COVID-19 TACC Business Resource & Assistance Center

#TiTogether TACC #CARES

COVID-19 Resources, Assistance & Important INFO

The Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce is working hard to serve our Members and the Business Community to the best of our ability during this pandemic. We also want to ensure we are providing our Members with as much INFO, resources, and assistance as possible. TACC does have a COVID-19 office action plan in place. Remember – we are here for you! We will continue to stay positive and productive in our leadership. Please connect with us if you need assistance in anyway. Be sure to Like & Follow our Facebook for the most updated information. And remember to support other TACC Members!

TACC Contact Info

Phone: 518-585-6619

Staff Emails:

Matthew Courtright, President & CEO (mcourtright@ticonderogany.com)

Erin Mullen, Member Service & Event Manager (emullen@ticonderogany.com)

Kelly Carey, Office Administrator (chamberinfo@ticonderogany.com)

Website: www.ticonderogany.com

Signage

NYS Mask & Social Distancing Required Sign

NYS Must Wear Mask Social Distance Sign Caution Sign

Sign Compliments of Essex County Public Health

“Politely Adirondack Signage” (Posters) from TACC Partner the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism:

Winter “Politely Adirondack Signage“

ROOST #SHOPADK Tookit & Winter Signage

Please Social Distance

Please Wear Mask If You Cant Social Distance

Please Wear A Mask

Please Wash Your Hands

Center For Disease Control Workplace Signage:

CDC Jobsite Posters

CDC Wearing A Mask/Covering Sign

CDC Stop The Spread of Germs Sign

General Signage:

Slow The Spread of Germs Sign

Hand Washing Signs

Help Stop The Spread Flyer

Supporting Local Businesses COVID-19 Flyer:

Supporting Local Business Infograhic

Assistance

Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce

Contact the Chamber for all of your COVID-19 Business Resource & Assistance needs! We’re here for you!

Keep the Chamber Updated: Keep TACC updated on how your business is operating, hours of operation, changes in services, etc. Let us serve you to the best of our ability. To do this we must be aware of the information. We encourage Members to tag us on social media posts, so we can share your INFO.

Member/Business One-On-One Assistance: We are happy to meet in person, via phone, or share/discuss ideas for your business during this pandemic via email or on a one-on-one basis. We have already started meeting with Members this morning. Please contact a Chamber Staff Member for assistance. We are here for you!

Support Local Businesses: See the attached Infographic you can utilize to educate the community on ways to continue to support our local businesses and the economy.

Supporting Local Business Infographic

Small Business Development Center

Offering an array of business support & services, counseling, and more.

http://www.nyssbdc.org/centers/centers.aspx?centid=47

Local Office: Request an Appointment

SUNY Canton SBDC at Clinton Community College
100 Clinton Point Drive
Plattsburgh, NY 12901
8:00 AM — 4:30 PM
Phone: (518) 324-7232

Adirondack Economic Development Corporation

Offering business support and services, counseling, planning, and services.

518-891-5523 or visit https://aedconline.com.

