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Small Businesses 


APPLICABLE POLICY UPDATES


As of Wednesday, August 19
  • Mayor DiBlasio stated that gyms will not be able to re-open until September 2 at the earliest

As of Friday, August 14
  • Governor Cuomo announces that low-risk cultural activities in New York City, such as museums and aquariums, could reopen starting August 24th. They will be required to operate at 25% capacity with timed ticketing and staggered entry.

As of Monday, August 3

As of Friday, July 31
  • Mayor de Blasio today revealed 15 more locations for expanded weekend outdoor dining options through the Open Streets and Open Restaurants initiatives, bringing the citywide total to 62 restaurants. 

As of Friday, July 24th
  • The State Police and State Liquor Authority lead a task force to investigate and shut down businesses not complying with state safety standards.

As of Monday, July 20
  • New York City enters a limited Phase 4.
    • Now open:
      • Low-risk outdoor arts & entertainment
      • Professional sports with no spectators
      • Media production (movies, music, and television production)
    • Indoor activities (indoor dining, gyms, malls, movie theaters, museums, and other cultural institutions) still closed until further notice.
  • Cooling centers will remain open with social distancing.

As of Monday, July 6
  • New York City enters Phase 3.
    • Now open:
      • Personal care services (nail salons, massage centers, spa salons, tanning salons and tattoo shops)
      • Outdoor recreational areas (outdoor basketball, tennis, volleyball and handball courts, bocce and dog runs)
      • Outdoor restaurant seating under the Open Restaurant Program.
    • Indoor restaurant dining still closed until further notice.

Small Business Support


The main resource hub for businesses and non-profits can be found here.

REOPENING RESOURCES

NYC Business Reopening Guide and NYC Restaurant Reopening Guide

Webinars detailing guidelines for reopening businesses can be found here. Search for “Reopening Guidelines” to sign up.
-Download the reopening guidelines webinars flyer here to share with other businesses. 
-View and download the reopening guidelines presentation here.
-Download a recording of the virtual Small Business Conversation for NYC small businesses in the personal care industry from July 10 here. The text transcript of the video can be found here.

Flyers detailing reopening guidelines can be found in English here. The flyer is available in other languages here under “Reopening NYC Businesses.”

Free face masks for business owners and employees can be found here. Distribution partners can provide 5 per employee.

Hiring assistance for essential businesses can be found here. Resources for grocery stores looking for new employees can be accessed here.

Sign up here to receive updates from the Department of Small Business Services.

Health guidance for businesses and other facilities can be found here.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE NEWS AND RESOURCES

News and General Information

The NYC Employee Retention Grant is no longer accepting applications due to overwhelming interest.

Submit your information here if you are interested in getting updates about any new local, state, or federal financial assistance programs.

Request financing assistance from NYC Business Solutions experts here.

Webinars are available here for additional information about resources for small businesses, including public and private funding opportunities. View or download the presentation in English here. The presentation is available in other languages here under “Financial Assistance.”

Financial Assistance Applications

The New York Forward Loan Fund is a new economic recovery loan program aimed at supporting New York State small businesses, nonprofits and small landlords as they reopen. Pre-applications are now open. Learn more and apply here. Ask questions or request assistance with applying here.

The Restaurant Revitalization Program provides up to $30,000 to select restaurants to pay unemployed or under-employed workers affected by COVID-19. Learn more and apply here.

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Financial Assistance Programs encompasses a variety of loans.Learn more and apply here.

Legal Assistance News and Resources

  • WE NYC (Women Entrepreneurs NYC) is providing remote consultations on COVID-19 legal issues pro bono. Learn more and request a consultation here.
  • The City Bar Justice Center (CBJC) offers pro bono legal consultations on COVID-19 topics through its Neighborhood Entrepreneur Law Project (NELP). Request an appointment here.
  • The Small Business Legal Relief Alliance (SBLRA), a group of legal service organizations and 15+ top law firms, provides free consultations for small businesses impacted by COVID-19. Request help here.

Donate or Sell Supplies, Food, or Funds

  • Businesses with the ability to source and/or make medical supplies can learn more and complete the information form here.
  • Suppliers or distributors with access to ready-made supplies to sell or donate (medical or otherwise) can learn more here.
  • Companies or individuals looking to volunteer and/or donate can learn more here.
Additional questions on how to support can be addressed here.


