A message from President & CEO Andrew Kennedy about COVID-19
CEG is committed to exercising caution in response to continuing developments to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in accordance with evolving guidelines from NYS and local public health officials. To ensure the safety of our staff, members, and clients, we will be working remotely as much as possible, with a plan to continue operations as well as we can to support you. We are implementing the following:
We are postponing all of our group training until otherwise directed by public health officials to have large meetings. We will be in touch about any necessary rescheduling as soon as that information becomes available.
In-person meetings and client visits will be moved to Video Conferencing and addressed on a case-by-case basis. CEG staff will be in contact to determine the best course of action for your project.
We are available for consultation. Your company may be needing to address supply chain, human resources, re-start, operational issues or more. Our business advisers are ready to help. Please contact Michael Lobsinger, michaell@ceg.org, 518-465-8975, ext 238
Additionally, we would also like to share information regarding the Small Business Administration (SBA) loans being made available for businesses impacted by COVID-19. The SBA will work directly with state’s to provide targeted, low-interest loans to small businesses and non-profits that have been severely impacted by the COVID-19. The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program provides small businesses with working capital loans of up to $2 million that can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing.
States must make a request to SBA in order for businesses to be eligible and Governor Cuomo has submitted a request that is in process.
CEG is working with our partners at the state, including Empire State Development (ESD), to provide guidance and details on how this program will be implemented. We will follow up with additional information as we receive it.
In the interim, all businesses and counties are advised to reach out to their regional ESD office and Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Services. They will be coordinating, assisting, and communicating once NYS has received its approval. Read more about guidance for businesses and corporations from ESD.
A list of resources and current, updated information from the SBA including how to gain access to capital is available online here.
We wish everyone a safe and healthy next few weeks.
Regards,
Andrew Kennedy, President & CEO
