COVID Business Resources
The Chamber's business resource page offers information on safety plans and how and where to file them; general business assistance; where to find mask suppliers; and a variety of other resources available from federal, state, and local sources.
If you have a specific question or can't find what you are looking for please call the Chamber at 585-786-0307 or send an email
To view the ReStart Wyoming page click here
For PPE requests click here
New York State has created a one-stop website for information including testing info; metrics for reopening and micro-cluster strategies; Vaccination plans; business resources; info on advisory boards; protecting yourself; and other important resources for your business.
New! New York State has updated the re-opening guidance for businesses with a new website.
New York has also launched the new Business Pandemic Recovery Initiative the largest and most comprehensive business recovery initiative in the State’s history. Empire State Development is also making it easier for businesses to access a number of federally funded COVID-recovery programs.
The state still advises that businesses and organizations have safety plans in place to help lower the risk of spreading COVID-19, and they can be found under the industry specific sections of the NY Forward website. Businesses in need of assistance in developing a plan may reach out to the Chamber for guidance. The NY Forward website also has industry specific plan templates that may be used. Currently, you do not need to file your plan with any federal, state, region, county or local agency. Your plan needs to be in writing and made available should any state or local health agency inspect your facility.
NYS HERO ACT
On May 5, 2021, NY implemented the New York Health and Essential Rights Act (NY HERO Act) into law. The law mandates extensive new workplace health and safety protections in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of the NY HERO Act is to protect employees against exposure and disease during a future airborne infectious disease outbreak. On September 6, 2021, Governor Kathy Hochul announced the designation of COVID-19 as an airborne infectious disease under the HERO Act. This designation requires all employers to implement workplace safety plans. This designation remains in effect until March 17, 2022.
Under this new law, the New York State Department of Labor (NYS DOL), in consultation with the NYS Department of Health, has developed a new Airborne Infectious Disease Exposure Prevention Standard, a Model Airborne Infectious Disease Exposure Prevention Plan, and various industry-specific model plans for the prevention of airborne infectious disease. Employers can choose to adopt the applicable policy template/plan provided by NYS DOL or establish an alternative plan that meets or exceeds the standard’s minimum requirements.
The airborne infectious disease exposure prevention plans must go into effect when an airborne infectious disease is designated by the New York State Commissioner of Health as a highly contagious communicable disease that presents a serious risk of harm to the public health.
Employers are required to provide a copy of the adopted airborne infectious disease exposure prevention plan and post the same in a visible and prominent location within each worksite. Templates and resources are available here.
The US Small Business Administration has a number of programs designed to assist businesses in recovering from financial losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Frequently updated information can be found here
Re-Start Wyoming County: Planning for Recovery
The Covid-19 Pandemic led to a response that was unforeseen, and for businesses, largely unplanned. The closing of non-essential businesses coupled with shelter in place orders for most citizens created a crisis environment for our economic well-being. It is critical for business owners to plan ahead to be able to survive this crisis and remain viable into the future. This is different than a simple business continuity planning, as the factors that have caused this crisis were out of your control. In this way, the effect on our business community is very similar to communities coping with large scale natural disasters. Many businesses in those communities were able to bounce back and recover as a result of good self-evaluation and planning.
Read the quick guide here
US Chamber's Free "Resilience in a Box" Resources
The US Chamber has created the "Resilience in a Box" web resource based on best practices and designed to educate newcomers on business resilience. Small businesses are both highly vulnerable and can be without adequate resources to focus on preparedness actions. These resources will guide companies toward addressing preparedness issues while building in flexibility to handle potential business interruptions. Learn More
Ready to Reopen: A Playbook for Your Small Business - An extensive article from the US Chamber of Commerce.
Small Business Development Center Assistance
The New York Small Business Development Center (NY SBDC) is a network of 22 campus-based centers and outreach offices across NY State. The centers provide free business advising and free and low-cost training to startups, entrepreneurs, and small business owners with goals to grow and stay competitive in NY. The NY SBDC is part of America's SBDC, the association that represents America's nationwide network of Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs). They are administered by the State University of New York and funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration, the State of New York, and host campuses.
Susan A. McCartney, Director
Buffalo State College
1300 Elmwood Ave, Cleveland Hall 206
Buffalo, NY 14222
Phone: (716) 878-4030
mccartsa@buffalostate.edu
smallbus@buffalostate.edu
Paul J. Morrell, Executive Director of Finance and Business Development
Director, Small Business Development Center
SUNY Geneseo, Doty Hall 119
One College Circle
Geneseo, NY 14454
Phone: (585) 245-5429
morrell@geneseo.edu
Business Organizations and General Resources
New York State Business Council - The NYS Business Council lists a variety of good links and webinars.
Small Business Resources from Google
Complete Payroll Resources for Employers
How Small Businesses Can Prepare from NFIB
Business Continuity planning resources from Ready.Gov
New York FarmNet: Financial and Mental Health Resources for Farmers
Cornell University Workforce Development Page - Find Ag-specific resources and sample letters that can be used or modified/given to "essential" employees in case they are pulled over or detained by law enforcement.
Business Resources & Guides on the Stimulus and US CARES Act
Commonly Asked Questions about the Coronavirus Small Business Loans - from the US Chamber
How to Get a Coronavirus Emergency Paycheck Protection Loan - from the US Chamber
Everything You Need to Know About SBA Disaster Assistance Loans - from the US Chamber
SBA Coronavirus Small Business Financial Assistance Programs Quick reference resources created by the Small Business Development Center on the CARES Act and available programs
Small Business Owner's Guide to the CARE Act NEW Information provided by Sen. Schumer's office
Small Business Stimulus Section-by-Section Summary
Stimulus Small Business "Explainer"
US Chamber's Small Business Guide & Checklist
SBA's Three-Step Process for Disaster Loans (Document)