The New York Public Library has partnered with iconic bakery Amy’s Bread to bring visitors a spectacular new café location on the seventh floor of the newly renovated Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL).

With easy access to the only free, publicly accessible rooftop terrace in Midtown, the new café offers patrons the opportunity to grab a coffee and pastry and enjoy the incredible view of the Library’s historic Stephen A. Schwarzman Building and up and down Fifth Avenue. 

The menu at Amy’s Bread rotates daily and features an array of handmade pastries, unique sandwiches, healthy salads, decadent sweets, and more.

Opening Hours:
Monday: 12 PM–5:30 PM
Tuesday: 12 PM–5:30 PM
Wednesday: 12 PM–5:30 PM
Thursday: 12 PM–5:30 PM
Friday: 12 PM–5:30 PM
Saturday: 12 PM–5 PM
Sunday: Closed

 

The 2023 series has ended, check back in June 2024 for information on the next series.

 

Join The New York Public Library’s Thomas Yoseloff Business Center and the Museum of American Finance for a nine-part series on investing. Designed to lead you through basic investment concepts, the series aims to provide participants with a  greater understanding of what professional investors look for when reviewing stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and options.  Learn about interest rates and economic indicators and how they impact markets.

The speakers include investment specialists from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), distinguished professors from Fordham University and New York University, and Wall Street investment professionals. 

 

Made possible by the support of the Museum of American Finance.

Thank you so much for joining our webinar today! 

We hope you found the information useful and practical. 

As promised, here's the page where the replay will be posted: nypl.org/smallbizwebinars.
NOTE: We need to process and upload the webinar. Since it's a very large file, it will take a few hours, but it will definitely appear there for you to rewatch and share. 

In the meantime, we have a favor to ask...  Can you please give us your feedback? Please fill in this form. It should take no more than 3 minutes, and we'd be so grateful to hear what you liked about the webinar and what you think we can improve. 

Thanks a lot again and see you at the next webinar!

Business Events

The Science, Industry & Business Library (SIBL) is now the Thomas Yoseloff Business Center and has relocated to the completely renovated Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library [SNFL]. Visit our update page for more information.
 

Manhattan​​​​ -

• The Thomas Yoseloff Business Center offers a wide variety of small business programs and classes. Please check listings to determine if a program is in-person or online.

• The Pace University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) has teamed up with the New York Public Library’s Thomas Yoseloff Business Center to provide in-person business counseling sessions at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library.  These FREE, confidential 1:1 sessions with Pace SBDC-certified business advisors  help existing small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs with access to financing, implementing marketing and sales strategies, identifying and submitting for procurement opportunities, business planning, and more. Sessions are one hour in length and are by appointment only. To arrange a 1:1 session, sign up and complete the online counseling request using the new SBDC eCenter system, NYSBDC eCenter Direct. You will be prompted to create an account username and password in order to complete your counseling request. After your account is created and counseling request submitted, an SBDC counselor will be in touch to confirm your appointment date and time. You should receive a confirmation email after you've completed the final step. 

• In January 2024 the Pace University Small Business Development Center launched in-person, one-to-one small business advisory services at the Brooklyn Public Library Business and Career Center. The 1:1 sessions are held every Thursday. Visit NYSBDC eCenter Direct to request an appointment.

• The Pace University Small Business Development Center has created a Spanish-language version of their website. Spanish-speaking small businesses can access their Contacto page to request a meeting with a business advisor, and can find Success Stories written in Spanish about other Spanish- and English-speaking business owners who achieved their business goals with the SBDC’s help.

• NYC Department of Small Business Services Webinar Calendar. Free events, courses, and WE NYC mentor sessions on Eventbrite. Click here to register.

• Every Tuesday at 2:00 PM the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce hosts a webinar which provides answers and resources to businesses impacted by the COVID-19 virus. Click Here to join.

• Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts is presenting a virtual seminar – Fashioning the Law: Essentials for Fashion Designers – on Monday April 22, 2024 from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM.

• Join the Harlem Business Alliance at a FREE, in-person presentation – Introduction to AI – Chatbots and ChatGPT – on Tuesday April 23, 2024 from 6:30 PM – 7:45 PM at the Harlem Business Alliance – Creative Workspace, 275 Lenox Avenue in Manhattan.

• The New York Public Library’s Thomas Yoseloff Business Center is launching its 2024 New York StartUp! Business Plan Competition. Turn your ideas into reality with access to Library resources, mentorship, and cash prizes between $7,500 and $15,000.  The final, required, virtual orientation session for is scheduled for Wednesday April 24, 2024 from 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM.

• The Harlem Business Alliance invites you to participate in a FREE, in-person presentation – Unleash the Power of AI for Your Business: Marketing Mastery with Chatbots – on Thursday April 25, 2024 from 6:30 PM – 7:45 PM at the Harlem Business Alliance – Creative Workspace, 275 Lenox Avenue in Manhattan.

• The Schomburg Center’s 12^th Annual Black Comic Book Festival is scheduled for Friday – Saturday April 26, 2024 – April 27, 2024. This FREE, in-person event will take place at the New York Public Library’s Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, 516 Malcolm X Boulevard in Manhattan.

