Small Business

Washington, DC - Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) has written Governor Cuomo urging him to officially designate damage from recent looting of small businesses a disaster. Doing so would allow impacted New York City small businesses to apply for federal disaster loans through the Small Business Administration.

Congress has taken a number of steps to help small businesses weather the economic hardship brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

For the latest information about relief programs available through the American Rescue Plan, click here.

For a summary of the small business provisions of the American Rescue Plan, click here.

EARLIER RELIEF:

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez released the following statement regarding Small Business Administration lending programs and Puerto Rico:

"Puerto Rico's economy was already struggling before COVID-19. Decades of neglect followed by historic hurricanes and recent earthquakes had already made a tough situation worse. Now, with the Island on lockdown in response to COVID-19, businesses, families and workers are suffering even more.

Washington, D.C.— Today, House Small Business Committee Chairwoman Nydia M. Velázquez (DNY) spoke on the House floor on the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act. Below are her remarks, as prepared for delivery:

"I rise in support of America's 30 million small businesses and their hardworking employees. Three weeks ago, when Congress created the Paycheck Protection Program, we did so with the goal of providing a lifeline to small – let me say that again – small businesses. Today, we are replenishing that program as the initial round of funding has run dry.

Washington, DC – Members of the New York City Congressional delegation today wrote Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Jovita Carranza, calling for swift remediation of problems in small business aid programs recently enacted as part of the "CARES Act."

Grant Program Would Partner Nonprofits, Small and Medium Eateries to Address Nutrition Needs

Washington, DC – Legislation authored by Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) would establish a new program to help meet staffing shortages at antihunger nonprofit organizations in New York City and throughout the nation. Under the bill, the "Community Meals Fund", nonprofits could qualify for grants of $500,000 to partner with small and mid-sized restaurants for the preparation and distribution of food to vulnerable populations.

Updated February 9

As the COVID19 epidemic continues, it is important that New Yorkers have access to reliable information.

Please utilize the following information to prepare yourselves and address any problems or pressing concerns you may have.

Residents of New York's 7th Congressional District may always contact the Congresswoman's office for help. The best way to do so is by using this online form. Submissions are checked daily.