CEDC Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information & Resources

THIS PAGE  IS BEING UPDATED AS ADDITIONAL INFORMATION BECOMES AVAILABLE

Last Update: April 30, 2020 

 

Columbia Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) is working closely with all of our partners in the government, health, educational, nonprofit, and business communities to ensure that we minimize the spread of the disease and adverse economic impacts. Responding to this situation will be a collaborative effort among many partners and stakeholders. CEDC appreciates any input from businesses and residents on how we  can best serve Columbia County in response to the COVID-19 virus. 

 

We are more committed than ever to assisting businesses in Columbia County as we all navigate this challenging period responding to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.  Please email us with the issues you are facing and we will do our best to connect you with available information and resources as quickly as possible.

CONTACT US AT:  info@columbiaedc.com

CEDC COVID-19 EBLAST Updates

3.13.20 – CEDC Announces Office Changes Due to COVID-19
3.16.20 – CEDC Coronavirus Resources for Business
3.19.20 – CEDC Coronavirus Update 2
3.28.20 – The CARES ACT – $2T Relief Package
3.31.20 – Columbia County Business Continuity Fund
4.01.20 – SBA $349 Billion Paycheck Protection Program
4.01.20 – Managing Your Manufacturing Workforce During COVID-19

 

FEDERAL STIMULUS – THE CARES ACT – $2T RELIEF PACKAGE  

United States Congress
COVID-19 Relief Package and FAQs
 
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand has provided the following resources: 
A Guide to COVID-19 Disaster Funding 
The CARES Act – by Section Summary
  

 

SBA PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM 

 

 

SBA SMALL BUSINESS DISASTER FUND 

This SBA webpage includes links to application information and relevant forms: 

https://disasterloan.sba.gov/apply-for-disaster-loan/index.html

Important Note:  You may have to clear your browser cache if you receive an error accessing this page

 

 

CEDC CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) Information & Resources

CEDC is actively gathering relief opportunities for small businesses. Below are several key resources issued by federal and state authorities, as well as relief measures offered by private organizations relevant to Columbia County.  We will continue to monitor the situation as it rapidly develops to continue to deliver critical information to our community.

 

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.

SMALL BUSINESS ADMINSTRATION (SBA) DISASTER RELIEF LOANS AVAILABLE TO COLUMBIA COUNTY BUSINESSES

County businesses are now eligible to apply for SBA Economic Disaster loans (EILA)  up to $2 Million. Loans are currently available to most businesses, including nonprofits, located in eligible areas that have been impacted by COVID-19.

Applicants must register and submit applications directly through the SBA website. Loans will be allocated based on need. Interest rates range from 3.75% for commercial businesses to 2.5% for nonprofits. The SBA estimates approximately 21 days to receive a response to each loan application, subject to volume. Information on registering and applying for SBA Disaster loans below, as well as paper copies of the forms required. CEDC is prepared to help businesses navigate this process and invites you to contact info@columbiaedc.com for guidance.

 

LINK TO NEW SBA APPLICATION PAGE WITH INSTRUCTIONS & NECESSARY FORMS

SBA DIRECTOR URGES SMALL BUSINESSES: START DISASTER LOAN APPLICATION NOW

 

WATCH SBA ECONOMIC DISASTER LOAN PROGRAM INFO SESSION– Courtesy of Saratoga Chamber of Commerce 


SBA Implements Automatic Deferment on Existing SBA Disaster Loans Through End of 2020
U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator Jovita Carranza has announced changes to help borrowers still paying back SBA loans from previous disasters. By making this change, deferments through December 31, 2020, will be automatic.  Now, borrowers of home and business disaster loans do not have to contact SBA to request deferment.

 

EMPIRE STATE DEVELOPMENT (ESD) COVID-19 SBA DISASTER LOAN PRESENTATION 

 

ADDITIONAL CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES

 

NEW YORK STATE COVID-19 UPDATES 

Governor Cuomo signed the “New York State on PAUSE” executive order, a 10 point policy to assure uniform safety for everyone.  It include a new directive that all non-essential businesses statewide must close in-office personnel functions effectve 8PM on Sunday, March 22.  See guidance on essential services under the executive order. 

Governor Cuomo signed a bill to guarantee paid leave for New Yorkers under mandatory or precautionary quarantine due to coronavirus.  See for new regulations in response to the coronavirus. Paid sick measures for employees and employers here.

 

STAY INFORMED: GET NIGHTLY UPDATES FROM NEW YORK STATE WITH THE LATEST COVID-19 NEWS BY SIGNING UP HERE

 

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. A session will be held on Saturday March 21, 2020 from 1pm to 2pm  and a recording of the webinar will be made available. Register

NYS DEPARTMENT OF LABOR SHARED WORK PROGRAM

Consider the Shared Work program as you manage business cycles and seasonal adjustments. Shared Work lets you keep trained staff and avoid layoffs. Employees can receive partial Unemployment Insurance benefits while working reduced hours. Full-time, part-time and seasonal employees are eligible.

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 TREASUREY 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. CNBC article 

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 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

Update: ESD Presentation on SBA Disaster Loans

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 CONTRAL (CDC)

NEW YORK STATE CORONAVIRUS HOTLINE: 1.888.364.3065

CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL GUIDANCE FOR BUSINESSES & EMPLOYERS

COLUMBIA MEMORIAL HEALTH  (call before showing up if showing symptoms)

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 

RESOURCES FOR FREELANCERS & ARTISTS 

WAYS TO MAINTAIN BUSINESS HEALTH DURING A PANDEMIC