COVID-19 & Other Relief Resources
COVID-19 and Other Relief Resources
Resources, Information, Grants, and Short-term Relief
Links to resources that may be helpful to artists and arts and cultural organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenges.
NEWS & UPDATES
updated 03/02/23
News from the Mohawk Valley Small Business Development Center
Business Recovery COVID Relief Fund (New)
Rauschenberg Dancer Emergency Grants are open for Cycle 5. These are one-time grants of up to $5,000 to professional dancers who have experienced dire financial emergencies due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences, including lack or imminent endangerment of essentials such as housing, medicine/healthcare, utilities, and food. Cycle 5 has a deadline of October 14, for emergency expenses between May 1, 2022 and February 28, 2023. Cycle 6 will open on November 9, with a deadline of December 9. Program guidelines, an informational video, and the online application are here: https://www.nyfa.org/rdeg.
Rauschenberg Medical Emergency Grants Cycle 15 is now open. These grants of up to $5,000 support direct treatment expenses for medical, dental or mental health emergencies that occurred February 1, 2022 or later; the deadline is October 28. Artists creating in the visual arts, film/video/electronic/digital arts, and choreography are eligible. Cycle 16 will be open November 29 through January 13, for emergencies occurring April 1, 2022 and later. Guidelines, an informational video and the online application are here: https://www.nyfa.org/rmeg.
Both of these programs are open to artists living anywhere in the U.S, its territories, tribal nations, and the District of Columbia. Artists with disabilities, artists of color, and artists living outside of New York are particularly encouraged to apply. For more information, email emergencyfunds@nyfa.org, or call 212/366-6900 x 239.
NYS COVID-19 Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program Change!
From Mohawk Valley SBDC News -
NY Grant: Change in Requirements May Make You Eligible
An update has been made to the NY State COVID-19 Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program that you need to know about! There’s still funding available for grants up to $50,000, so read on to learn more. Your business no longer has to demonstrate positive net profit in 2019 to be eligible for a grant up to $50,000.
NYSCA/NYFA Artists with Disabilities Grant
NYFA has partnered with New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) to administer a $261,000 grant program for New York State artists with disabilities called the NYSCA/NYFA Artists with Disabilities Grant Program.
The program will distribute $1,000 in cash grants to cover art-related expenses for New York State visual, media, music, performing, literary, and multidisciplinary artists with a disability who reside outside of New York City’s five boroughs and have experienced financial hardship due to the COVID-19 crisis.
Applications Open: Tuesday, May 17, 2022 at 10:00 AM EDT
Applications Close: Tuesday, June 28, 2022 at 5:00 PM EDT
Applicants Notified: Friday, August 5, 2022
Rauschenberg Dancer Emergency Grants
This program provides one-time grants of up to $5,000 to professional dancers in need, who are in dire financial emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic. You must demonstrate an urgent and critical need for emergency support in your application, and live in the United States, the District of Columbia, a Tribal Nation, or a U.S. Territory. In Cycle 3, funds may be requested for emergency expenses for up to a three-month period between January 1 and September 30, 2022.
Application deadline: May 20, 2022
DETAILS
From Mohawk Valley SBDC
This deferment extension is effective for all COVID-EIDL Loans approved in calendar years 2020, 2021, and 2022. Loans now have a total deferment of 30 months from the date of the Note. Interest will continue to accrue on the loans during the deferment.
- Borrowers may make partial or full payments during the deferment period but are not required to. The SBA recommends using www.pay.gov.
- The SBA will not send monthly SBA Form 1201 payment notices; however, the SBA will send regular payment reminders via email.
- Existing COVID EIDL Borrowers can find account balances and payment due dates in the SBA Capital Access Financial System (CAFS) and learn how to set up an account in the CAFS system by logging in at Capital Access Financial System (sba.gov).
- Deferments may result in balloon payments. The deferment will not stop any established Preauthorized Debit (PAD) or recurring payments on the loan. COVID-EIDL Borrowers with an SBA established PAD must contact their SBA servicing center to stop recurring payments during the extended deferment period. COVID-EIDL Borrowers who have established a PAD through Pay.Gov or any other bill pay service are responsible for terminating recurring payments during the extended deferment period.
- After the deferment period ends, COVID-EIDL Borrowers will be required to make regular principal and interest payments beginning 30 months from the date of the Note.
CREATIVE REBUILD NEW YORK
CRNY’s Guaranteed Income for Artists and Artist Employment Programs
A Creatives Rebuild New York (CRNY) and NYSCA PRESENTS informational session presentation deck as well as a recording of a previously hosted CRNY webinar are now live on the NYSCA PRESENTS page. This webinar recording covers the same material as our session on March 3.
Another informational session will be held on March 17, 2022 from 12PM to 1PM: Click here to register!