GENERAL RESOURCES FOR ALL PHASES 


  • All businesses must develop a Safety Plan and post it at the work site.
  • To view a breakdown of the businesses that fit in each category, please visit NY Forward:
Phase One in NY Forward
Phase Two in NY Forward
Phase Three in NY Forward
Phase Four in NY Forward
  • To file a complaint regarding the operation of businesses or gatherings, you can complete this online form or call 1-833-789-0470 at any time, 24/7.
  • You can find the Summary Guidelines detailing mandatory and recommended operation procedures and the Affirmation Forms to be signed after reading these guidelines for each business type below.
  • If unsure of eligibility for reopening, please visit the NY Forward Business Reopen Lookup Tool.
  • The NYC Health Department offers free signs in multiple languages for COVID-19 safety protocols which can be found here. You can also call 311 for more information.
  • Cleaning and disinfection guidelines for non-healthcare settings can be found here. A sample cleaning log for businesses can be found here. COVID-19 disinfectants approved by the Environmental Agency can be found here.
  • Detailed guidance for returning building water systems to service after prolonged shutdown can be found here.

Phase One Business Reopening Guidelines 

  • Construction Guidelines: Summary here, read and affirm here
  • Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting Guidelines:
  • Summary: non-food agriculture here, forestry here, fishing here
  • Read and Affirm: Non-food agriculture here, forestry here, fishing here
  • Retail Trade Guidelines:  Summary here, read and affirm here
  • Manufacturing Guidelines: Summary here, read and affirm here
  • Wholesale Trade Guidelines: Summary here, read and affirm here
  • Higher Education Research Guidelines: Summary here, read and affirm here

Phase Two Business Reopening Guidelines 

  • Offices Guidelines: Summary here, read and affirm here
  • Real Estate Guidelines: Summary here, read and affirm here
  • Essential and Phase II In-Store Retail Guidelines: Summary here, read and affirm here
  • Vehicle Sales, Leases, Rentals Guidelines: Summary here, read and affirm here
  • Retail Rental, Repair, and Cleaning Guidelines: Summary here, read and affirm here
  • Commercial Building Management Guidelines: Summary here, read and affirm here
  • Hair Salons and Barbershops Guidelines: Summary here, read and affirm here
  • Outdoor and Take-Out/Delivery Food Services Guidelines: Summary here, read and affirm here

Phase Three Business Reopening Guidelines

  • Food Services Guidelines: Summary here, read and affirm here
  • Personal Care Guidelines: Summary here, read and affirm here

Phase Four Business Reopening Guidelines

  • Higher Education Guidelines: Summary here, read and affirm here
    • Reopening Checklist here
  • Pre-K to Grade 12 School Guidelines: Summary here, read and affirm here
    • Reopening Checklist here
  • Low-Risk Outdoor Arts and Entertainment Guidelines: Summary here, read and affirm here
  • Low-Risk Indoor Arts and Entertainment Guidelines: Summary here, read and affirm here
  • Media Guidelines: Summary here, read and affirm here
  • Professional Sports Competition with No Fans Guidelines: Summary here, read and affirm here
  • Mall Guidelines: Summary
here, read and affirm here

Food Service Guidelines


Required steps before reopening:

  1. Develop a Safety Plan and post at your work site.
  2. Read the New York State (NYS) Guidelines and affirm compliance by completing this form.
  3. Conduct employee health screenings, which can be guided by the sample given here.
    1. Documentation of health screenings is required. A model log can be found here.
    2. All information must be kept confidential.
    3. Employees should immediately email the NYC Test and Trace Corps at CovidEmployerReport@nychhc.org for positive test results of COVID-19. More information about Test and Trace can be found here.
  4. Face coverings must be provided free of charge to employees. Small businesses may be able to obtain these for free here.