TACC Responds/Current Action

TACC has a COVID-19 Action plan in regards to day to day operations, services, programs, meetings, and events. This is a three-level action plan. Serving as the Business & Visitor Center – INFO Center (Virtually & In-Person – OFFICE IS NOW OPEN!).
Ongoing general communication out to all of our Members and businesses in regards to COVID-19 Resources, assistance, assistance, regulations, and Reopening Guidelines. This will be ongoing as information changes. In addition, they are receiving updates from our partners the North Country Chamber of Commerce.
Assisting Members & Area Businesses to identify and understand federal funding, regional funding, & local funding and financial resources available to them. We are also assisting them in applying for funding.
Daily email communication with businesses being affected by new state temporary regulations and reopening guidelines, etc. Ongoing communication with businesses being affected by new state temporary regulations every 3 days. Keeping them informed to the best of our ability. Assist them to evaluate changes in operation, what is working, what isn’t working, make additional plan changes, etc. In addition, inform them/assist them with federal funding, regional funding, etc.
Working with our regional, state, and federal partners and agencies (daily communication) to address all business concerns and issues, as well as identify business assistance and financial relief options, business resources, immediately and in the future from local, regional, state, and federal programs. This includes all TACC Partners, our representatives, and the Small Business Administration.
One-on-one business support and services daily with numerous TACC Members and Ticonderoga Area Businesses. Reaching out to all Members individually to provide them with resources, to connect, and to see what their individual needs are.
Social Media, Email, & Virtual Campaign on ways the community can support our local businesses during this pandemic. This also includes digital marketing on how restaurants are operating (take-out & delivery), and retailers operating differently during this time, etc. This includes infographics and COVID-19 Restaurant & Retail Guides.
Participation in The Great American Buy Local initiative with ways to support local businesses during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Providing up to date information on Ticonderoga Area Businesses on how they are operating doing business to the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism and Sun Community News.
Updating and maintaining the Ticonderoga Area Events Calendar and Regional Calendars to reflect event cancellations, rescheduling of events, etc.
TACC remains open for service via phone, email, and social media. TACC staff have set up home office but are working together digitally and over the phone to serve our members, the business community, and the Ticonderoga Area during this pandemic.
Launched virtual COVID-19 TACC Business Resource & Assistance Center. UPDATED DAILY!
Launched virtual Support Local Businesses – Member & Business Updates Center. UPDATED DAILY!
Hosted Webinars in coordination with ANCA & CBIT for Small Businesses during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Focus on creating digital sales and operations.
Hosting Chamber Chats – Virtual Coffee Meetings with TACC Members & Ticonderoga Area Businesses/Organizations Bi-Weekly.
Working with ANCA/Center For Businesses In Transition to not only assist those businesses in transition but focusing on the COVID-19 and providing am array of business support and services.
Working with/Serving on the committee for the Adirondack Park/Essex County Emergency Recovery Committee in coordination with the County and the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism to plan for reopening which includes current needs, process of opening, resources for businesses and communities, and marketing (crafting and targeting marketing for local, regional, and visitors). This includes TACC being part of the ADK Planning Team to Address Reopening, Marketing, Business Support & Services, Planning For The Future, and Implementation: The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) is currently telling our travelers that now is not the time to visit. Now is a time to PAUSE, reconnect with loved ones, and find safe, healthy adventures close to home. But rest assured, we’ll be here ready to welcome you back when the time is right. ROOST is committed to ensuring that every experience in the Adirondacks is the best it can be by providing up-to-date information. The safety of our residents is our highest priority as we navigate these uncertain times. We are dedicated to working in collaboration with health and government officials as well as our Adirondack communities to help provide the resources we all need to make informed decisions. Visit the Adirondacks Community Update Page For More INFO! #WeWillBeHereADK
Hosted Virtual Meeting/Tele-Townhall with Congresswoman Elise Stefanik and NYS Representatives in coordination with the Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce.
Hosted Virtual Question & Answer Meeting with the Small Business Administration Regional Representative in coordination with the Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce.
Hosted Roundtable Discussion with Assemblyman Dan Stec, Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce Board, and Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce Board.
Hosted Webinar/Virtual Meetings – Adirondack Tourism Strategy – Pathway Forward Teleconferences with ROOST for area businesses in coordination with other Chambers.
Hosted Tourism Talk Virtual Meeting with ROOST & Area Businesses.
Hosting additional Tele-Meeting with representatives from state and federal government, Tele-Meetings with small business resources & agencies, etc.
Hosted Marketing During COVID-19 Webinar with eVision Digital Marketing.
Having Social Media Contests & Giveaways to support local businesses.
Launched TACC COVID-19 – We Will Rise Up Video & Photo Collages for use on Youtube, Social Media, etc.
Launched We’re Back Campaign for reopening.
Work with our TACC Partners to ensure Members are taking advantage of their benefits via these partners. Promoting Webinars, Trainings, & Services available available for our Members and Ticonderoga Area Businesses to take advantage of.
Working closely with the Essex County Industrial Development Agency to assist area businesses.
Created Local, Regional, & State PPE Resource Guide.
Hosted NYS Sanitizer & Other PPE Distribution Days For TACC Members & Area Businesses. Will be hosting again.
Hosted Sanitizer Fill Up Days for Community Members throughout 2020 and will again in 2021.
Hosted Webinar with AEDC & the NC Chamber entitled “Moving From Surviving in 2020 To Thriving In 2021.”
Hosting SBA Q&A and COVID-19 Program Overview For 2021 in coordination with the Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce.
Hosting New Year Chamber Chat with special guests from the Small Business Development Center.
Tourism Talks – Digital Round Tables with specific industries in coordination with the Saranac Lake Area Chamber Commerce. Industries include retail, restaurant, lodging, and attractions. Additional may be announced.
Planning Industry Roundtable Discussions.
Planning for when the PAUSE is over including events and getting our communities ready for visitors.
Hosting events for our local businesses, community members & visitors (when we can).
Researching an Shop/Spend Local website (virtual shopping site).
Launching new TACC Member Benefits via our website soon!
And Much More! New tasks, projects, and initiatives are added each day in response to supporting our Members and the Ticonderoga Area Business Community during the COVID-19 Pandemic including future etc. We’re here for you each and every day! We are living this with you!