Please note that registration is required. During the information session, CRNY team members will share details about eligibility requirements, selection processes, and deadlines for both programs. Upon request, all events can provide multilingual and ASL support. There will be an opportunity for Q&A.
Please register in advance. Once registered, a Zoom link will be provided in the confirmation email.
The deadline for CRNY’s Guaranteed Income for Artists and Artist Employment Programs is March 25, 2022. Guidelines are available on the Creatives Rebuild New York website.
Creatives Rebuild New York (CRNY) is a three-year $125M investment in the financial stability of New York State artists and the organizations that employ them. NYSCA’s Executive Director Mara Manus will join the CRNY team to discuss their funding opportunities.
Below is a short summary of the opportunities CRNY will offer:
About Guaranteed Income for Artists
CRNY’s Guaranteed Income for Artists (GI) program will provide regular, no-strings-attached cash payments to 2,400 New York State artists who demonstrate financial need.
About the Artist Employment Program
CRNY’s Artist Employment Program (AEP) will fund employment for 300 artists working in collaboration with community-based organizations across New York State for two years. Artists will receive a salary plus benefits and dedicated time to focus on their artistic practice. Community-based organizations will receive funding to support their collaborations with artists.
You can reach CRNY directly with any program specific questions. Contact information is available on their website here.
PLEASE NOTE DECEMBER DEADLINES for EIDL!
- EIDL loan and Targeted Advance applications will be accepted until December 31 and will continue to be processed after this date until funds are exhausted.
- Supplemental Targeted Advance applications will be accepted until December 31; however, the SBA may be unable to process some Supplemental Targeted Advance applications submitted near the December 31 deadline due to legal requirements. The SBA cannot continue to process Supplemental Targeted Advance applications after December 31 and strongly encourages eligible small businesses to apply by December 10 to ensure adequate processing time.
- Borrowers can request increases up to their maximum eligible loan amount for up to two years after their loan origination date, or until the funds are exhausted, whichever is soonest.
- The SBA will accept and review reconsideration and appeal requests for COVID EIDL applications received on or before December 31 if the reconsideration/appeal is received within the timeframes in the regulation. This means six months from the date of decline for reconsiderations and 30 days from the date of reconsideration decline for appeals – unless funding is no longer available
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News from Onondaga Small Business Development Center - Micro-enterprise assistance The goal of these programs is to enable Syracuse businesses to continue to operate and assist with pursuing new investment opportunities to adapt to the changing economic landscape. The programs are designed to promote local economic recovery, encourage consumer confidence and access local products and services provided by City businesses. |
A Webinar from Your Part-Time Controller:
Wednesday, Dec. 15, 12pm-1pm ET: Making a List & Checking It Twice: Key Considerations for This Year's Financial Audit
What key revenue and policy decisions should be on YOUR organization's audit checklist? Don't miss this opportunity to hear from YPTC and Maher Duessel on what you need to know and do to prepare for your next financial statement audit!
In this webinar we will cover:
- Best practices for preparing for an annual audit
- Actions to take to ensure proper accounting for PPP loans and forgiveness
- Key considerations when accounting for revenue recognition and updated in-kind contributions guidance
- Key policies and procedures that should be implemented or revisited
The following resource is not COVID-19 related, but has the potential to help employees of non-profit organizations with student loans: A Guide to Big Changes for Public Student Loan Forgiveness by the New York Times
Mohawk Valley SBDC News: The Oneida County Small Business Grant Program, made available through the CARES Act funding, not only can assist small businesses that may have been disqualified by other programs, but also helps to address the additional cash flow needs for a complete post-pandemic recovery. Contact Mohawk Valley SBDC for details.
Learn about major enhancements to the EIDL Program - The last day applications are being accepted is December 31, 2021. Applicants should file as soon as possible.
On September 9, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman announced major enhancements to the COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, a federal disaster relief loan designed to better serve and support our small business communities still reeling from the pandemic. The SBA is ready to receive new applications immediately from small businesses looking to take advantage of these new policy changes.
Changes include increase of the COVID EIDL cap, Implementation of a Deferred Payment Period, Establishment of a 30-Day Exclusivity Window, Expansion of Eligible Use of Funds, & Simplification of Affiliation Requirements
Your Part-Time Controller article: Staying Afloat: Pandemic Relief Options Updates as of August 13, 2021; Important updates about the Employee Retention Credit (ERC), the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), and the Shuttered Venue Operators (SVO) grant program.
The Onondaga Small Business Development Center Specialty Consultant Grant Program: Real Estate: If your business has been altered, had to pivot, or has specific challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a real estate expert can help you identify and narrow down real etate needed for rent or purchase, assist with searching for space, explain and prepare proposal documents, plan a grand opening - at no cost to you. Onondaga SBDC serves Cayuga, Cortland, Madison, Onondaga, Oswego, and Seneca Counties.