• The Better Business Bureau of Metropolitan New York is presenting a FREE, virtual afternoon seminar – Fraud Trends Affecting Nonprofits – on Tuesday April 30, 2024 from 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM.

• The Pace University Small Business Development Center invites you to participate in a FREE, virtual presentation – Non-Disclosure Agreements: When Should You Require an NDA, When Should You Sign and NDA – on Wednesday May 1, 2024 at 1:30 PM.

• Hot Bread Kitchen’s next HBK Incubates: SEED cycle launches in April 2024. This online program is designed for aspiring food entrepreneurs who want to establish a strong foundation for their food products or business ideas and want to learn about the efforts and risks associated with entrepreneurship. Virtual information sessions are scheduled during April 2024 and May 2024.

• The in-person New York City Small Business Expo 2024 is scheduled for Thursday May 2, 2024 from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, Hall 1E, 429 11^th Avenue in Manhattan.

• The Baruch College Small Business Development Center is presenting a FREE, in-person seminar – How to Start and Grow Your Business in New York: The Immigrant Entrepreneurship Journey – on Thursday May 2, 2024 from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM. At the Lawrence N. Field Center for Entrepreneurship, Room 2-140, 55 Lexington Avenue in Manhattan.

• The Baruch College Small Business Development Center invites you to participate in a FREE, in-person, two-part seminar, Kickstart Your Business: Navigating Funding Opportunities for Start-Ups. Part One is scheduled for Tuesday April 23, 2024 from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM. Part Two is scheduled for Tuesday May 7, 2024 from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM. Both modules will be held at the Lawrence N. Field Center for Entrepreneurship at Baruch College, Room 2-140, 55 Lexington Avenue in Manhattan.

• Join the Pace University Small Business Development Center at a FREE, virtual presentation – Contracts and Risk Management for Small Business Owners & Entrepreneurs – on Wednesday May 8, 2024 from 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM.

• The European American Chamber of Commerce invites you to attend a FREE, in-person presentation – Keep Your Guards Up: Managing Technology and Cybersecurity Risks – on Thursday May 9, 2024 from 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM at the Bank of Ireland NYC Hub, 140 East 45^th Street in Manhattan.

• The New York City Department of Small Business Services – in partnership with the Brooklyn Legal Services Corporation and Accompany Capital – invites you to attend a FREE, virtual presentation on their Commercial Lease Assistance Program. The presentation will be offered on Thursday March 14, 2024, on Thursday April 11, 2024, and on Thursday May 9, 2024. Each presentation is scheduled from 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM. For additional information visit nyc.gov/commlease, call 888-SBS-4NYC, or contact Tsetan Dekyi at tdekyi@accompanycapital.org.

• World Trade Week New York City 2024 officially launches with a Kick-Off Event on Thursday May 9, 2024 from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM. Participation in-person is $35 at Baruch College, 121 East 25^th Street, 7^th Floor in Manhattan. Participation virtually is FREE. Registration is required.

• The in-person TechDay Expo is scheduled for Friday May 10, 2024 from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM at the Jacob Javits Convention Center, 429 11^th Avenue, in Manhattan.

• 1010 WINS – in partnership with Dime Community Bank – invites you to participate in their 10K Small Business Challenge. The Challenge will help you to relaunch, rebuild, or expand your small business. Applications accepted through Sunday May 12, 2024 at 11:59 PM.

• SCORE NYC and New York Women in Business invite you to participate in a FREE, in-person, three workshop seminar – Leveraging AI to Drive Small Business Growth – on Friday May 17, 2024 from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, 303 Sands Street [across from Wegman’s], 9^th Floor. Registration opens in mid-April 2024.

• The New York Public Library’s FREE, annual Job Fair and Expo 2024 is scheduled for Friday May 17, 2024 at the Stephen A. Schwartzman Building, 476 Fifth Avenue - at 42^nd Street and Fifth Avenue - from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.

   

Bronx - 

 

Brooklyn -

• The 21^st annual Brooklyn Public Library PowerUp Business Plan Competition launches in Spring 2024. Participants will have the opportunity to win $20,000 to start their Brooklyn-based business. Information sessions are scheduled in March 2024 and April 2024 – three virtual and two in-person. Register to attend one of these sessions for more details about the Competition and how to apply.

• Downtown Brooklyn - in partnership with City Point - invites you to apply for their Make It in Brooklyn – Brooklyn Bites Food Tech Pitch Contest. Five selected founders will pitch their ideas for the chance to win $5000. Apply by April 19, 2024.

• Join the Freelancers Hub at a FREE, virtual presentation – Business Entities for Creatives – on Wednesday April 24, 2024 from 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM. 

• The Brooklyn Public Library invites you to attend their annual, in-person, The People’s Ball: Stand Out / Stand Up! - the Library’s annual celebration of fashion, personal style, and inclusivity - on Sunday May 5, 2024 from 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM at the Brooklyn Public Library, the Central Library, 10 Grand Army Plaza.

