Economic Assistance Webinar Helps Business

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

“This interactive event was successful and provided residents with much needed information about assistance from local, state and federal sources,” Neuhaus said. “The men and women who run these businesses are our friends and neighbors, and when they thrive, our communities benefit. We are here to help our small businesses and residents weather this storm.”

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, go to home.treasury.gov/cares.

· Business owners can apply for Unemployment through the New York State Department of Labor by going to labor.ny.gov/unemploymentassistance.shtm. The Department of Labor determines eligibility for benefits.

· Job seekers can visit 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 April 9th 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.