Assistance Programs Available for Small Businesses

Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus hosted a Facebook Live Economic Development Informational Webinar on Fri., Apr. 3 for individuals and businesses affected during the COVID-19 pandemic to learn more about the economic assistance available to them.

Neuhaus was joined remotely on Facebook Live by Director of Tourism Amanda Dana, Economic Development Director Bill Fioravanti, Employment and Training Director Steve Knob and Lynn Allen Cione, President and CEO of the Orange County Chamber of Commerce.

The panel provided information about federal, state and local assistance programs available to help small businesses as well as unemployment information and resources for individuals. They also answered questions posed by Facebook participants.

Some of the resources available to residents, small businesses and job seekers that Neuhaus and the panel discussed included:

• The Security (CARES) Act provides economic assistance to small businesses, sole proprietors, independent contractors, and gig workers impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Paycheck Protection Program, the expanded U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loan program and updated business tax provisions. For more information, visit treasury.gov/cares.
• Business owners can apply for Unemployment through the New York State Department of Labor by going to ny.gov/unemploymentassistance.shtm. The Department of Labor determines eligibility for benefits.
• Job seekers can visit www.OrangeCountyGov.com’s COVID-19 resources web page for information about job openings and online job training.
• Neuhaus requested that the Orange County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) take steps to offer no interest loans of up to $10,000 to small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. The Orange County Funding Corporation, an affiliate of the IDA, will vote on Thurs., Apr. 9 to set aside $500,000 to create a loan fund to make available to local businesses. The IDA has initiated an economic recovery program to help revitalize local businesses in Orange County that have been impacted by COVID-19.

For employment questions and assistance, contact Employment and Training Director Steve Knob at 845-615-3629 or sknob@orangecountygov.com, or Director of Economic Development Bill Fioravanti at 360-0231 or bfioravanti@orangecountygov.com. Residents can also check the Orange County Chamber of Commerce website at orangeny.com.