Key to NYC Vaccine Mandates Now in Effect – Key to NYC is now in effect. Proof of vaccination for customers and workers is required to participate in indoor dining, gyms, entertainment, and performances. Read the more recent Executive Order here.
Inspections and enforcement began the week of September 13. To show proof of vaccination, you can show your paper vaccination card, the Excelsior pass, or the NYC COVID Safe app. You can find more information and resources for businesses, including a new implementation protocol template at nyc.gov/keytonyc
Excluded Workers Fund Applications Open – New York State’s Excluded Workers Fund, which is intended to provide much-needed relief to workers cut off from government unemployment benefits and stimulus checks during the pandemic, is now open. Any workers — including undocumented immigrants — who weren’t eligible for unemployment benefits, can apply. Find more information and apply here.
Vaccine Referral Bonus Initiative Extended Through October 31 – The NYC Vaccine Referral Bonus Initiative, which provides $4 million in direct payments to civic, faith, tenant, and other associations for referring New Yorkers to vaccine appointments has been extended by two months.
Community organizations, associations, civic groups, and small businesses will be eligible to receive a $100 bonus for each community member that they refer and who receives the safe and effective COVID vaccine at a City-run site or in-home vaccination. Each organization is eligible to receive a maximum of $20,000 through October 31st. 501(c)3 status is not required and organizations that are currently receiving City funding can apply.
To apply, fill out a simple form available at nyc.gov/VaccineReferralBonus. Please e-mail vaxbonus@nychhc.org if you have any questions.
RESOURCES FOR BUSINESSES
NEW! Get Free Tech Help with e-Commerce – SBS is now offering a new service to get your business online with free help from NYC tech professional. The NYC Small Business Tech Corps Pilot helps small businesses reach customers online by connecting them to no-cost tech professionals who can create or upgrade their web presence. In this first stage, this program will specifically target small businesses looking to join an existing eCommerce platform or improve their operations using technology.
Businesses can expect to spend an average of 5 hours with a tech professional spread over 2-4 sessions, depending on the solution needed. Applications for this program are being accepted now on a rolling basis via SBS Connect.
NEW! FAIRER Program Launched to Resolve Environmental Control Board (ECB) Judgments – The City of New York has established a temporary program allowing New Yorkers and others to pay a reduced amount to resolve eligible Environmental Control Board (ECB) judgments. ECB judgments are issued by multiple agencies including the Sanitation, Fire and Buildings Departments, and they can range anywhere from non-compliance with construction codes to failure to clean a sidewalk.
The FAIRER (Fine and Interest Reduction Enabling Recovery) Program is a three-month program that will enable New Yorkers and others with eligible ECB judgments to see their unpaid judgments reduced by up to 75%. This much-needed relief will enable property owners, small businesses, and other individuals settle their debt at reduced costs which will help sustain the momentum for a full recovery.
To participate in the FAIRER Program, respondents or payors must pay their eligible reduced judgments in full at nyc.gov/mysummons and agree to the program’s terms and conditions no later than December 20, 2021.
New York State HERO Act – Earlier this month, Governor Kathy Hochul announced that COVID-19 has been designated a highly contagious communicable disease that presents a serious risk of harm to the public health under New York State’s HERO Act, which requires all employers to implement workplace safety plans in the event of an airborne infectious disease, helping to prevent workplace infections.
The NY HERO Act mandates extensive new workplace health and safety protections in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the law, all employers are required to adopt a workplace safety plan and implement it for all airborne infectious diseases designated by the New York State Department of Health. Employers can adopt a model safety plan as crafted by the New York State Department of Labor or develop their own safety plan in compliance with HERO Act standards. Templates (English and Spanish) and more information can be found here: https://dol.ny.gov/ny-hero-act
Key to NYC Resources – SBS is offering a number of resources for businesses to better understand Key to NYC guidelines.
SBS released three Key to NYC guidance documents designed to give business owners the tools and information needed to comply with the new vaccine mandates. The following guides cover how to put your plan into action; what to look for when checking vaccination status; and where to go for help with any questions. Guidance documents are available for: indoor dining / indoor fitness / indoor entertainment.
These guides are also available in 13 other languages here.
SBS is also offering webinars every Wednesday at 5pm! Learn more about Key to NYC guidelines, plus available resources to help businesses adapt to a changing business environment. Businesses can attend any session listed at nycsmallbizcourses.eventbrite.com, regardless of borough location. Webinars are now available in multiple languages, so keep checking for more!
NY State COVID-19 Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program – The New York State COVID-19 Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program was created to provide flexible grant assistance to currently viable small businesses, micro-businesses and for-profit independent arts and cultural organizations in the State of New York who have experienced economic hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As of August 25, eligibility has been expanded to businesses with annual gross receipts up to $2.5 million. Learn more and apply here: https://nysmallbusinessrecovery.com/
Open Restaurants Common Issues Checklist – DOT, the Office of Nightlife, and other agencies recently held a webinar for current Open Restaurant participants about being a “good neighbor” and ensuring compliance with program requirements. If you missed the webinar, you can watch a recording here.
They also released a new common issues checklist to help Open Restaurants ensure they are operating in compliance. BIDs & CBOs can access a social media toolkit here.