The Onondaga SBDC Specialty Consultant Grant Program offers additional professional areas of expertise, including Bookkeeeping/Quickbooks, Cybersecurity, Email Marketing, Graphic Design, Marketing/Branding, Social Media/Content Creation, Voice Over Work, Website Design, Legal Services, & Food Industry Related Consulting.
The New York State COVID-19 Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program, created to provide flexible grant assistance to currently viable small businesses, micro-businesses and for-profit independent arts and cultural organizations in NYS who have experienced economic hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is OPEN. The program is managed by Empire State Development (ESD).
NYSCA PRESENTS webinar recording and presentation deck available: Exploring and Claiming the Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) for Your Arts Organization, featuring David M. Rottkamp, CPA, Partner, Not-for-Profit Practice Leader, GRASSI and NYCON Board Member and Andrew Marietta, VP, Regional Development, NYCON
June 15, 2021 - NEW YORK STATE ENDS MOST COVID PROTOCOLS! See Governor Cuomo's announcement, this Syracuse.com article, and the New York Forward website for information on how this affects NYS arts & cultural events and venues!
The Shuttered Venue Operators Grant Application Portal is open.
For technical assistance such as a password reset, browser suggestions, or how to use the multi-factor authentication with an app and the QR code, applicants can call 1-800-659-2955 or, for the deaf and hard-of-hearing 1-800-877-8339 and follow the prompts to SVOG assistance.
FAQ regarding Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG)
Need additional assistance? SBA’s resource partners, including SCORE business mentors, Small Business Development Centers, Women’s Business Centers and Veterans Business Outreach Centers, are available to provide individual guidance on applications. Find assistance near you
NEWS FROM NYSCA - Excelsior Pass Now Available: The Excelsior Pass is now available for download. This free and voluntary app utilizes secure technology to confirm an individual's vaccination or recent negative COVID-19 test and could be a critical tool in our sector’s reopening. Developed with IBM, the Excelsior Pass is the first app of its kind in the U.S.
You can read the Governor’s press release with information on how to download the Excelsior Pass app, HERE. You can also learn more and download the pass, HERE.
NYSCA PRESENTS: The Role of the Excelsior Pass in the Reopening of the Arts. Presented in partnership with Empire State Development, this webinar features a review of the New York Forward Rapid Test Program and a discussion on how individuals, businesses, and venues can integrate the Excelsior Pass into their programming and daily lives. (Download the webinar presentation.)
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The SOS (Save Our Stages/Shuttered Venue Operators) grant program is being administered by the Small Business Administration for the following entities:
ARTICLES & RESOURCE LISTSThe National Independent Venue Association has posted detailed information about the Save Our Stages Act (SOS) (now called Shuttered Venue Operators (SVO grant). SVOG Newsletter Article Series from Your Part-Time Controller: Staying Afloat: Pandemic Relief Options Updates (4/8/21) Staying Afloat: American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Small Business Administration COVID-19 Relief Options - Information on EIDL, SVOG, SBA Debt Relief Mental Health Resources to Help Prevent Creative and Professional Burnout Resource list: NEA COVID-19 Resources for Artists and Arts Organizations Article: Paycheck Protection Program: FAQs for Nonprofits by Lowenstein Sandler LLP 3/18/21 article by Syracuse.com on New Reopening Rules Set for NY Outdoor Performing Arts Venues, Sports Stadiums. Lawyers Alliance for New York: ”Protecting Your Nonprofit from COVID-19” National Coalition for Arts’ Preparedness & Emergency Response National Endowment for the Arts: COVID-19 FAQ Response NYCON: Nonprofit Resources NYSCA COVID-19 Resource Page In addition to funding resources, this page lists information on legal resources, virtual workspaces, digital tools for artists, setting up an emergency fund, stress management, and more TSNE MissionWorks Resource List - COVID-19 related informational articles on a variety of topics for nonprofits Syracuse.com article about a change in how hours and days are counted for NYS Unemployment benefits, in an effort to encourage part-time work. Arts Midwest COVID-19 Resource Roundup: January 2021: Includes reports such as NEA's The Art of Reopening: A Guide During COVID-19, and webinar listings such as Revisioning Relevance with Nina Simon– January 27, 2021, 9am CST Arts Ready Alert – Preparing for the Potential Impact of Coronavirus |
WEBINARS, DISCUSSIONS, & RECORDINGS
NYSCA PRESENTS webinar recording available: “The Role of the Excelsior Pass in the Reopening of the Arts.” Presented in partnership with Empire State Development (ESD), the webinar reviews the New York Forward Rapid Test Program and explore how individuals, businesses, and venues can integrate the Excelsior Pass into their programming and daily lives.