• Beginning Thursday, January 4, 2024 the Pace University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is offering FREE, weekly, one-on-one business advisement at Brooklyn Public Library’s Business & Career Center. These business advisement sessions are available to existing small businesses and to aspiring entrepreneurs. Visit their  calendar to make an appointment.

• The Brooklyn Public Library Business and Career Center’s new workforce advancement program – LevelUp - is designed to help Black women get to the next stage professionally and build wealth. The 10-week courses – sponsored by the Goldman Sachs One Million Black Women initiative - provides mentoring, financial coaching and in-depth knowledge on key industries where Black women have a low percentage of employment. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis for all cycles.
   

Queens -

• Accompany Capital – in partnership with the New York City Department of Small Business Services – invites you to attend a FREE, virtual presentation – Meet the Lender: Accompany Capital Queens – on Tuesday April 23, 2024 from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM.

• The Queen Economic Development Corporation is presenting a FREE, virtual seminar – Navigating Beneficial Ownership Reporting to FinCen: Compliance Strategies and Best Practices – detailing the Treasury Department’s new rules and regulations – effective January 1, 2024 - about reporting on the individuals who ultimately own or control a company. The seminar is scheduled for Wednesday April 24, 2024 from 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM.

• Turner Construction – in partnership with the Office of Queens Borough President Donovan Richards – is presenting a FREE, in-person information session – NYCFC Project Construction Opportunities – on Thursday April 25, 2024 from 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM. This session will detail opportunities for MWBE’s and LBE’s on the construction of the New York City Football Club’s stadium project at Willets Point. The sessions will be held at the Queens Theatre, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, 14 United Nations Avenue South.

• The Queens Economic Development Corporation’s next TEES series – presented in partnership with the Pace University Small Business Development Center - launches in April 2024. Raising Money Through Crowdfunding is a FREE, virtual, four-part series scheduled on four consecutive Thursdays: April 11, 2024, April 18, 2024, April 25, 2024, and May 2, 2024. Each module runs from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM.

• Join the Queens Economic Development Corporation for a FREE, virtual, four-part seminar – Become a Power User of ChatGPT. The modules will be held on April 15, 2024, April 22, 2024, April 29, 2024, and May 2, 2024 and run from 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM.

• On July 26, 2023, the Port Authority of NY & NJ announced the launch of the JFK Institute of Concessions (IOC), a community development initiative designed to equip local and diverse businesses with the knowledge and applied skills necessary to successfully operate concessions at JFK Airport. The IOC teaches vital competencies that cover a range of topics including, but not limited to, Airport 101, financial investments, design and buildout, legal operating models, security and customer experience. Participants will also have exposure to day-to-day operations of airport concessions and will practice responding to solicitations through mock role-play activities. Graduates of the IOC will serve as a curated pool of competent local and diverse businesses for the Port Authority and its partners to consider as potential concessionaires through a competitive bidding process. For any questions about the IOC, send an email to Info.Concessions@panynj.gov.
   

Staten Island -

• The Staten Island Economic Development Corporation’s in-person 25^th Annual Business Conference is scheduled for Thursday April 18, 2024 at the Hilton Garden Inn, 1100 South Avenue. Many events are FREE and open to the public.

• The Staten Island Economic Development Corporation [SIEDC] is launching the Veteran and Immigrant-Owned Business Incubator Program. The program's goal is to assist and support these targeted businesses via SIEDC programs and services. To apply for the program contact Jacqueline Diaz at 718-477-1400, ext 829, or jacqueline@siedc.org.

 

Other Locations -

• The Small Business Administration’s National Small Business Week is scheduled for April 28, 2024 – May 4, 2024. The SBA – in partnership with SCORE – are co-hosting the FREE, virtual, NSBW Virtual Summit scheduled for Tuesday – Wednesday April 30, 2024 – May 1, 2024 from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM each day. Registration is required.

• The European Patent Office is offering a series of webinars for patent information users.

 

• From the Library

• Online

• New York City

• New York State

• Federal

• Additional Resources - Nonprofits, Private Support, etc.
   

• The Awesome Foundation is a global community advancing the interest of awesome in the universe, $1000 at a time. Each fully autonomous chapter supports awesome projects through micro-grants, usually given out monthly. These micro-grants - $1000 or the local equivalent - come out of the pockets of the chapter's "trustees" and are given on a no-strings-attached basis to people and groups working on awesome projects. Every chapter interprets "awesome" for itself. As such, awesome projects include initiatives in a wide range of areas including arts, technology, community development, and more.

• Tha Cannabis Workforce Initiative has created a career guide detailing the options available for pursuing a career in cannabis.