Re-Opening Plans, Important Information, & Resources

Continued updates and details to be announced from the Chamber as well as local, regional, and state agencies.

NYS COVID-19 Updates & More: Updated 3/16/21

NY Forward Website

This website is your go to source for updates from NYS on the COVID-19 Pandemic, Business Guidelines, etc.

Contact the Chamber with any questions. We’re here for you!

NYS Governors Office News & Updates

NYS Department of Health COVID-19 Updates & Information

This website is your source for the latest information on the COVID-19 Pandemic from NYS!

Essex County Public Health

This website is your source for local COVID-19 information and updates.

Other Resources From NYS:

NY Forward Reopening Guide Booklet

NY Forward Business Industry Reopening Look Up Tool

Regional Monitoring Dashboard

North Country Chamber of Commerce (TACC Partner):

Resources, Guidance, & Much More

Center For Disease Control Guidance & Creating Your COVID-19 Business Operation, Sanitizing, & Social Distancing Plan:

Creating Your Plan Guidance & INFO From The CDC

General Sanitization & Cleaning Guidance For Your Workplace From The CDC

CDC Protect Yourself & Others

Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism Business Resource Toolkit:

Toolkit Resources For Businesses & Community Partners

Center For Disease Control

Preparing Your Small Business & Employees

Department of Labor & OSHA

Guidance On Preparing Your Workplace

National-Restaurant-Association-COVID19-Reopening-Guidance

NYS Hospitality & Tourism Association

https://www.nyshta.org/

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Resources For Your Business:

*Including Hand Sanitizer, Masks, Gloves, etc.

TACC PPE Resource Guide

North Country Chamber Supply Guide & INFO

Upcoming Webinars, Virtual Trainings & Meetings

TACC Webinars & Workshops:

Additional 2021 Webinars & Workshops to be announced soon!

For information on past workshops contact the Chamber!

Partner Webinars:

Webinars Via the North Country Chamber – Utilize Our Partnership with the NC Chamber:

You can access their webinars including industry specific safety trainings as you are a TACC Member and an Associate Member of the North Country Chamber as part of your TACC Benefits. You can also access the previously recorded webinars. Visit http://northcountrychamber.com/ for more information or to register!

TACC Working For You, Staff Trainings, Tele-Conferences, & Webinars:

TACC staff has been extremely busy serving our Members and the Ticonderoga Area Business Community during this pandemic with COVID-19 Business Resources & Assistance as well as normal services support, programs, and benefits. In addition, we have been on many conference calls and tele-meetings with local, regional, state, and federal agencies and representatives. This will continue throughout the week ahead and beyond. We are also working with our partners and serving on several regional re-opening committees to serve all of you to the best of our ability and coordinate with our partners! We are also addressing current Member/Business concerns and needs outside of the pandemic.

General Financial & Crisis/Disaster Business Financial Resources

General Funding, Loans, Grants, Etc.

The TACC will be sending funding information directly to those it applies to from a number of sources. This includes local, regional, and federal grant programs. Pay close attention to emails coming from Erin Mullen our Member Service Manager as well as general TACC COVID-19 Business Resource & Assistance email communications from TACC.

Continued updates and details to be announced on local, regional, state and federal financial services/assistance. For general financial business resources contact the Chamber Office. We encourage businesses to contact your current creditors to make arrangements with them.

PLEASE NOTE: INFORMATION IS CHANGING DAILY FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AND NEW YORK STATE. IN ADDITION NEW PROGRAMS AND DETAILS ARE ANNOUNCED DAILY FROM LOCAL TO FEDERAL LEVELS.

BE AWARE OF SCAMS! HERE IS A SCAM RESOURCE FROM THER SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION:

SBA SCAM RESOURCE SHEET

Report Fraud: Report any suspected fraud to OIG’s Hotline at 800-767-0385 or online at, https://www.sba.gov/about-sba/oversight-advocacy/office-inspector-general/office-inspector-general-hotline

EMPIRE STATE DEVELOPMENT ANNOUNCES “RAISING THE BAR” RESTAURANT RECOVERY FUND

More Than $3 Million in Grant Funding Available through Financial Support Led by Diageo North America and Supported by Coastal Pacific Wine & Spirits, and implemented by the National Development Council. Eligible Restaurants Can Receive up to $5,000 to Assist with COVID-19 Safety Measures

Details & Application

Essex Country Industrial Development Agency – Expansion of Revolving Loan Program

A $300,000 grant has been awarded to the Essex County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to expand the IDA’s revolving loan program. The loan program will help to assist the startup, expansion, and retention of small businesses in Essex County. The loan fund can be used to finance machinery and equipment, working capital, furniture, fixtures, and real property. This is an Equal Opportunity Program. For more information, please contact Carol Calabrese at 518-873-9114 or ccalabrese@essexcountyida.com.