Webinar recording and slides now available for the Central New York Community Foundation's presentation of Braving the Uncertainty of COVID-19: Where Do Nonprofits Go From Here? held on March 26, 2021.
COVID-19 has disrupted the nonprofit world, causing temporary and permanent changes to organizational frameworks. How do nonprofits fulfill their missions with the utmost urgency and also assess the long-term impacts of the pandemic?
The Central New York Community Foundation invites you to hear from Jeremy Tennenbaum, CFA, a senior nonprofit strategist at Vanguard. Jeremy is an expert on a wide range of issues affecting nonprofit organizations, and he covered:
· How COVID-19 is Currently Affecting Nonprofits
· Understanding and Communicating Financial Position
· Crisis Management
· Long-Term Strategic Planning for the Future of Your Nonprofit
FOCUS Greater Syracuse Forums recordings: Access previous FOCUS forums including Higher Education in a Time of COVID and FOCUS Forum on K-12 Education, Arts Adapt in a Time of COVID, Mental Health in a Time of COVID - Meeting the Moment; Funding Change in a Time of COVID, Isolation Under COVID, and more are available for viewing at www.focussyracuse.org/focus-forums
A NYSCA PRESENTS webinar: PPP and SOS Opportunities and Considerations is now available on the NYSCA Presents website- Presented in partnership with the New York Council of Nonprofits (NYCON), Andrew Marietta, NYCON's VP of Regional Development, reviews the Payment Protection Program (PPP) and Shuttered Venue Operator (SOS) Program. Topics include eligibility, criteria, and helping to identify which opportunities are the best fit for your organization. This webinar is free and open to the public. The webinar has been developed for New York State arts organizations of all sizes.
NYSCA Presents offers free webinars for cultural workers, artists and creatives. Current recorded webinars: Guiding Board Members and Continuing Your Mission During COVID and Beyond, Moving your Content into the Digital World: Legal Guide for Individual Artists and Arts Organizations, Arts Online: COVID Communications and Beyond, and Debunking the Top 5 Fundraising Myths in the Time of COVID-19
The Arts Center at Purchase College, recorded presentations of The PAC in Your Living Room virtual coffee hour are available online, including the following webinars and more:
- Artists and Presenters in the Virtual Classroom: Working with Schools in the Time of COVID-19,
- The Role of the Agent in the Time of COVID-19
- Building the Future Now
- Necessity is the Mother of Invention: Success in Presenting the Performing Arts Online
- Funding for the Performing Arts: Surveying the Regional Landscape in the Time of Social Distancing
- Keep the Arts Thriving: How Can Artists, Agents, and Institutions Work Together in Revenue-Free Models During This Time of Social Distancing (text summary)
Bond, Schoeneck and King offers recorded and weekly webinars on a variety of COVID-19 related topics for businesses, such as reopening, best practices, liability, employment law, and more.
Unemployment Relief: Interested in how the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2021 will affect Unemployment Insurance and Pandemic Unemployment Insurance? Here's an article by the National Law Review outlining the updates: Unemployment Relief in the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2021.
REOPENING RESOURCES
NYSCA offers a Reopening and Recovery resource page featuring NYS and federal guideline links plus a variety of alliance and consortium industry guideline resources. NYSCA's website also includes a NYSArts Now Reopening page with a list of NYS cultural organization venues now open or opening soon.
New York Forward To view active guidelines, click here.
Arts, culture and heritage agencies and groups that are planning events and activities should refer to industry-specific public health and safety guidelines, an affirmation form and business safety plan.
NYSCA offers a Reopening and Recovery resource page featuring NYS and federal guideline links plus a variety of alliance and consortium industry guideline resources.
NYS offers the Find a Test Site Near You tool, an online resource to find a free COVID-19 testing site. The site also states that: "Individuals who have questions regarding eligibility or access for testing should call the New York State COVID-19 Hotline at 1-888-364-3065 or visit the NYSDOH website https://covid19screening.health.ny.gov."
Onondaga County Economic Development Office:
economicdevelopment@ongov.net (315.435.3770) - General #Economic Development Office Reopen
https://www.ongoved.com/reopen-a-business/
Guide to Reopening Theatrical Venues (2nd draft edition), by the Performing Arts Center Consortium Advisory Committee on Reopening
CDC Reopening Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting Public Spaces, Workplaces, Businesses, Schools, and Homes
Empire State Development FAQ on Business Forward and Business Reopening
Centerstate CEO free webinar series - Keeping Workers Safe as Businesses Re-open: Lessons from the Front Lines
Centerstate CEO Back to Business Re-Opening Toolkit
Restart Oneida County Resources
Artist Funding
Actor's Fund: The Actors Fund fosters stability and resiliency, and provides a safety net for performing arts and entertainment professionals over their lifespan. To be eligible for The Actors Fund, you must have entertainment industry earnings over $6,500 for three out of the last five years (2015-2020). Income from teaching does not qualify. Dancers, comedians and comedy professionals must document three years of recent earnings of at least $2,000 a year
Adolf and Esther Gottlieb Foundation
Alliance of Artists Communities: Resources
American Society of Journalists and Authors Writer’s Emergency Assistance Fund
CERF+ List of Emergency Funds for Artists
CERF+ serves artists who work in craft disciplines by providing a safety net to support strong and sustainable careers.
