after the COVID-19 outbreak and NYS on PAUSE. The working capital loans are timed to support businesses and organizations as they proceed to reopen and have upfront expenses to comply with guidelines (e.g., inventory, marketing, refitting for new social distancing guidelines) under the New York Forward Plan.    
  • NYFLF targets the state’s small businesses with 20 or fewer full-time equivalent (FTE) employees (90% of all businesses), nonprofits and small landlords that have seen a loss of rental income.
  • NYFLF is providing working capital loans so that small businesses, nonprofits and small landlords have access to credit as they reopen.
  • These loans are available to small businesses, nonprofits, and small landlords that did not receive a loan from either the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) or SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) for COVID-19 in 2020. 
  • The loans are not forgivable in part or whole. 
  • The loans will need to be paid back over a 5-year term with interest.
  • Access to loans for small landlords will be targeted to owners with residential buildings of 50 units or less, and will prioritize loans for landlords whose properties are in low and moderate income census tracts or who serve low to moderate income tenants.​​

Apply now.
Debt Relief Under Existing SBA Loan Programs
The CARES Act extends debt relief to millions of existing 7(a), 504 and microloan borrowers (but not for PPP loans or disaster loans), and to new borrowers who receive a loan under one of these programs within six months of the date the CARES Act was signed into law. Under the debt relief program, the SBA will pay originating lenders all principal, interest and fees for a period of six months resulting in full satisfaction of the borrower’s responsibility for these payments. If the borrower’s payments under an existing SBA loan are already in deferment, the six months of payments shall commence once the existing deferral period ends.

In addition, the SBA is encouraging participating lenders to provide borrowers with deferments either before or after this payment relief. If a lender provides a deferral to a borrower at any time during the one-year period following the enactment of the CARES Act that results in a maturity date extension, the SBA must waive any statutory limits on the maximum loan maturities for the extended loan.

​CARES Act Info for NonProfits
SBA Paycheck Protection Program 
The SBA Payroll loan program is intended to help businesses keep their workforce employed during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis. Businesses with less than 500 employees can apply for funding based on up to 2.5X last year’s payroll or $10 million, with an interest rate not to exceed 4%. There are specific loan use requirements and a loan forgiveness feature for amounts spent on payroll, mortgages, rents, and utilities. Funding is available through any existing SBA 7(a) lender. April 23, 2020 Update:  The House approved a $484 billion plan to inject additional funding into the SBA Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program.  SBA PPP Program More Information
SBA Small Business Disaster Fund 
UPDATE! The Small Business Administration has re-opened the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and Advance (EIDL Advance) Programs for new applications, and as well for prior applicants who were unsuccessful in the first (March) round. (Per the New Lebanon Economic and Business Development Committee.) Access the application here.
  • Who should NOT apply:
    • If you have not previously applied to the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program before and would like to be considered for an EIDL Loan or the EIDL Advance.
    • If you applied between March 19th and March 30th in the original application portal or document upload and have not received an EIDL Advance or Loan.
    • If there was an error in your original EIDL application.
  • Who should NOT apply:
    • If you have already been awarded an EIDL Loan and Advance.
    • If your EIDL application has been reviewed and declined.
   SBA EIDL Program More Information
Refundable payroll tax credit
Businesses can claim a 50% refundable tax credit on up to $10,000 in wages paid during the coronavirus crisis. That means a company can get $5,000 per employee if its business was disrupted due to the coronavirus — as long as they saw a decrease in gross receipts by 50% or more from the same time last year.

This credit is also available for companies that employ more than 100 and kept those employees on their rosters even if they’re not currently working — perhaps through a furlough, for instance. Important note: companies that use the Payroll Protection Program can not access this credit.
CEDC Revolving Loan Fund & SBA Microloan Program 
CEDC makes SBA Microloans to small, medium, and even large businesses. Funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), all lending decisions are made locally. Microloans are available to for-profit businesses in both Columbia and Greene Counties. All Microloans come with free technical assistance from CEDC staff and consultants. Contact Martha Lane at mlane@columbiaedc.com for more information or visit CEDC's website.

For those looking for the Columbia County Business Continuity Fund – the APPLICATION is now CLOSED.
Emergency Family Medical Leave Expansion Act: pertains to employee that is “caring for a son or daughter, if school or daycare is closed due to COVID-19 precautions.” Employers with less than 500 employees are subject to the Act. Employers with less than 50 employees can be exempt under the Act to be issued guidance if the payment of benefits would jeopardize the viability of the employer. Benefit is up to 12 weeks off, 1st 2 weeks can be unpaid, remaining 10 weeks paid. Dollar benefit of 2/3 of the employees’ regular rate of pay, not to exceed $200 per day and $10k in aggregate. Effective 4/1. More information from Department of Labor
Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act (EPSLA) – Covers broad categories of individuals impacted by COVID-19. Benefit is 80 hours of paid sick time for full time employees. Hours for part time employees are based on a 2 week average. Benefits vary based on category of employee but in general, regular pay not to exceed $511 per day and $5,110 in aggregate. More information from Department of Labor More information from Department of Labor
NYS DEPARTMENT OF LABOR PANDEMIC UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE (PUA) 
(4.20.20) – NYS Department of Labor has launched a new application for New Yorkers to apply for traditional Unemployment Insurance or the new COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, eliminating the need to call the Department of Labor.  The updated unemployment benefits application system – AVAILABLE HERE – will determine which unemployment program – Unemployment Insurance or Pandemic Unemployment Assistance – New Yorkers should apply for and then prompt them to answer a specific set of questions. More information from Department of Labor
Manufacturing Productivity Program
Based on the current Manufacturing Productivity Program, this FAST TRACK COVID19 MPP provides matching funds of up to $40,000, or 60% of costs incurred when companies commit to productivity improvement and growth targeted activities that will result in the increased utilization of manufacturing capacity.  National Grid needs an application prior to commencement of the project, so reach out early and often. 
10 Common Coronavirus Small Business Loan Questions
1. What loans are available to help small businesses during Coronavirus?2. How do I get these loans?
  • Apply for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan directly from the SBA here.
  • Paycheck Protection Loans are government-backed but will come from private banks. You should inquire at your local bank about these loans. The Treasury Department has just released the loan application. You can see it here. You will still need to apply for the loan at your local bank. This is just the application.
3. How much can I borrow?
  • The Economic Injury Disaster Loan from the SBA can be up to $2 million working capital for up to a 30-year term at 3.75% (2.75% non-profits). Not everyone will qualify for that amount.
  • The Paycheck Protection Loans can be for 2.5 months of average payroll or $10 million — whichever is less.
4. Do I need to repay these loans?
  • You must repay the Economic Injury Disaster Loan from the SBA. Payments can be deferred for one year after the origin of the loan.
  • All or some of the Paycheck Protection Loan may be forgiven (converted into a grant). There are specific requirements about how you spend the loan and if you continue to employ your workers in order for it to be forgiven. Read them here.

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