• Clara Wu Tsai, co-owner of the Brooklyn Nets, is launching the largest business accelerator for minority founders of early-stage startups. The BK-XL Accelerator plans to invest up to $500,000 in 12 startups founded by Black, Indigenous, and other minority founders in 2023.  Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

• CUNY Startups - The program's mission is to improve the economic mobility of CUNY students through entrepreneurship while stimulating small business growth and economic development in New York City. CUNY Startups launched in 2014 as a CUNY program to provide central entrepreneurship resources to all 270,000 students across the 25 colleges. Located on the Baruch College campus, CUNY Startups programs - New Venture Accelerator and CUNY Hackathon - facilitate student and volunteer engagement through broad and meaningful recruitment and outreach to traditionally marginalized groups. Students learn the skills they need to propel their careers through a combination of instruction, mentorship and practice.

• Center for an Urban Future policy brief - Preparing Today's Asylum Seekers for Tomorrow's Workforce - September 2023

• Center for Urban Future report -  In Good Company — What NYC’s Employers Should Do to Expand Access to Good Jobs

•  Center for an Urban Future new report - Starting Up and Staying Out  How New York City could give former prisoners an entrepreneurial push.

• Center for an Urban Future new report - HARNESSING CUNY AS A LAUNCHPAD INTO TECH CAREERS

• Deloitte - Deloitte’s second Women @ Work 2022: a Global Outlook aims to better understand how women’s experiences in the workplace impact their engagement and career progression.
   
• Experian - Questions about your business credit? Visit Experian's BusinessCreditFacts.
   

• Freelancers Union | Black Freelancers Web Directory - This service from the Freelancers Union. Right now information is listed only by individual name and specialty - neither alphabetical.

• Hello Alice - in partnership with the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) and with funding from Etsy and Progressive – has opened the application portal for the Small Business Growth Fund. The Fund provides small business owners the capital they need to make their next move. Check website for various funding information.

• nyc domain name web address - Any person, business, or organization with a physical address within the five boroughs can register for a .nyc domain name web address.
   
• The New Jersey Business Action Center is the one-stop for entrepreneurs looking to start a small business in New Jersey. Their Office of Small Business Advocacy supports small businesses - startups and established - throughout the state.
   
• The New School : Center for New York City Affairs - For One in 10 New York Workers, 'Independent Contractor' Means Underpaid and Unprotected - a new report from the New School’s Center for New York City Affairs (CNYCA) - reveals that 873,000 workers in many of New York State’s major low-paying industries are wrongly classified as “independent contractors.”
   
• ​Looking for New York City Statistics? Visit  NYC Data;  NYC Open Data; NYC Census FactFinder; and AllTransit.
   

• New York University - Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service - New York City’s Open Restaurants outdoor dining program began in June 2020. Open Restaurants in New York - a Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service report -compares New York City’s old Sidewalk Café outdoor dining program with its replacement: Open Restaurants. IThe report highlights how Open Restaurants has led to new outdoor dining opportunities outside  Manhattan, in communities that had no prior outside dining, and in communities of color and low-income neighborhoods as well.

• New York University's Entrepreneurial Institute's list of Incubators, Co-Working Spaces, and Accelerators  includes NYU-Affiliated Programs, Non-NYU Co-working Spaces, and Non-NYU Startup Accelerators.

• New York’s New Jobs Engine – a July 2022 report prepared by the Center for an Urban Future – explores the challenges and headwinds that the tech sector will face as it strives to create a larger, more sustainable, and more inclusive tech ecosystem in New York City.

• The Pace University Small Business Development Center partners with a range of State and Federal agencies in the area of international trade to help small business owners access the financial resources and technical assistance needed to export their goods or services.

• Pace University Small Business Development Center - Interested in government procurement opportunities? Pace University's Small Business Development Center's BidLinx is a FREE, web-based bid-matching service for SBDC clients that monitors thousands of bid sources and emails notices of opportunities tailored to a firm's products, services, and capabilities.

• Run by the Partnership Fund for New York City and Accenture, FinTech Innovation Lab New York is a highly competitive, 12-week program that helps early- to growth-stage tech companies refine and test their value proposition with the support of the world’s leading financial service firms. Running in parallel to the fintech track, New York also operates an insurtech track, enabling insurtech entrepreneurs to elevate their technologies to leaders within the industry. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. There is no fee to apply.

• The Queens Economic Development Corporation [QEDC} has launched their Entrepreneur Space - a food and business incubator - in Long Island City. The incubator offers a fully equipped kitchen, storage and coaching. Classroom space and private / semi-private office space is also available Information on how to apply - and more details - are available at the Entrepreneur Space website and via their FAQs.

• Service Corps of Retired Executives [SCORE] - SCORE's New York Women in Business Directory - an online directory for women-owned businesses only - is OPEN for registration. Inclusion in the directory is FREE.

• Start Small Think Big  - SSTB - is a nonprofit organization that focuses on pairing entrepreneurs ready to grow their businesses with top pro bono attorneys and financial and marketing experts. Complete their online application form and SSTB will contact you to schedule an online appointment. Call 646-723-4053 or email hello@startsmallthinkbig.org. if you have any questions about SSTB's legal, financial, and marketing services.

• Tory Burch Foundation - The Tory Burch Foundation empowers women and women entrepreneurs by providing access to capital, education, and digital resources to help them grow their business.