Comprehensive List of Funding Opportunities from 3Arts
Directors Guild Foundation
Dramatists Guild Foundation
Emergency Grants for Visual Artists
Emergency Relief Programs – Alliance of Artist Communities
Foundation for Contemporary Arts
GoFundMe relief for NY/NJ/PA artists
Max’s Kansas City Project (NY)
Musician's Emergency Relief Fund
Queens Council on the Arts - list of various funds for individual artists
Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America Emergency Medical and Legal Fund
Urgent Action Fund for Women’s Human Rights
Arts Organization Funding
HNY CARES Emergency Relief Grants
501c3 organizations in NYS with humanities mission & budgets under $500,000
The Mohawk Valley COVID-19 Response Fund - The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties and United Way of the Valley and Greater Utica Area's community-wide fund to support organizations responding to human services needs in Herkimer and Oneida counties resulting from the impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic.
NYCON: Nonprofit Resources
Onondaga Small Business Development Center - Resources for small businesses and entrepreneurs, including a county specific resource list for Cayuga, Cortland, Madison, Onondaga, Oswego, and Seneca Counties
Also see NYS Department of Labor Resource Guide & NEA CARES Act Funding at the top of this list.
Other Arts Organizations Resources
EqualWeb is a simple resource to help improve your website accessibility. (There are free & paid versions.)
Form990online is a tax preparation and filing tool for nonprofit organizations. It is FREE to file Form 990/990-EZ for organizations with less than $100,000 in gross receipts.
General COVID-19 Information & Resources:
Department of Labor CARES Act Information
COVID19 Effect Preparation Worksheet
Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
World Health Organization (WHO) Covid-19 Advice for the Public
2020-21 News Archives
**EIDL Program Update Webinar** Thursday, Sept. 16, 10 am - 11 am EDT Register here
On September 9, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman announced major enhancements to the COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, a federal disaster relief loan designed to better serve and support our small business communities still reeling from the pandemic. The SBA is ready to receive new applications immediately from small businesses looking to take advantage of these new policy changes.
The SBA Upstate New York District Office will lead a webinar providing an overview of the changes to the COVID EIDL program, instructions for how to apply, and resources for applicants. There will also be an opportunity for participants to ask question
A reminder that the deadline to apply for NYSCA Round 3 Opportunities is this Wednesday, September 1, 2021 at 4PM for Support for Organizations, Support for Artists, Special Opportunities, and Recovery Grants.
Important Notes from NYSCA:
- FAQ for Applicants has been updated.
- Organizations can apply for both Support for Organizations and Recovery Grants.
- Performance is not required for eligibility (all types of arts organizations can apply).
- Recipients of RestartNY: Rapid Live Performance grants ARE eligible for all Round 3 FY2022 opportunities.
- Applicants must be Prequalified in the Grants Gateway by the application deadline.
- There is no minimum budget size to apply for Recovery Grants. Applying does not exclude your organization from applying for or receiving additional funding.
- Instructions for how to demonstrate revenue loss for the FY2022 Recovery grant application have been updated.
- Application questions? Review the New York State Council On The Arts (NYSCA) FY2022 Technical Application Submission Instructions.
- Contact the NYSCA Team at least 2 weeks prior to the application deadline with any questions. Also see NYSCA's recorded webinars on Recovery grants and other FY2022 funding.
From SBA: Shuttered Venue Operators Grant Update - New Shuttered Venue Operators Grant applications will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on Friday, August 20, 2021. Later in August, SBA will open the program for supplemental SVOGs for 50% of the original award amount, capped at a total of $10 million (initial and supplemental combined). Details will be announced at a later date.
Wednesday, Aug. 18, 9 am-1 pm: Small Business Recovery Virtual Conference for NYS Small Business Owners - presented by Staten Island Small Business Development Center & Tekie Geek - Two panel discussions covering sales & marketing strategies and employee recruitment/retention, plus multiple networking opportunities.
SVOG Priority Awards. The SBA website modified its original preliminary guidelines to be more in line with the Congressional intent of the newly passed law. SBA is no longer limiting the first two priority distributions to shuttered venues with only 50 employees or fewer. While there is still a set aside of $2 billion for this category of small venues, the early distribution awards are for any size organization with 90 or 70 percent revenue loss (still not clear if this is gross or earned revenue).
