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COVID-19 Business Related Questions & Complaints 

• For questions, please contact Empire State Development (ESD) at 716-846-8200 or email wnynyf@esd.ny.gov.  Also, see the Empire State Development (ESD) FAQs   
• File a Complaint here 

Report a Positive COVID-19 Case at Your Business/School 

• Complete and Submit the Form to Report an Employee/Student/Volunteer who Tests Positive for COVID-19
• See Isolation, Quarantine, Return to Work Documents and Information  

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Businesses 

• PPE Vendor List for Businesses and Application to be Added to PPE List
• Community Organization PPE Request Form: This form is to be used by community groups, youth programs, block clubs, community centers and faith institutions/places of worship to request personal protective equipment (PPE).  See form for additional details. 

NY Forward Information for Businesses 

NY Forward - Statewide Guidelines

• Includes Holiday Donations and Charity Drives, Sports and Recreation, Dentistry, Child Care and Day Camps, Professional Sports Training Facilities, Public Transportation, Religious and Funeral Services, Private Auto Transportation, Auto Racing, Lake and Ocean Beaches, Trade Schools and Private Instruction
• NY State Statewide Guidelines

NY Forward – Phase I

• Includes Construction, Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting, Retail Trade, Manufacturing, Wholesale Trade, Higher Education Research 
• NY State Phase I Guidance Documents 

NY Forward – Phase II

• Includes Offices, Real Estate, Essential and Phase II In-Store Retail, Vehicle Sales, Leases, and Rentals, Retail Rental, Repair, and Cleaning, Commercial Building Management, Hair Salons and Barbershops, Outdoor and Take-Out/Delivery Food Services
• NY State Phase II Guidance Documents       

NY Forward – Phase III

• Includes Personal Care and Food Services    
• NY State Phase III Guidance Documents  
• FAQs & Guidance on Outdoor Expansion of Licensed Premises in Response to COVID-19 Outbreak (NY State Liquor Authority)
• FAQs & Guidance on Requirement that Licensees With On-Premises Service Privileges Serve Food with Alcoholic Beverages (NY State Liquor Authority)

NY Forward – Phase IV   

• Includes Higher Education, Pre-K to Grade 12 Schools, Low-Risk Outdoor Arts & Entertainment, Low-Risk Indoor Arts & Entertainment, Media Production, Professional Sports Competitions With No Fans, Malls, Fitness Centers/Gyms, Sports and Recreation, Gaming Facilities 
• Schools and Childcare Programs 
• Fitness Centers/Gyms
• Sports & Recreation
• Agritourism: Guidance & FAQs for Corn Mazes, Pick-Your-Own Fruit/Vegetable Operations, Hayrides and Haunted Houses 
• NY State Phase IV Guidance Documents    

Financial Support  

• Erie County Business Task Force: Immediate Targeted Assistance for Local Businesses Struggling with the Effects of COVID-19
• Empire State Development (ESD): Economic Recovery and COVID-19 Loans and Assistance 
• Erie County Industrial Development Agency (ECIDA): ECIDA COVID-19 Disaster Relief Business Programs or call 716-856-6525 
• Buffalo Niagara Partnership (BNP): Online informational and connection platform for businesses impacted by COVID-19 
• Small Business Administration (SBA) Coronavirus Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources or call 716-551-4301 or 1-800-659-2955 
• US Chamber of Commerce Coronavirus Emergency Loans Small Business Guide & Checklist
• Unemployment/Employment, Employee Paid Leave Rights, CARES Act 

• NY Business Express Incentive Wizard - Learn what NY State business incentives you may be able to take advantage of

Additional Information and Resources

• Essential Business List
• Travel 
• Erie County Emergency Orders and NY State Executive Orders
• Business Reopening Lookup Tool 
• Small Business Administration (SBA) Buffalo District Office or call 716-551-4301 or 1-800-659-2955
• OSHA Guidance 
• Childcare Resource Network (CCRN): clearinghouse for childcare openings 
• CDC Guidance for Businesses and Employers 
• Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Facility (CDC)
• NYSDOH COVID-19 Hotline: 1-888-364-3065
• ECDOH COVID-19 Information: (716) 858-2929
• Community Resources - a variety of resources available to help you deal with the COVID-19 situation