• U.S. Chamber of Commerce - The 55 Grants, Loans and Programs to Benefit Your Small Business - a list compiled by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce - is updated weekly. Whether you are starting a new small business - or looking to grow the one you already own - finding funding can be a challenge. If you're looking for a small business grant or loan, the Chamber's list is one place to start.
   
• U.S. Chamber of Commerce - The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has launched a new digital platform  CO-  to help small businesses start, run. amd grow. 
   
• Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Grant – Verizon - in partnership with LISC - has rolled out their brand-new round of grant opportunities and your small business could be eligible to apply for $10,000 -, funding that could be used to help power up your marketing, purchase equipment, grow your team, and more! To apply for the current round of grant funding, complete any combination of two courses, coaching events, and community events.  Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
   
• WeWork and Bunker Labs have partnered on a nationwide initiative Veterans in Residence Program This initiative provides space, services, business mentorship, and community to help veteran and military family member entrepreneurs. 
   
• WomensNet - WomensNet invites you to apply for their $25,000 Amber Grant for Women. In recognition of the diversity of businesses owned by women, WomenNet has expanded their grant-giving to include “Marketing Grants,” “Business Category Grants,” as well as two “$25,000 Year End Grants.” Two $10,000 Amber Grants are awarded each month, and two of the monthly winners get an additional $25,000 Year-End Amber Grant.

The Library’s world-class Business Center at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL) features electronic resources, key print reference sources, and assistance for library patrons interested in:
•    Small business resources
•    Business and financial research
•    Personal finance and investing

Virtual Consultations with a Business Librarian
An expert librarian researches your question in advance and provides you with a detailed list of resources to meet your business needs. Book your consultation today.

Resource Guides
Explore dozens of business and finance topics with information databases and other resources specially curated by our librarians.  libguides.nypl.org/Business

Business Center Electronic Resources
Utilize our premium databases: D&B Hoovers • Reference Solutions • IbisWorld • eMarketer • Winmo • Emerging Markets • Mintel • Simply Analytics• First Research • Plunkett Research • Bloomberg • Mergent and more. Book a consultation to learn more - libcal.nypl.org/appointments/snfl-business

Events
Hear from industry experts on key business and finance topics. Staff-led classes show you how to use free Business Center resources to start or expand your business, manage your finances, or advance your career. Attend a webinar or class today  - click here for a full list of offerings.

Advisory Services 
Have questions about your current financial situation? Credit issues? Medicare? Our counselors are available to help with free and confidential sessions to answer your questions and provide the info and guidance you need.   Book a free online session with one of our professional counselors here. 

Business Plan Boot Camp
A comprehensive 10-week business planning course designed to provide an in-depth review of the components of a business plan.  Held October – December. nypl.org/bizbootcamp

How to Create a Tiny Business That Makes Big Money
Elaine Pofeldt interviews some of the entrepreneurs featured in her books to share how they created small business models that are not just tremendously profitable but also –very important– that can withstand any challenge. nypl.org/tinybiz

Investing A to Z
A nine-part series on investing, designed to lead you through basic investment concepts, the series aims to provide participants with a greater understanding of what professional investors look for when reviewing stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and options.  Held July – August. Made possible by the support of the Museum of American Finance. 

New York StartUP! Business Plan Competition
Participants can win up to $15,000 to start their business, as well as gain practical insights about starting and growing a business while using the comprehensive small business resources at NYPL’s Business Center.   nypl.org/bizplan

Retirement A to Z
An eight-part series on Retirement Planning designed to introduce you to the many possible sources of retirement income and resources. Held January – March. Made possible by the support of the Museum of American Finance. 

 

Unemployment Insurance

NYS is waiving the 7-Day waiting period for Unemployment Insurance benefits for people who are out of work due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) closures or quarantines.

a)General Information about the Unemployment Insurance Program

b)To file an Unemployment Insurance claim online

Please note - the state of New York advises that it is best to apply for unemployment online, if possible. To do so, you must have an NY.gov ID.  The link above includes instructions on how to create an NY.gov ID if you do not already have one. 

Hours of Operation:

• Monday – Thursday from 7:30 am to 7:30 pm (Eastern Time)
• Friday from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm
• Saturday – all-day
• Sunday until 7 pm

c)To file a claim by phone

 1-888-209-8124

Hours of Operation:

• Monday through Thursday: 8 am to 7:30 pm
• Friday: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
• Saturday: 7:30 am to 8:00 pm

d) General Instructions

1)If you are filing a new unemployment insurance claim, the day you should file is based on the first letter of your last name. If your last name starts with A - F, file your claim on Monday. For last names starting with G - N, file your claim on Tuesday. For last names starting with O - Z, file your claim on Wednesday. If you missed your filing day, file your claim on Thursday, Friday or Saturday. Filing later in the week will not delay your payments or affect the date of your claim, since all claims are effective on the Monday of the week in which they are filed.