SVOG Eligibility Update:
According to SBA Shuttered Venue Operators Grant FAQ updated March 22, 2021, (excerpt below), organizations can now apply for both PPP and SVOG grants but can't apply for the PPP after they receive SVOG.
"4. Is an entity that applied for and received a Paycheck Protection Program loan in July 2020 eligible to apply for an SVOG?
Yes, if an entity applied and was approved for a PPP loan prior to Dec. 27, 2020, it is eligible to apply for an SVOG."
"5. Is an entity that applied for a First Draw or Second Draw PPP loan on or after Dec. 27, 2020, eligible to apply for an SVOG?
Yes. While entities originally were prohibited from receiving both forms of SBA assistance, the American Rescue Plan Act, which became law on March 11, 2021, removed this restriction. However, under the law, entities will be ineligible for a PPP loan AFTER they receive an SVOG."
PPP Update from the Small Business Administration: PPP General Funding Exhausted, CFI Funding Still Available
After more than a year of operation and serving more than eight million small businesses, funding for the Paycheck Protection Program has been exhausted. The SBA will continue funding outstanding approved PPP applications, but new qualifying applications will only be funded through Community Financial Institutions, financial lenders who serve underserved communities. The SBA is committed to delivering economic aid through the many COVID relief programs it is currently administering and beyond.
- Community Financial Development Institution (CDFI)
- Minority Depository Institution (MDI)
- Community Development Corporation (CDC)
- Microlender Intermediary
July 22, 2021, 2:00 p.m. EST: Small Business Administration and Public Private Strategies Institute Webinar - Getting Back on track: Help is Here - SBA programs; federal policies update; Q&A with experts; Becoming a vaccine leader; Tools/resources for taking your business digital
On June 3, 12 noon to 1:30 pm, the Greater Utica Chamber of Commerce presents: Small Business Survival, Through the Pandemic and Beyond - Join a panel of experts collaborating to share their insights on strategies to help ensure the survival of your small business. Offered in person at Thincubator in Utica, NY and virtually via MaxUC ($10 Members; $20 Non-Members)June 3, 12:00 noon - 1:30 p.m.: Greater Utica Chamber of Commerce presents: Small Business Survival (New)
Join a panel of experts collaborating to share their insights on strategies to help ensure the survival of your small business. Many have been able to navigate the challenges brought forth by the pandemic. We will be joined by experienced professionals in accounting, risk management, inventory control, and sales. After a 45 minute panel discussion, participants will have an opportunity for Q &A. Attend either in-person at ThINCubator, or virtually via MaxUC by Northland. Choose to add lunch if desired. Registration ends Tuesday, June 1st.
NYFA has announced these grant opportunities for NYS artists:
The JGS Fellowship for Photography
Applications close June 30 at 5:00 PM EDT
JGS Fellowship for Photography will award $7,000 to five artists working in traditional and/or experimental photography.
Canadian Women Artists’ Award
Applications close June 9 at 5:00 PM EDT
The Canadian Women Artists’ Award provides $5,000 financial support to an emerging or early career artist working in visual arts, media & design and literary arts. In 2021 NYFA will be awarding two $5,000 awards. To apply, applicants must be female Canadian citizens between the ages of 25 and 40 who are living and working in New York state. Students in bachelor’s or master’s degree programs are welcome to apply.
A message from the Museum Association of New York: MANY has been working with legislators to help increase museum capacity. [On Monday, April 19], the Governor announced that starting Monday, April 26, museums and zoos can increase their capacity to 50%.
ARTS VENUES REOPENING NEWS from NYSCA March 3, 2021: Event, Arts and Entertainment Venues are permitted to begin reopening April 2nd, 2021 at 33% capacity with proper safety protocols. The Governor announced today that up to 100 people will be allowed indoors and up to 200 people will be permitted in outdoor venues. Capacities for venues can increase with attendee testing, including up to 150 people indoors and 500 people outdoors.
All reopening guidelines and related news will be made available on the New York Forward website
Tuesday, March 23, 3 pm, The National Endowment for the Arts presents a free webinar, The Art of Reopening - A Virtual Conversation on Reengaging Arts Audiences in Physical Spaces
ARTS VENUES REOPENING NEWS from NYSCA March 3, 2021: Event, Arts and Entertainment Venues are permitted to begin reopening April 2nd, 2021 at 33% capacity with proper safety protocols. The Governor announced today that up to 100 people will be allowed indoors and up to 200 people will be permitted in outdoor venues. Capacities for venues can increase with attendee testing, including up to 150 people indoors and 500 people outdoors.
All reopening guidelines and related news will be made available on the New York Forward website
New York Forward - Phase 4 information
To view full guidelines, click here.
Arts, culture and heritage agencies and groups that are planning events and activities should refer to the New York Forward Business Reopening LookUp tool for guidance on eligibility to reopen, restrictions, industry-specific public health and safety guidelines, an affirmation form and business safety plan.