Lake Champlain Lake George Regional Planning Board: COVID-19 Small Business Recovery Loan

The Lake Champlain Lake George Regional Planning Board (LCLGRPB) is accepting applications for their COVID-19 Small Business Recovery Loan program. This loan program is available to for-profit businesses in Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton, Lewis, St. Lawrence, Warren, and Washington counties who have been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Businesses can request up to $150,000 in loan funds to cover things like mortgages, utilities, payroll expenses, equipment purchases, facility upgrades, and more.

COVID-19 Small Business Recovery Loan Program Details:
Loan amounts of up to $150,000. 1.9% fixed interest rate* (final interest rate is pending approval; subject to change). Interest-only payments for first 12 months. Terms up to seven years. Available to for-profit businesses in Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton, Lewis, St. Lawrence, Warren, and Washington counties. No application fee. No prepayment penalty. Minimal closing costs. Loan use: working capital, equipment/supply purchase, facility and infrastructure upgrades. Sufficient collateral required. Personal guarantee required.

This loan program was made possible through over $3.2 million in federal funding that was included in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act passed in March, and released this month by the U.S. Department of Commerce. While final loan details and application are forthcoming, interested businesses can call (518) 668-5773 to start the process.

FACT SHEET!

LISC-Lowe’s Rural Relief Small Business Grants Program

As part of our continuing commitment to elevate our impact in rural America, OneLISC is inviting small business owners in rural locations across the country to apply for the LISC-Lowe’s Rural Relief Small Business Grants program. Applications are being accepted in “rounds”. You must submit a new application each time in order to be considered for funding. To find out more about who is eligible, to sign up for updates, and to apply, please visit the LISC website.

Rural LISC is grateful for Lowe’s generous support for rural small businesses. We are committed to the integrity of the grant application process and to the security of applicants’ information. A couple of things to keep in mind: Valid grant applications are only accepted through the links posted on www.lisc.or g, We will never request copies of personal documentation such as driver’s licenses, passports, and/or green cards. The application is easy to fill out, requiring basic business information – professional grant writing assistance will not increase the chances of selection.

NYS COVID-19 Recovery Loan Fund

Click Here For More INFO!

Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Loan

Click Here For Up To Date INFO from the SBA!

Payment Protection Program:

Click Here For Up To Date INFO from the SBA!

*For a list of local banks, credit unions, and financial institutions in regards to the certain aspects of the CARES Act click here!

Pandemic Unemployment For Business Owners:

https://dol.ny.gov/pandemic-unemployment-assistance

Assistance In Regards To Financial Resources

Contact the Chamber at 518-585-6619 or email mcourtright@ticonderogany.com.

Small Business Development Center

New York State: http://www.nyssbdc.org/Coronavirus.html

Small Business Development Center: http://www.nyssbdc.org/centers/centers.aspx?centid=47

Local Office: Request an Appointment

SUNY Canton SBDC at Clinton Community College
100 Clinton Point Drive
Plattsburgh, NY 12901
8:00 AM — 4:30 PM
Phone: (518) 324-7232

Adirondack Economic Development Corporation

The Adirondack Economic Development Corporation is also offering services to assist businesses in applying for this fund/loan. Call 518-8915523 or visit https://aedconline.com.

Essex Count Industrial Development Agency

http://www.essexcountyida.com/newsite/

Warren Washington County Industrial Development Agency

https://warren-washingtonida.com/

Protect Your Self Financially During COVID-19 Pandemic – Suggestions & INFO

https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/protect-yourself-financially-from-impact-of-coronavirus/

Important COVID-19 INFO & Resources

General Resources:

Center For Disease Control

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html

NYS Health Department

https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/coronavirus/

Press Releases

NYS Empire State Digital Program

The goal of the Empire State Digital initiative is to help businesses grow and adapt and small business owners, restaurants and food service establishments in New York can take advantage of this unique opportunity to expand their business while delivering a safe experience to their customers and staff in light of the Covid-19 protocols.

https://esd.ny.gov/empire-state-digital

NYS Empire State Development

NYS Empire State Development Office has launched a free COVID-19 Business Mentor Program. Check out the details. Contact the Chamber for more INFO!

https://esd.ny.gov/covid-19-help

https://esd.ny.gov/business-mentor-ny-covid-19-assistance

BMNY Walkthrough For Businesses Seeking Help with COVID-19

NYS Governors Office

https://www.governor.ny.gov

https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/home