2)Promptly file your claim, in the first week that you lose your job. You must serve an unpaid “waiting period,” equal to one full week of unemployment benefits, before you receive payments. A delay in filing may cost you benefits. You can estimate your weekly benefit amount by using the benefit rate calculator on our website. Please note that the tool gives an estimate only. It does not guarantee that you will be eligible for benefits or a specific amount of benefits. You must file an Unemployment Insurance claim to find out if you are eligible and learn your actual benefit amount. 

 

e)Things you need to file your claim:

• Your Social Security number
• Your driver license or Motor Vehicle ID card number (if you have either one)
• Your complete mailing address and zip code
• A phone number where we can reach you from 8 am - 5 pm, Monday –Friday
• Your Alien Registration card number (if you are not a U.S. Citizen and have a card)
• Names and addresses of all your employers for the last 18 months, including those in other states
• Employer Registration number or Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) of your most recent employer (FEIN is on your W-2 forms)
• Your copies of forms SF8 and SF50, if you were a federal employee
• Your most recent separation form (DD 214), for military service

You can file a claim without all of these documents. However, missing information can delay your first payment. 

For general assistance, call the Department of Labor Contact Center at (888) 4 NYSDOL ((888) 469-7365) between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Press option 2 to speak to a representative at the Department of Labor Contact Center.

 

Unemployment Help: (general information for New York and all other states) https://www.usa.gov/unemployment

 

FEDERAL MORTGAGE ASSISTANCE:

Fannie Mae Assistance Options for Homeowners Impacted by COVID-19

 

BILLS: UTILITIES, LOAN DEBT, MORTGAGE PAYMENTS & MORE

CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU (CFPB)

CFPB recommendations

Contact your lenders and loan servicers

If you’re not able to pay your bills on time, contact your lenders and servicers to let them know about your situation. Being behind on your payments can have a lasting impact on your credit. The CFPB and other financial regulators have encouraged financial institutions to work with their customers to meet their community needs.

Credit card companies and lenders may be able to offer you a number of options to help you. This could include waiving certain fees like ATM, overpayments, and late fees, as well as allowing you to delay, adjust, or skip some payments.

When contacting your lenders, be prepared to explain:

• Your situation
• How much you can afford to pay
• When you’re likely to be able to restart regular payments
• In the case of mortgages, be prepared to discuss your income, expenses and assets

As Americans prepare for the possible spread of the coronavirus or COVID-19, here are resources to protect yourself financially:

https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/protect-yourself-financially-from-impact-of-coronavirus/

 

https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/proteja-sus-finanzas-del-impacto-del-coronavirus/ (Spanish)

 

Since our inception, we’ve built a robust and technologically forward complaint process that handles approximately 30,000 complaints every month. Even in these challenging times, we are ready to send your complaints to companies to help you get the response you need:

 

https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/cfpb-helps-consumers-make-informed-financial-decisions-with-up-to-date-information-and-resources/

 

Your credit reports and scores play an important role in your future financial opportunities. Learn how to manage and protect your credit during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic:

 

https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/protecting-your-credit-during-coronavirus-pandemic/

 

 

 

b)The Governor of New York has announced that utility companies are barred from cutting off service, including power and heat, to customers affected by COVID-19 related illness or layoffs.

 

c)New York State will temporarily halt, for a 30 day period, the collection of medical and student debt owed to the State and referred to the Attorney General’s office for collection. These debts include: medical debts owed to state hospitals and veterans’ homes, student debts owed to SUNY, and debts owed by individuals, business owners, and homeowners related to oil spill cleanup, property damage, breach of contract, or fees owed to state agencies.

 

To apply for this temporary relief, fill out this online form or visit the OAG's coronavirus website to learn more about the suspension of payments. Individuals that are unable to fill out the online form can call the OAG hotline at (800) 771-7755 to learn more.

 

To provide relief to student loan borrowers during the COVID-19 national emergency, federal student loan borrowers can be placed in an administrative forbearance, which allows you to temporarily stop making your monthly loan payment. Read the borrower Q&As below to learn more, and contact your loan servicer to find out your specific options.

 

All loans owned by the U.S. Department of Education (ED) will have interest waived. That includes Direct Loans, as well as Federal Perkins Loans and Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program loans held by ED.For more information: https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/coronavirus

 

d) March 19th Governor Cuomo announces Mortgage Relief in New York State based on financial hardship. Patrons should contact their mortgage servicers.  More details will follow

 

 

 

 

 

4)TAX HELP:

 

a)Internal Revenue Service Coronavirus Tax Relief:

 

The IRS has extended the filing deadline and tax payment deadline to July 15th.

 

In response to the national emergency and to protect our employees, America’s taxpayers, communities and our partners, the IRS has temporarily closed all Taxpayer Assistance Centers and discontinue face-to-face service throughout the country until further notice. For more information – TAC Statement.

 

 

For further information:

https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus

 

b)Filing federal taxes online for free: 

 

The IRS lists several free options for Federal taxpayers earning $69,000 or less.