Low risk outdoor includes outdoor zoos, botanical gardens, nature parks, grounds of historic sites and cultural institutions, outdoor museums, outdoor agritourism, local agricultural demonstrations and exhibitions; and other similar institutions/activities.
Low risk indoor includes indoor museums, historical sites, aquariums and other related institutions
Agencies that these guidelines apply to must go to the link and view the summary guidelines, read and affirm the guidelines and then prepare a safety plan that they will keep at their place of business.
Arts, culture and heritage agencies and groups that are planning events and activities should refer to the New York Forward Business Reopening LookUp tool for guidance on eligibility to reopen, restrictions, industry-specific public health and safety guidelines, an affirmation form and business safety plan.
Rauschenberg Medical Emergency Grants
Cycle 7 closes May 3 at 11:59 PM EDT
The Rauschenberg Medical Emergency Grants program provides one-time grants of up to $5,000 for unexpected medical, dental, and mental health emergencies experienced by artists in the past six months.
SECOND DRAW PAYCHECK PROTECTION LOANS
A new round of Paycheck Protection Loans has been announced. The Small Business Administration has opened the Paycheck Protection Loan Portal for Community Financial Institutions* as of 1/11/21, for First Draw PPP Loan Applications. (The Second Draw application portal for CFIs opened 1/13/21 and applications for other financial institutions will open soon.)
Please note: According to the Paycheck Protection Program Second Draw Loans Overview, Second Draw PPP Loans can be used to help fund payroll costs, including benefits. Funds can also be used to pay for mortgage interest, rent, utilities, worker protection costs related to COVID-19, uninsured property damage costs caused by looting or vandalism during 2020, and certain supplier costs and expenses for operations. Also, according to current information, an applicant for the Second Draw PPP loan who received a First Draw PPP loan should have used all of their first draw loan, on eligible expenses. Please consult SBA, your lender, accountants, etc. on how this applies to your situation.
See sba.gov/ppp for more Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) information, documents and forms.Please also see, from the SBA:
Top-line Overview of First Draw PPP (sba.gov)
Top-line Overview of Second Draw PPP (sba.gov)
PPP Guidance from SBA Administrator Carranza on Accessing Capital for Minority, Underserved, Veteran, and Women-owned Business Concerns
*Information from SBA on PPP lenders: Per the Economic Aid Act, a Community Financial Institution (CFI) is one of four types of lenders.
Types of CFI Lenders:
Community Financial Development Institution (CDFI)
Minority Depository Institution (MDI)
SBA Certified Development Company (CDC)
SBA Microloan Intermediary Lender
A list of participating PPP lenders: Paycheck Protection Program - Participating Lenders (sba.gov)
SBA Microlenders: List of lenders (sba.gov)
SBA Certified Development Companies: Small Business Administration (sba.gov)
PPP and Tax Relief Provisions for Employers: Information by the National Law Review about second PPP Loan eligibility, changes in loan forgiveness, covered costs, loan amount flexibility, plus details on tax treatment of covered PPP loans, deferred payroll taxes, credits for Paid Leave and Family Sick Leave, and more.
**Americans for the Arts has more updated information about PPP forgiveness forms, EIDL advances and more at www.ArtsActionFund.org/COVID19Resources, and on its COVID 19 Arts Resources Table.
Please join us for a series of webinars hosted by the U.S. Small Business Administration, Public Private Strategies Institute, & other stakeholders to hear about:
- What steps you can take now to take advantage of this special opportunity, which closes at 5:00 P.M. EST, Tuesday, March 9, 2021
- Additional changes and recent policy announcements made by the Biden-Harris Administration
- Have your questions answered by SBA Leadership
SCHEDULE: - Mar. 3, 12:30 p.m. ET, Women Business Owners, Click here to register.
- Mar. 4, 3:00 p.m. ET, Asian-American + Pacific Islander, Native American + Tribal Small Business Owners; Click here to register.
- Mar. 5, 1:00 p.m. ET, Black + African-American Small Business Owners, Click here to register.
- Mar. 5, 3:00 p.m. ET, Hispanic Small Business Owners, Click here to register.
- Mar. 6, 2:00 p.m. ET, Veterans, Self-Employed Business Owners, Click here to register.
- Mar. 8, 3:00 p.m. ET, LGTBQ Business Owners, Youth Entrepreneurs, Restaurant Owners, Click here to register.
Earlville Opera House and Sam & Adele Golden Foundation for the Arts partner with New York State Council on the Arts and New York Foundation for the Arts to present two FREE virtual seminars:
April 15, 2-3pm
For Arts Administrators - “Arts Advocacy at a Time Like No Other”
A panel presentation by: Stephen Butler, Executive Director, CNY Arts, Syracuse, NY and Sharon Louden, Artist, Educator, Editor, Artist Advocate, Philadelphia, PA
A discussion on the arts as an economic driver and how our industry can use this current time to reinforce our impact. Q&A following.
