Where to find business and financial assistance as you get up and running again.
By Francine Cohen

Once the cleanup is over and the power goes back on there’s still more to do; that’s get your business in order so that you can stay in business. And perhaps thrive even better than before the storm. INSIDE F&B wants to make sure you’ve got all the information you need to address lost income and payroll issues, taxes, permitting and inspections, etc. and have access to all the low interest loan and emergency funds available to hospitality industry businesses. To this end we share with you resources from the NYC Hospitality Alliance which will help you navigate the business of staying in business as we put the storm behind us.

Additionally, INSIDE F&B has started a relief fund to help businesses deal with those surprise (and often not covered by insurance) expenses that crop up in the process of getting back on your feet. Though our granting ability may be small, we’re happy to help however we can. Just ask.

But first, the news you need to know…

Business Resources & Relief from Hurricane Sandy
The NYC Hospitality Alliance has been monitoring Hurricane Sandy and its aftermath while assisting NYC hospitality businesses throughout the five boroughs. For regular alerts: Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/thenycalliance
Follow us on Twitter @theNYCalliance. The New York City Hospitality Alliance will continue to bring you important information as it becomes available to assist you through this difficult time.
T
he Alliance has collected the following tips and important resources that may be helpful to guide your business through the recovery period:

The NYC New Business Acceleration Team (NBAT)
NBAT is working with other City agencies to assist food and beverage establishments impacted by Hurricane Sandy. If you are in the food and beverage industry, an NBAT client manager is available to help you assess what services you may need from the City to help you recover. Whether you need financial assistance, a visit from an inspector to help ensure your premise is safe or help understanding the City processes, NBAT is here to help. Call us at (212) 788-6722.
Click here to learn more ›www.nyc.gov/html/nbat/html/about/about.shtml

Hurricane Sandy: Employment Issues for New York Employers
As a result of Hurricane Sandy a number of issues have arisen concerning the payment of wages. This document is a brief summary of the most frequently asked questions.
Click here to read more › www.thenycalliance.org/pdf/Alert-_Employment_Issues.pdf

Restaurant Re-opening Guidelines Following Hurricane Sandy
The following guidelines are for restaurants and other food service establishments affected by Hurricane Sandy either due to flooding, power outages or food contamination.
Click here to learn more ›www.thenycalliance.org/pdf/Reopening_post_Sandy_-_Final.pdf

Emergency Guidelines for Food Service Establishments with No Electricity
Hurricane Sandy – Emergency Guidelines for Operating a Food Service Establishment Without Electrical Service.
Click here to learn more ›www.thenycalliance.org/pdf/FSE_Power_Outage_-_Final.pdf

NYC Department of Small Business Services
Here is a list of tips for businesses recovering from damage and disruption to businesses due to Hurricane Sandy
Click here to read more ›www.nyc.gov/html/sbs/html/home/hurricane_sandy_businesses.shtml

Hurricane Sandy Business Recovery Information
NYC is coordinating a set of services to assist small businesses in recovering from Hurricane Sandy. Learn about available loans, rebuilding and other important assistance information
Click here to read more ›www.nyc.gov/html/sbs/nycbiz/html/home/home.shtml

Disaster Relief
Anyone affected by Sandy – homeowners, renters, and businesses – can apply for federal disaster assistance. Register at www.disasterassistance.gov or call the Federal Emergency Management Agency at 1-800-621-3362.

Federal Aid Programs for Disaster Recovery
For information from the Federal Small Business Administration on disaster recovery assistance.
Click here to read more ›www.sba.gov/category/navigation-structure/loans-grants/small-business-loans/disaster-loans

IRS and Tax Filing
IRS Gives Additional Time to Taxpayers and Preparers Affected by Hurricane Sandy; File and Pay by Nov. 7
Click here to read more ›www.irs.gov/uac/Newsroom/IRS-Gives-Additional-Time-to-Taxpayers-and-Preparers-Affected-by-Hurricane-Sandy;-File-and-Pay-by-Nov.-7

How You Can Help
Countless New Yorker’s have been impacted by the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy. It’s no surprise that NYC restaurants and hospitality businesses have already stepped up to serve their neighborhoods by donating food and offering other support, even while many of them are rebuilding and seeking support themselves. If your business is interested and able to assist in any of the relief efforts please consider the following options:

The NYC Hospitality Alliance is supporting and promoting City Harvest’s efforts to deliver food throughout the five boroughs to help our fellow New Yorkers in need during the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. City Harvest is seeking donations of 200-400 portions of prepared food that can be delivered directly to their agencies.

If your restaurant is interested and able to donate food, please contact Naomi Giges Downey at ndowney@cityharvest.org. As a note, the food would need to be chilled before they can put it on the truck (it can be hot food that was properly chilled down).

The NYC Hospitality Alliance is assisting City Council Speaker Christine Quinn and other elected officials coordinate food donations to feed hungry New Yorkers at City shelters who were displaced by the devastation of Hurricane Sandy. If your restaurant or business is able to donate prepared foods or offer other assistance please contact Annie Weir at annie.mullaly@gmail.com or 347-325-0699.

Click here to visit the City Harvest website ›www.cityharvest.org/