There’s no denying the huge impact the Coronavirus pandemic has had on small businesses nationwide. Restaurant, bar and nightclub owners suddenly are struggling to stay afloat, following state orders that “non-essential” businesses and places where people gather close their doors to prevent the spread of this deadly virus.
Each week that passes as the virus progresses represents another week of devastating profit losses.
However, small business owners are finally getting a much needed financial lifeboat to keep them from sinking. Below is a list of resources for small businesses owners and for those who would like to support them to help us get through and past this challenging time.
The Facebook Small Business Grants Program is offering $100M in cash grants and ad credits for up to 30,000 eligible small businesses in over 30 countries where we operate.
The National Federation of Independent Businesses, a small business special interest group, is offering legal resources and webinars related to the virus.
The City is offering small businesses with fewer than 5 employees a grant to cover 40% of payroll costs for two months to help retain employees through the NYC Employee Retention Grant Program.
The NYC Small Business Continuity Loan Fund helps retain employees as businesses face decreased revenue. This program is available to New York City businesses with one to four employees that can demonstrate at least a 25% decrease in revenue as a result of COVID-19. Eligible businesses will receive a grant covering up to 40% of their payroll for two months. Businesses can access up to $27,000.
The SBA Economy Injury Disaster Loan provides low-interest disaster loans to help businesses and homeowners recover from declared disasters.
This pilot program allows SBA Express Loan Lenders authority to deliver expedited SBA-guaranteed financing on an emergency basis for disaster-related purposes to eligible small businesses, while the small businesses apply for and await long-term financing.
SBA has developed Lender Match, a free online referral tool that connects small businesses with participating SBA-approved lenders within 48 hours.BA has developed Lender Match, a free online referral tool that connects small businesses with participating SBA-approved lenders within 48 hours.
Yelps COVID-19 Response and Support for Local Businesses provides $25 million in relief, primarily focused on supporting independent local restaurant and nightlife businesses, in the form of waived advertising fees, and free advertising, products and services, during this period. As part of this relief effort, restaurants and nightlife businesses that remain open will receive free access to Yelp page upgrades, including Business Highlights and Call To Action, as well as Connect, which will help them communicate timely information to their customers. Restaurants will also receive three months of free access to Yelp Reservations and Waitlist. For restaurant clients that offer delivery and/or takeout, well provide $100 in free search advertising.
Do you have questions about the C.A.R.E.S. Act? You’re not alone. The Office of the Brooklyn Borough President has created a helpful guide that includes information on cash aid, unemployment assistance, student loan relief, small business loans, and additional stimulus measures.
Restaurants, Groceries and Bars That are Still Open
| ASSOCIATION | NAME | LOCATION | STATUS | CROSS STREET | HOURS | TYPE OF STORE | TAKE OUT | DELIVERY | PHONE | WEBSITE |
| CROWN CHICKEN | 235 RALPH AVENUE | OPEN | BAINBRIDGE & CHAUNCEY | FAST FOOD | YES | YES | 718-919-1700 | |||
| ALI’S STOP & GO GROCERY | 247 RALPH AVENUE | OPEN | CORNER OF CHAUNCEY | 24 HRS | GROCERY | N/A | N/A | |||
| OCEAN INC | 241 RALPH AVENUE | OPEN | BAINBRIDGE & CHAUNCEY | FRESH FISH/VEG & FRUIT | 347-240-2444 | |||||
| ANGI’S GROCERY STORE | 243 RALPH AVENUE | OPEN | GROCERY | |||||||
| CARTAZ FINE CARIBBEAN CUISINE | 233 RALPH AVENUE | BAINBRIDGE & CHAUNCEY | CARIBBEAN RESTAURANT | 347-405-8588 | ||||||
| SHOPPER STOP & DELI CORP | 218 RALPH AVENUE | OPEN | CORNER OF BAINBRIDGE | BODEGO | ||||||
| KEV & JACOBS | 212 RALPHA AVENUE | OPEN | CORNER OF DECATUR | 8 TO 9 | BODEGO | 718-455-2373 | ||||
| HOMESTYLE COOKING | 194 RALPH AVENUE | OPEN | DECATUR & MCDONOUGH | RESTAURANT BK, LNCH, DNR | 718-484-8844 | |||||
| NATURAL VALLEY MARKET | OPEN | CORNER OF MCDONOUGH | MARKET & TAKEOUT | YES | YES | |||||
| CHEF IN THE DELI | PATCHEN | OPEN | CORNER OF CHAUNCEY | 8 TO 8 | BEDEGO | |||||
| SOFIA & GRACE COOKIE CO. | 163 RALPH AVENUE | OPEN | HALSEY & MACON | 6 TO 7 | CAFÉ | YES | ||||
| HALSEY GROCERY CORP | OPEN | CORNER OF HALSEY | BODEGO | YES | ||||||
| PAPI’S MINI MARKET | 259 PATCHEN AVENUE | OPEN | CORNER OF DECATUR | BODEGO | YES | |||||
| MITCHELL’S KITCHEN | PATCHEN AVENUE | OPEN | DECATUR AND BAINBRIDGE | 8 TO 8 | TAKE OUT JAMAICAN CUISINE | YES | 347-365-1243 | |||
| GREEDI KITCHEN | RALPH AVENUE | CLOSED | MACON & MCDONOUGH | Vegan Restaurant | ||||||
| TAMA | MAYA BEDSTUY PROVISIONS | 563 GATES AVENUE | TOMPKINS & TROOP | ASIAN INFUSED REST | YES | YES | 347-326-6003 | |||
| TAMA | BED VYNE BREW | 370 TOMPKINS AVE | BED-VYNE.COM | |||||||
| Natural Blend | 243 Malcolm X Blvd | Open | Halsey and Hancock | 8:30-8 | Juice Bar and Bakery | Yes | No | 347-378-2440 |
Content curation by Sonya Magett
BK Reader would like to thank the Coronavirus Community Solutions Team, a coalition of residents, educators, parents and professionals committed to identifying, sharing and updating Covid-19 relief resources, in effort to make sure Central Brooklyn residents are connected, safe, healthy and informed. If you have a link or resource you’d like to add to any of these directories, please email to covid19@bkreader.com! Thank you, and stay healthy, sheltered and safe!
This coverage of coronavirus is a special to BK Reader. We are asking for your help in keeping our coverage and database current with any helpful references and news tips. Please send all tips to covid19@bkreader.com. With your help, Brooklyn will emerge stronger and more unified as a borough. Thank you.