Category: Other Resources

Governor Hochul Announces $150 Million New York Forward Loan Fund 2 to Provide Flexible Loans to New York State Small Businesses

Governor Kathy Hochul announced the New York Forward Loan Fund 2 program for qualifying small businesses and nonprofits. After expanding criteria for qualifications and with even greater resources allocated for the program, the enhanced fund represents an even bolder commitment to New York State’s small businesses. Qualified recipients with fewer than 100 employees and less than $5 million in gross annual revenue can apply for loans up to $150,000 with affordable, fixed-rate interest rates. Part of New York’s broader State Small Business Credit Initiative efforts led by Empire State Development, the fund will be in place for the next eight years and will focus on helping small businesses and nonprofits, particularly those in low-income and historically underbanked communities and rural areas access flexible working capital to cover a wide range of expenses, from payroll and marketing to facility renovations. Additionally, free support services from experts will work with businesses throughout the life of the loan. Learn more here.

Pfizer Booster is Now Available for Children Ages 5-11

The Health Department announced that the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine boosters for children ages 5 to 11 is widely available in New York City. Health Department vaccination sites, pharmacies, community health centers, hospitals, and City-run clinics will be providing no-cost COVID-19 vaccines. Visit nyc.gov/vaccinefinder or call 877-VAX4NYC to find a location. You can read the full announcement here.

New York City is now on High Alert, as COVID-19 is increasing. In addition to staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccines, New Yorkers should:

  • Wear a face mask in all public indoor settings and crowded outdoor settings. Upgrade to higher-quality masks, including KN95, KF94, N95, or a cloth mask on top of a surgical mask. Higher-quality masks will most benefit people who are at high risk of severe illness, are over 65 or are unvaccinated.
  • Consider avoiding higher-risk activities. Do not go to crowded, indoor gatherings. Limit any type of gathering to a small number of people.
  • Get tested. Testing is especially important if you have COVID-19 symptoms or were recently in contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19. You should also get tested before and after traveling or getting together with others
  • Stay home if sick or recently exposed. Follow all isolation and quarantine guidance, including wearing a face mask. COVID-19 is highly contagious. You can spread COVID-19 even if you do not have symptoms.
  • Wash your hands. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use a hand sanitizer.

You Can Get More Free COVID Tests Sent to Your Home

 

 

Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order 2 sets of 4 free at-⁠home tests. If you already ordered your first set, you can order a second today.

How to get free COVID-19 tests

You only need to provide the Postal Service with a few bits of information to get your free test kits. You won’t be asked to provide any credit or debit card details, as both the tests and shipping are free. Here’s how to get your free test kits.

1. Visit special.USPS.com/testkits. You can also get there via covidtests.gov.

2. Enter your contact details and shipping information.

3. Click Check Out Now.

4. Verify that your information is correct and select Place My Order.

Get FREE Fruits and Vegetables in your Neighborhood!

 

Staten Island University Hospital is partnering neighborhood corner stores and community leaders around Staten Island to set up fresh fruit and vegetable kiosks from which customers can help themselves to free, healthy produce that otherwise would be less accessible. You can access the kiosks at the addresses below:

 

Green Apple Deli
Open 24 hours
191 Broad Street
Staten Island 10304
(718) 313-9919

 

The Curtis Deli
7 days a weeks, 7:00 am-9:00 pm
10 Daniel Low Terrace
Staten Island 10301
(718) 807-4654

 

Columbia Meat Market
Monday-Saturday, 8:00 am-6:00 pm
437 Jersey Street
Staten Island 10301
(718) 447-1744