 

https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free

 

c) As of March 22nd NYState Tax are still due April 15

     

d) Filing state taxes online for free:

 

New York state lists several free options for taxpayers earning $69,000 or less

https://www.tax.ny.gov/pit/efile/

 

e)Free Tax Assistance for New York City: 

If you earned $64,000 or or less you can file online from this site 

https://access.nyc.gov/programs/nyc-free-tax-prep/

 

 

5) BANKING

FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION:

 

In light of recent developments related to the coronavirus, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) is reminding Americans that FDIC-insured banks remain the safest place to keep their money. The FDIC is also warning consumers of recent scams where imposters are pretending to be agency representatives to perpetrate fraudulent schemes.

https://www.fdic.gov/news/news/press/2020/pr20032.html

 

Frequently Asked Questions for Bank Customers Affected by Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Referred to as COVID-19):

 

https://www.fdic.gov/coronavirus/faq-customer.pdf

 

6)SMALL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE:

a)Guidance on Essential Services Under The 'New York State on PAUSE' Executive Order

“ESSENTIAL BUSINESSES OR ENTITIES, including any for profit or non-profit, regardless of the nature of the service, the function they perform, or its corporate or entity structure, are not subject to the in-person restriction.

“(Essential Businesses must continue to comply with the guidance and directives for maintaining a clean and safe work environment issued by the Department of Health).

“This guidance is issued by the New York State Department of Economic Development d/b/a Empire State Development and applies to each business location individually and is intended to assist businesses in determining whether they are an essential business and steps to request such designation. 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 restrictions.”

https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-issues-guidance-essential-services-under-new-york-state-pause-executive-order

b) To request designation as an essential business, please click here.

Restrictions on requesting designation as an essential business:

Any business that only has a single occupant/employee (i.e. gas station) has been deemed exempt and need not submit a request to be designated as an essential business.

Businesses ordered to close on Monday, March 15, 2020 under the restrictions on any gathering with 50 or more participants, including but not limited to, bars, restaurants, gyms, movie theaters, casinos, auditoriums, concerts, conferences, worship services, sporting events, and physical fitness centers, are presumed to be compliant with NYS issued restrictions and must remain closed and are not eligible for designation as an essential business for purposes of this guidance.

c)Small Business Guidance and Loan Resources:

https://www.sba.gov/page/coronavirus-covid-19-small-business-guidance-loan-resources

 

d) NYC Business Outreach:

https://www1.nyc.gov/site/sbs/businesses/covid19-business-outreach.page

e)Financial Assistance for Businesses Impacted by COVID-19

 

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. Businesses with fewer than 100 employees who have seen sales decreases of 25% or more will be eligible for zero interest loans of up to $75,000 to help mitigate losses in profit.

 

https://www1.nyc.gov/site/sbs/businesses/covid19-business-financial-assistance.page

 

 

 

7)NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH: Paid Sick Leave

Latest news:  https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/home

 

Paid Sick Leave:

 

To address the immediate need of employees affected by COVID-19 who are subject to mandatory or precautionary orders of quarantine or isolation, the new law provides the following:

Employers with 10 or fewer employees and a net income less than $1 million will provide their workers:

Job protection for the duration of the quarantine order

Guaranteed access to Paid Family Leave and disability benefits (short-term disability) for the period of quarantine including wage replacement for their salaries up to $150,000. Here's how to apply for Paid Family Leave and disability benefits.

Employers with 11-99 employees and employers with 10 or fewer employees and a net income greater than $1 million will provide their workers:

At least 5 days of paid sick leave

Job protection for the duration of the quarantine order

Guaranteed access to Paid Family Leave and disability benefits (short-term disability) for the period of quarantine including wage replacement for their salaries up to $150,000. Here's how to apply for Paid Family Leave and disability benefits.

Employers with 100 or more employees, as well as all public employers (regardless of number of employees), will provide their workers:

At least 14 days of paid sick leave

Guaranteed job protection for the duration of the quarantine order

 The provisions of the quarantine legislation took effect immediately upon the Governor's signature, ensuring that New York workers are able to take advantage of these benefits now.

Additional Notes:

If you are quarantined but are working from home you do not qualify for these benefits.

You may be eligible for additional leave under NYS Paid Family Leave and disability benefits. Please call the hotline for more info.

If an employer is closed due to COVID-19 or a quarantine order, employees may immediately apply for Unemployment Insurance.

2)Questions: 

Call the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) Hotline: 1-888-364-3065

Or:

Office of the Attorney General’s Labor Bureau: 212-416-8700

https://www.governor.ny.gov/paid-sick-leave-covid-19-impacted-new-yorkers/emergency-covid-19-paid-sick-leave

 

 

 

8)MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES:

 

a)NYC Well (phone, text and online chat services):

 

1-888-NYC-WELL (1-888-692-9355) is a free, confidential help-line for New York City residents. You can call 24 hours per day/7 days a week. The staff of trained mental health professionals help callers find mental health and substance abuse services. NYC Well is multilingual and multicultural:

1-888-NYC-WELL (1-888-692-9355)

1-888-692-9355 (Español)

1-888-692-9355 (中文)

711 (TTY for hearing impaired)

You can also text WELL to 65173

https://nycwell.cityofnewyork.us/en/

 

b)NYC emergency services crisis team:

 

https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/crisis-emergency-services-mobile-crisis-teams.page

 

A mobile crisis team is a group of health professionals, such as nurses, social workers and psychiatrists, who can provide mental health services, primarily in people's homes.

