We understand Coronavirus is a concern for NoHo businesses, workers, and residents. This is an evolving situation, and we will provide the most up-to-date information we have. Please check back here for updates; we will update this page with new resources as we recieve them. If you need resources in a language other than English or have a question, please reach out to us. Updates from the NoHo BID are regularly sent out to our email list. Join our newsletter here.
The Pandemic is transitioning into a more endemic phase, and there’s not as many resources available to businesses now. However, there could be flare-ups as we continue to move past the worst days of COVID, like during the Omicron surge in December 2021. We will update this page should that happen again.
NEW YORK STATE SEED FUNDING GRANT PROGRAM
Beginning in September 2022, new businesses may be eligible for an additional grant through Empire State Development. Businesses that began in September of 2018 to present and did not receive a New York State COVID-19 Small Business Recovery Grant could be eligible for up to $25,000 in grant funding. Annual revenue cannot exceed more than $1,000,000. If you think you might qualify, we strongly encourage you to check out this program.
NEW YORK STATE COVID-19 CAPITAL COSTS TAX CREDIT
There’s a new tax credit from NY State to help businesses cover costs that came from the pandemic. Businesses under 100 employees and with less than $2.5 million in sales are now eligible for up to $25,000 in tax credits. The list of eligible expenses is far reaching, including masks and hand sanitizer, COVID tests, heaters for outdoor dining, signage, and many, many more. This tax credit is open to all businesses, not just storefront or retail.
Proof of expenses is still being determined, but will involve providing receipts or other evidence that a qualifying expense was incurred between January 1, 2021 and December 31, 2022, and paid for on or before March 31, 2023.
If you think your business may be eligible for assistance, we encourage you to consider compiling proof of expenses for costs already incurred and keep receipts for any qualifying expenses incurred between now and December 31, 2022.
For more info, click here.
WHAT NOHO BUSINESSES NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE PRIVATE EMPLOYER MANDATE:
On November 1st, 2022 the Private Employer Mandate will be lifted. You will no longer be required to do any of the below steps. That said, businesses can elect to implement their own policy (including mandatory vaccines) as you see fit. For more information on the lifting of this mandate, click here.
Currently, all employers in New York City have a mandate from City government that their employees must be vaccinated. There are exceptions for sincerely-held beliefs and medical conditions, but you must document these as an employer. Proof of documentation, or vaccination status, must be recorded for all employees. Click here to get guidance on the private employer mandate.
The Counsel to the Mayor put out a fantastic FAQ covering detailed questions you might have, it is worth reading to get a sense of the rules and what’s expected of businesses.
WHERE TO GET COVID TESTS AND VACCINES
To get a COVID-test, check out a list of free, city-run sites here.
To get a vaccine, check out a list of government-run sites where you can get one in the the City. If you or your staff have questions or concerns about the vaccine, NYC Health + Hospitals has answers. See their FAQ about vaccines here.
Lastly, we want to add that you may still require proof of vaccines for your business, should you choose to do so. You have every right as a business owner to deny entry based on vaccination status, and you can also choose to require masks if you’d like.
RESOURCES FOR BUSINESSES:
LEGAL HELP:
As we move into the next stages of this ongoing process, many small businesses need legal assistance for a variety of reasons – lease assistance, help securing resources, insurance questions, and other needs. If you do not have access to a lawyer or cannot currently afford one, here are some options.
Cooper Square Committee: This nonprofit, community-based partner with SBS’s Commercial Lease Assistance Program, is offering free legal assistance. For more information on this SBS program, see below. Any commercial tenant who would like to have a lawyer review their lease for free and think through the negotiation process, Contact abigaile@coopersquare.org for more info.
City Bar Justice Center: The City Bar Justice Center’s Neighborhood Entreprenuer Law Project is offering free legal assistance for any small businesses on any topic from stimulus programs, leases, and more. Learn more and apply here.
Himmelstein, McConnell, Gribben, Donoghue, and Joseph: HMGDJ is one of New York City’s premiere tenants’ law firms. They are now offering free 10 minute consultations to commercial and residential leaseholders in need of assistance. Visit their website or call (646) 666-8496.
Commercial Lease Assistance Program: This program from the New York City Department of Small Business Services provides businesses free legal assistance with their leases, including amendments or altering the lease. If you need to make changes to your lease due to COVID-19, they must be done so that they are legally binding. This service help ensure that will happen. Learn more here.
FINANCIAL RESOURCES:
At this time, most financial programs are on hold or have ended. We will update this page if more funds become available.
STAY UPDATED:
New York State COVID-19 Updates are available here.
City of New York COVID-19 Updates are sent over text. To sign up, send COVID to 692-692.