COVID-19 Coronavirus Resources for Businesses www.columbiaedc.com
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
Columbia Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) is more committed than ever to assisting businesses in Columbia County as we all navigate this challenging period responding to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. We are 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. We Want to Hear from You 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. CEDC’s Small Business Support The Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced emergency loans up to $2 million will been made available in response to the COVID-19 crisis. These funds will become available once New York State completes a process of declaring an emergency with the SBA. More information on this program will be posted when available. Additional actions to alleviate the economic impact on individuals and businesses are expected from the federal and state government in the coming weeks. CEDC will continue to monitor these developments. CEDC also has resources available to assist businesses, including targeted technical assistance to address specific financial and operational problems for local businesses. Additionally, CEDC’s Revolving Loan Fund and SBA Microloan Program may be able help local businesses. Read more about these programs here. Many organizations and companies are rising to the challenge of supporting impacted businesses. National Grid has suspended collection-related activities and disconnections. The Federal Housing Finance Agency has encouraged mortgage servicers to provide options to postpone payments as well. Everyone in the community has a role to play in helping those that are adversely impacted by the virus. For example, a great way to support local restaurants that are closed in the coming weeks is to buy a gift card where possible. Other suggestions can be found in this article. Additional Coronavirus Response Resources Here are some key resources that have been issued by federal and state authorities. We will continue to monitor the situation as it rapidly develops to deliver critical information to our community. For Up to date Information about Coronavirus (COVID-19) Please visit the Columbia Department of Health's website at: https://www.columbiacountynyhealth.com/ or The Center for Disease Control (CDC) at: https://www.cdc.gov/ Center for Disease Control Guidance for Businesses and Employers Key Points:
Encourage sick employees to stay homeSeparate sick employeesEncourage good hygiene and respiratory etiquettePerform routine environmental cleaningLimit travelDevelop a plan for how to respond to various degrees of outbreak in your community
Small Business Administration Guidance for Businesses and Employers Common Issues Small Businesses May Encounter:
Capital Access Workforce CapacityInventory and Supply Chain ShortfallsFacility Remediation/Clean-up Costs Insurance Coverage IssuesChanging Market DemandMarketing
Includes graphics and customizable flyers for businesses to promote workplace safety
Actions taken so far by NYS include waiving the 7 day waiting period to collect unemployment insurance.
Allows employees to receive partial unemployment for reduced hours to avoid layoffs
Additional Resources Guidance for business actions during an epidemic from Deloitte Comprehensive Legal FAQ for Employers from Fisher Phillips Tips for successfully managing remote work teams from Gallup Resources for Freelancers and Artists Here is what is in Congress’s Emergency Coronavirus Bill - NYTimes