There are about two dozen teams in the city, and they are available in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens.

You can request help from a mobile crisis team if you are concerned about a family member, friend, or acquaintance who is experiencing (or at risk of) a psychological crisis. You can also request a team for yourself. To request a team, call NYC Well at (888) NYC-WELL (888-692-9355).

 

c) SAMHSA Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator:

 

The SAMHSA Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator is an on-line source of information for persons seeking treatment facilities in the United States or U.S. Territories for mental health and/or substance abuse/addiction problems.

https://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/

 

 

9)SOCIAL SERVICES:

 

 

a)Aunt Bertha (enter zip code for local social service organizations): https://www.auntbertha.com/

 

b)Meals on Wheels:  https://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/

 

(From the link scroll down a little bit and you will find a place to enter a Zip code.  I tried two ZIP Codes and got 5 suggested locations each time).

 

10)FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION  Avoid Coronavirus Scams

Here are some tips to help you keep the scammers at bay:

Hang up on robocalls. Don’t press any numbers. Scammers are using illegal robocalls to pitch everything from scam Coronavirus treatments to work-at-home schemes. The recording might say that pressing a number will let you speak to a live operator or remove you from their call list, but it might lead to more robocalls, instead.

Fact-check information. Scammers, and sometimes well-meaning people, share information that hasn’t been verified. Before you pass on any messages, contact trusted sources. Visit What the U.S. Government is Doing for links to federal, state and local government agencies.

Know who you’re buying from. Online sellers may claim to have in-demand products, like cleaning, household, and health and medical supplies when, in fact, they don’t.

Don’t respond to texts and emails about checks from the government. The details are still being worked out. Anyone who tells you they can get you the money now is a scammer.

Don’t click on links from sources you don’t know. They could download viruses onto your computer or device.

Watch for emails claiming to be from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or experts saying they have information about the virus. For the most up-to-date information about the Coronavirus, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Ignore online offers for vaccinations. There currently are no vaccines, pills, potions, lotions, lozenges or other prescription or over-the-counter products available to treat or cure Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) — online or in stores.

Do your homework when it comes to donations, whether through charities or crowdfunding sites. Don’t let anyone rush you into making a donation. If someone wants donations in cash, by gift card, or by wiring money, don’t do it.

Latest information and news bulletins:

https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/coronavirus-scams-what-ftc-doing

 

 

11)NEW YORK ATTORNEY GENERAL

a)Guidance on Coronavirus Resources and Warnings about Consumer Scams:

Scammers commonly exploit real public health concerns and use heightened public fear to prey on consumers and profit from frauds related to those health fears. While all New Yorkers should remain vigilant and ensure they are informed, there is no cause for great concern or panic.

The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) is actively monitoring retailers for potential incidents of price gouging of necessary goods and entities selling bogus medical treatments that purport to effectively treat or cure COVID-19. Since mid-March, Attorney General James has issued several "cease and desist" orders to companies making phony health claims, including to entities marketing products as treatments for the coronavirus even though there is currently no FDA-approved vaccine to prevent the disease or treatment to cure it. https://ag.ny.gov/coronavirus

b)Report Price Gouging:

To report price gouging or scammers selling bogus medical equipment, you can call the New York State Attorney General's consumer hotline at (800) 428-9071 or file a complaint at ag.ny.gov.

c)Employment Protections:

You may need to take time off from work if you are sick or if a family member is sick. Your employer may have a sick leave policy that provides you with paid sick days or you may have paid sick days if you are a union member. If your employer does not have a policy or contract guaranteeing you paid sick leave, you may still have protections under certain laws.  See Sick Leave above.

 

 

 

 

12)OLDER ADULTS

 

a)Benefits for Older Adults (search with your zip code):

https://www.benefitscheckup.org/

 

b)AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF RETIRED PEOPLE (AARP)

Information and latest news for older adults:

ttps://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2020/coronavirus-facts.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

13)U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

 

Information on the Family and Medical Leave Act:

https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fmla/pandemic

 

Workplace Safety; Wages, Hours and Leave; Unemployment Insurance Flexibilities; Support for Dislocated Workers & States; Job Corps Students; Injured Federal Workers; Federal Contractors; Supporting Workforce Needs in the Agricultural Sector

 

https://www.dol.gov/coronavirus

 

14)FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD

 

Coronavirus Resources:

 

News bulletins from the Federal Reserve Board regarding the Coronavirus:

https://www.federalreserve.gov/covid-19.htm

 

15)NYC COVID news (general):

 

New York City residents can sign up for the City’s COVID text notification system to get regular updates on the latest developments with coronavirus in New York City, by texting the word COVID to 692-692.  New Yorkers can text COVIDESP to 692-692 for updates in Spanish. You will receive regular SMS texts with the latest news and developments. If you have any questions on finding medical care call 311.