Read on to learn more about programs and services that are available to assist your business during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Request for Designation as an Essential Business. If your business was deemed non-essential based on the list distributed by New York State, and you believe that you should be considered essential, complete this form and submit it here for review.

• Additional Resource to Navigate the U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program. Empire State Development has developed a PowerPoint presentation to further assist businesses that are looking to learn more on how to apply for the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program.

• Get Involved in the Fight Against COVID-19. Governor Cuomo is calling on health care professionals, schools of public health or medicine and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) products providers and manufacturers to help support New York State's response to COVID-19. More information, on how to sign up to assist can be found here.

• Call to Action from Buffalo Niagara Manufacturing Alliance. The Buffalo Niagara Manufacturing Alliance (BNMA) is collecting masks, gloves and safety glasses that can be donated to our local medical system. If you have any of these items and would like to make a donation, contact Catherine Muth at (585) 216-5860 or email. BNMA will coordinate pick-up and delivery.

• Paid Leave for COVID-19. Governor Cuomo has signed emergency legislation guaranteeing job protection and pay for New Yorkers who have been quarantined as a result of COVID-19. The new law enacts emergency paid sick leave to guarantee workers job protection and provide financial compensation while they are on a mandatory or precautionary quarantine due to COVID-19. Learn more.

• SBA Disaster Customer Service Center is Hiring. The SBA's Disaster Customer Service Center is hiring positions in response to COVID-19 and assistance to small businesses affected by the disaster. Job applicants must have experience responding to customer inquiries and be skilled in using Windows-based software. Prior call center experience and bilingual skills are a plus. Click to learn more and to apply.

• Stay Engaged. Continue to look for emails from our office in the coming days and weeks updating you on what assistance is available as we work through this difficult time together. Our staff is working hard to compile a complete list of programs that are available. To learn more be sure to click on the COVID-19 tab on our website.