This column brings you the latest from Albany, City Hall and relevant organizations that affect small businesses in New York City during the pandemic and beyond. We will update you frequently, and will also bring you news from the street describing the impact of government and organizational policies.
Hot spot small businesses on the city’s radar – but will it help?
NEW YORK CITY (October 13, 2020) – Mayor Bill de Blasio highlighted small businesses in hot spot zones at the top of today’s media briefing. After enumerating all the conversations he’s had over the past few days with small business owners, he deferred to Small Business Commissioner Jonnel Doris, who spoke about the office’s efforts to inform, support and enforce.
Doris urged small business owners who need financial help to call 1- 888 SBS4NYC (727-4692). Support resources are available at https://www1.nyc.gov/site/sbs/businesses/covid19-support-nyc-businesses.page
The Small Business Services office can help owners renegotiate leases and take advantage of any other available resources, de Blasio said. However, it’s unlikely that funds specifically earmarked for small businesses will be available until after the election, given current city budget cutbacks and lack of a federal stimulus.
So, overall, it’s worth exhausting available resources, regardless of whether or not you’re in a hot spot zone, but a real rescue is not yet in sight. With respect to hot spot zone closures, a decision will be made be made by the end of the week re: whether closures will extend beyond the following week (i.e., the initial two-week period). Stay tuned
If you have information related to pandemic requirements or a story to tell about how you are being impacted, email: marilynn@hotindienews.com
