You've spoken, and we hear you! Nearly 30 Downtown Syracuse businesses completed the CenterState CEO COVID-19 business survey last month - if you're one of them, thank you!
We heard from numerous industries, with the highest number of responses coming from Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services; Finance and Insurance; Arts, Entertainment & Recreation; Accommodation and Food Services; and Real Estate Rental and Leasing.
Across industries, your top concerns were consistent: In the next 2-4 weeks, businesses are concerned about employees/payroll and cashflow/ability to pay other expenses.
The good news is the Small Business Administration (SBA) released two programs through the CARES Act to address each immediate concern:
- If your main concern is payroll:
- If your main concern is other expenses (e.g., rent, utility, loan, and vendor payments):
Not sure if you qualify? Syracuse.com published helpful guidance about these two programs in the last week: expert advice and program checklists. The Treasury Department also released detailed guidance on both programs. If you'd like help filling out your application, you can get a free consultation with the Small Business Development Center here.
Have a business concern you'd like to share? Tell us! We're advocating for new funding programs to meet your needs, so the more suggestions we hear, the better! E.g., Do you need resources to convert to an online/digital platform in the short-term? Are you anticipating renovation costs when you reopen? Will you need marketing assistance? Call the Downtown Committee's economic development department at 315-412-7878, or email us at [email protected] (Subject: Business Resources).
And, our COVID-19 Business Resources website is always open:
Thank you!
