COVID-19 RESOURCES AND UPDATES
Southern Tier Economic Growth created this page to provide updated information during this challenging time. While the health and safety of all individuals is our main concern, our mission remains the same – to support businesses, communities, and the economic vitality of Chemung County. We will try to update this page as often as possible with incoming information and links to resources.
Data Resources and Information
The following are credible sources to stay up to date on COVID-19:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Situational Reports – updated continuously
Johns Hopkins Coronavirus COVID-19 Tracker
From the Appalachian Regional Commission: County Level Coronavirus Impact Planning is a searchable database offering demographic data snapshots of confirmed COVID-19 cases and deaths in relation to hospital bed counts, population and businesses, and categories of people at risk for COVID-19 in each one of the nation’s counties. By hovering over each statistical icon, users can learn more about the supporting data. COVID-19 related data is updated daily.
Click here for latest updates from Governor Cuomo
NYS “Essential Business” guidance
We are receiving a lot of questions regarding “essential business”. Please click on this link to NYS ESD for guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions regarding essential business
Governor Cuomo has put New York State on PAUSE. All non-essential workers must work from home. Everyone is required to maintain a 6 foot distance from other people while in public. Click here for further guidance
As you know, to slow the spread of the virus, businesses were required to reduce their onsite workforce by 100% as of 8 p.m. on Sunday, March 22, 2020. Only organizations and entities that are deemed essential by Executive Order 202.6 are exempt from these restrictions. ESD has developed guidance for businesses, which has been updated, and is subject to change as the State adapts its response to combating COVID-19. Moving forward, any business and organization that does not fall within the list of essential business industries but believes they should be designated as an essential business must refer to the guidance for this process. Empire State Development wants to reinforce several key messages:
- If your business function is listed as essential, then there is nothing else you need to do. You do not need to contact ESD for affirmative documentation or email confirmation and, due to volume, ESD will be unable to formally confirm to essential businesses that they are, in fact, essential. Given that you are already essential, you will not receive any further communication from ESD.
- With respect to business or entities that operate or provide both essential and non-essential services, supplies or support, only those lines and/or business operations that are necessary to support the essential services, supplies, or support are exempt from the restriction.
If your business, trade or industry is not on the list, then you are not an essential business. If, however, you believe it is in the best interest of the state to have your workforce continue in order to properly respond to the COVID-19 emergency, you should refer to the guidance for further information
Business Resources
New York State needs your help sourcing COVID-19 products. ESD: Sourcing COVID-19 Products
There are 51 Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Centers in all 50 states and Puerto Rico which are waiting to help those small and medium sized manufacturers (SMMs) through this crisis with more than 1,400 trusted advisors and experts at approximately 375 MEP service locations. The MEP National Network can assist manufacturers with most business operations and workforce needs, which includes but is not limited to business continuity planning and supply chain assistance including supplier scouting. Foundation for Manufacturing Excellence Resource Page
This is a great resource for appropriate language and messaging: U.S. Chamber of Commerce COVID-19 Response Toolkit
Communicating with Your Customers Flyer
SBA Guidance for Businesses and Employers
CDC Guidance for Business and Employers
SBDC COVID-19 Small Business Resources
Intuit Quickbooks has set up a small business relief resource. You can learn how to set up your own Go Fund Me page or support other small businesses. Intuit Quickbooks Small Business Help
Chemung County and all of New York State, has officially been approved for Economic Injury Disaster Recovery Loans from the Small Business Administration. The NYS Small Business Development Center can guide applicants through the entire process of applying, including help with document collection, conducting the pro forma, and assisting with the application. Click here for more information.
Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers (CDC)
Information from the Chemung County Chamber of Commerce
The Business Council of New York State has a lot of valuable information for businesses.
Funding Information
Empire State Development Resource Guide to COVID-19 Disaster Loans
Forbes’ List of Coronavirus (COVID-19) Small Business Relief Programs
SCORE Guidance on SBA Loans and Business Assistance
Government Resources
Information from Chemung County Government
Child Care
Trained referral specialists at the Chemung County Child Development Council can help your employees identify child care options. To request a child care referral. Click here for more information.