April 22, 12-1pm
For Artists - A Brown Bag Lunch - “Artist Resources”
A presentation by NYFA, EOH and Sam & Adele Golden Foundation for the Arts on artist resources including grants and residency opportunities. Q&A following.
REGISTER by emailing info@earlvilleoperahouse.com
Indicate which webinar(s) you are interested in and a zoom link will be provided.
April 15, (2 pm EDT/11 am PST) - ArtsReach Webinar: Transitioning To Hybrid: Best Practices Combining Virtual And Live Events - This session will discuss best practices in delivering virtual presentations in tandem with live events. Technology and pricing remain front and center in successfully welcoming audiences back to venues while maintaining a strong virtual connection to those not yet ready for the return journey (note - New Ways Forward membership required)
Monday, March 22, 2-3pm: NYS Large Gathering Guidance, What Your Business Needs to Know - a free virtual presentation open to the community - Join CenterState CEO and Empire State Development (ESD) for a presentation on state guidelines associated with large gatherings. Dan Kolinski, deputy director for ESD’s Central New York region, will provide an overview of the new state regulations that increase capacity for social gatherings in public spaces from 50 to 100 people indoors, and 200 people outdoors, as of March 22, 2021.
Topics covered will also include rules or live sports and entertainment venues, and details on the state's proposed Excelsior Pass, which would confirm a person's vaccination or recent negative COVID-19 test. You will have an opportunity to share your questions on these topics upon registering.
Please join us for a series of webinars hosted by the U.S. Small Business Administration, Public Private Strategies Institute, & other stakeholders to hear about:
- What steps you can take now to take advantage of this special opportunity, which closes at 5:00 P.M. EST, Tuesday, March 9, 2021
- Additional changes and recent policy announcements made by the Biden-Harris Administration
- Have your questions answered by SBA Leadership
SCHEDULE: - Mar. 3, 12:30 p.m. ET, Women Business Owners, Click here to register.
- Mar. 4, 3:00 p.m. ET, Asian-American + Pacific Islander, Native American + Tribal Small Business Owners; Click here to register.
- Mar. 5, 1:00 p.m. ET, Black + African-American Small Business Owners, Click here to register.
- Mar. 5, 3:00 p.m. ET, Hispanic Small Business Owners, Click here to register.
- Mar. 6, 2:00 p.m. ET, Veterans, Self-Employed Business Owners, Click here to register.
- Mar. 8, 3:00 p.m. ET, LGTBQ Business Owners, Youth Entrepreneurs, Restaurant Owners, Click here to register.
Help Locating NYS Services: NYS recently launched the "Find Services" web application, developed in partnership with Google.org, to assist New Yorkers in locating appropriate services with one streamlined web application. This can be helpful for those whose income has been affected by COVID-19 as well as those in need for other reasons.
Paycheck Protection Program Opens Window for Exclusive Access for Smallest Businesses, and more changes . . .
On Monday, February 22, 2021 The White House and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced reforms to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which are aimed at helping the smallest businesses and those that have been left behind in previous relief efforts. The official SBA press release can be found here.
Start the process with SBA and find forms and more information here
FACT SHEET: Changes to PPP to further promote equitable access to Relief
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Highlights of the reform include: February 24, 2021 --- March 9, 2021:
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Small businesses, nonprofits and residential landlords that received Paycheck Protection Program amounts of $50,000 or less may now be eligible for a low-interest loan from New York Forward Loan Fund to support reopening (not a forgiveable loan).
SBA Paycheck Protection Program Loan Forgiveness Information Sheet
Paycheck Protection Program Loan Forgiveness FAQ's (courtesy of Americans for the Arts website)
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Forgiveness Application
The Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act, signed into law on 6/5/20, provides borrowers more flexibility for loan forgiveness. The loan covered period was extended from 8 weeks to 24 weeks.
Mohawk Valley Economic Development District (MVEDD) CARES Act Revolving Loan Fund Opens: The CARES Act Revolving Loan Fund is a new economic recovery loan program designed to alleviate sudden and severe economic dislocation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This fund provides low interest loans (up to $200,000) to coronavirus-impacted small businesses in Montgomery, Fulton, Oneida, Herkimer, Otsego and Schoharie counties.
The Americans for the Arts Action Fund shared the following news:
On June 8, 2020, the Federal Reserve announced the expansion of the Mainstreet Lending Program to small and medium-size businesses. While these types of loans are not the forgivable type and were previously only available to major corporations, the terms may be attractive and provide much more flexibility for use of funds. $75 billion is being made available for these loans through the CARES Act.