COVID-19 in Employees

  1. If an employee has confirmed or suspected COVID-19, you should not disclose their health condition to other employees.
  2. Employees with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 should not return to work until at least 10 days after their symptoms started or 10 days after their positive test result.
  3. There is no testing requirement for returning to work.
  4. Employees who cannot self-isolate at home may be able to stay at a hotel free of charge. Information for the NYC COVID-19 Hotel Program is available here.
  5. For information about Paid Sick Leave, please view the FAQ here or visit NYC DCWP.
  6. Employees can call 311 to find free or low-cost healthcare. Information about free COVID-19 testing is available here, as well as guidelines for what to do when sick.

Physical Distancing Guidelines

  1. Physical distancing of 6 feet should always be maintained. It is recommended for employers to stagger work times, reconfigure high-traffic areas, and apply other policies as necessary to maintain this distance. If 6 feet cannot be maintained, face coverings must be worn.
  2. Guidelines for acceptable face coverings can be found here. Under NYS Executive Order 202.34, you may set rules for customers about wearing face coverings, including refusing service for those not wearing face coverings.
  3. Regular glove use is not recommended. Proper handwashing technique is preferred.

Open Restaurant Application

What is an Open Restaurant?

  • A restaurant can qualify for NYC’s Open Restaurant Program if they meet certain guidelines to allow expanded outdoor seating to allow social distancing in an open space during the COVID-19 pandemic. FAQ can be found here.
  • Open Restaurants must have valid Sidewalk and/or Roadway Seating. More details can be accessed here.

What do I need to apply to be an Open Restaurant?

  • Establishments not serving alcohol must provide Business name (DBA), address and contact information, Food Service Establishment Permit number, dimensions of sidewalk and/or roadway seating areas
  • Establishments planning to serve alcohol must also provide State Liquor Authority ("SLA") serial number, license information, and licensee certification

How can I apply to be an Open Restaurant?

  • Access the Open Restaurant Application here.

Where can I find an Open Restaurant?

The NYC Open Restaurants map and dashboard can be accessed here.

Personal Care Services, Low-Risk Outdoor Arts and Entertainment, Media Production, and Professional Sports Competitions with No Fans Guidelines


Required steps before reopening:
  1. Develop a Safety Plan and post at your work site.
  2. Read the New York State (NYS) Guidelines and affirm compliance by completing this form. Full state guidelines can be found here.
An FAQ for phase 3 reopening businesses          can be found here.
An FAQ for phase 4 reopening businesses can be found here.

Major Recommendations for Personal Care Services, Low-Risk Outdoor Arts and Entertainment, Media Production, and Professional Sports Competitions with No Fans



  1. Stay home if sick:
    1. Post Stop the Spread posters, which come in multiple languages that are available here or by calling 311.
    2. Perform remote health screenings, a sample of which can be accessed here.
    3. Maintain a log of direct contact between individuals to facilitate tracing the virus in the event that someone becomes infected. Email the NYC Test and Trace Corps immediately at CovidEmployerReport@nychhc.org for positive test results of COVID-19. More information about Test and Trace can be found here.
  2. Keep physical distance:
    1. Stay at least 6 feet apart.
    2. Allow services by appointment only to minimize large crowds.
    3. Close communal areas and install barriers such as plastic shield walls for check-in/check-out desks.
    4. For tattoo parlors, consider posting artwork online to avoid browsing in-store.
    5. For spas and massage therapists, use tape to mark lockers and other areas to maintain social distancing.
  3. Wear face coverings:
    1. Provide face coverings in high traffic areas and place receptacles for easy disposal of soiled items.
    2. Send reminders for customers to bring face coverings.
  4. Practice healthy hand hygiene:
    1. Provide employees with clean coverings and encourage handwashing with signage that can be found here.
    2. Encourage forms to be filled out and submitted before appointments, and contactless payments including payments in advance.
    3. Remove all shared items and eliminate beverage service.
    4. For nail salons, stop complementary shoulder massages and ask guests to remove shoes without employee assistance.
    5. For spas and massage therapists, provide single-use toiletries and clearly marked receptacles for disposal of items.

The website was developed as a service provided by medical students in New York City.

This website provides selected information available about a range of disease topics. Like any printed material, it may become out of date over time. It is important that consumers rely on the advice of a health care professional to employ good clinical judgment for the specific conditions of individual patients. This information is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a health care professional, or a recommendation for any particular treatment plan. External sites are not necessarily endorsed by the medical students who created this website.