The following are Resources Available for the Clean Energy Industry [PDF] to assist you during the COVID-19 crisis:
Federal
CARES Act’s Paycheck Protection Program
Authorizes funding for small businesses to be applied towards job retention and certain other expenses. Small businesses and eligible non-profit organizations, Veterans organizations, and Tribal businesses described in the Small Business Act, as well as individuals who are self-employed or are independent contractors, are eligible if they also meet program size standards.
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Guidance for you and your employees on how to protect yourself and what to do if you’re sick: Learn more
.
- How COVID-19 spreads and mitigation strategies
- General business information including for small business and employees, worker safety and support
- Transportation & Delivery
- Managing Workplace Fatigue
- Safe workplace practices, cleaning and disinfection
Small Business Administration - Low-interest Federal Disaster Loans
Offering low interest federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses and private, non-profit organizations all U.S. States and territories. Learn more.
The Families First Coronavirus Recovery Act (FFCRA)
Signed on March 18, 2020 authorizes the U.S. Department of Labor to disburse $1 billion in grant funding to states for the administration of unemployment insurance programs, funding is available to states in two allocations. 23 states have applied for the first round of funding, and the U.S. Department of Labor is working with the Department of Treasury to certify the funds.
- The U.S. Department of Labor (U.S. DOL) published additional guidance to provide information to employees and employers about how each will be able to take advantage of the protections and relief offered by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) which went into effect on April 1. Learn more.
- The FFCRA also authorized emergency paid sick leave and an expansion of the Family and Medical Leave Act. On April 1, 2020, U.S. DOL issued a temporary rule codifying in regulation previously issued guidance regarding the implementation of the new leave benefits.
U.S. Department of Labor- National Health Emergency Dislocated Worker Grants (DWGs)
Announced availability of up to $100 Million in DWGs in response to COVID-19. The DWGs are intended to provide eligible participants with both disaster-relief employment and employment training services. These participants can include dislocated workers, workers who were laid-off as a result of the disaster, self-employed individuals who are unemployed or underemployed as a result of the disaster, and long-term unemployed individuals. Learn more.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Access information for workers and employers about protecting workers and workplaces in response to COVID-19. Learn more.
State
Empire State Development – COVID-19 FAQ
Get answers to frequently asked questions for businesses regarding State regulations and general guidance related as well as answers to frequently asked questions on NY Forward and Business Reopening. If you still have questions, you can submit your COVID-19 related business questions online.
NYS Department of Health
Provides up-to-date information about COVID-19.
New York State Development - Small Business Administration Loans
Find resources and information, including links to New York’s Statewide community of Small Business Development Centers, Entrepreneurship Assistance Centers, and Community Development Financial Institutions, who are available to help guide your business through the SBA loan process. Learn more.
New York State Department of Labor
Provides guidance on unemployment insurance and benefits. Learn more.
Free Online Clean Energy Training Resources
Find training opportunities on a variety of clean energy topics available online at no cost. Learn more.
Reopening New York
Access resources for construction businesses in regions of New York that have
been permitted to re-open and construction businesses statewide that were
previously permitted to operate as essential.
Industry
American Society of Heating Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
Obtain COVID-19 preparedness resources for HVAC, buildings, transportation, and disinfection and filtration. Learn more.
American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA)
The Back to Work Safely resource guide offers safe work-site guidance for small businesses including in-home services, construction, and general office settings. Learn more.
Webinars
New York Forward Return to Work - Guidance for New York’s Clean Energy Workforce Webinar
The webinar highlights the new protocols and requirements outlined in Governor Cuomo’s NY Forward, a phased regional reopening strategy, and includes a walk-through of the NYS Department of Health’s construction guidance for Phase 1 reopening.
Renewable Energy Workforce Webinar
The NYSERDA Distributed Energy Resources and Large Scale Renewables teams in partnership with the Clean Energy Parties (SEIA, ACE NY, NYSEIA, NY-Best & CCSA) hosted an informational webinar to review the New York Forward guidance and New York State Department of Heath Interim Guidance for Construction Activities During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency as it relates to work on NYSERDA projects.
Energy Efficiency Workforce Webinar
The NYSERDA Single-Family Residential team, in coordination with New York’s energy industry agencies and utilities, hosted an informational webinar to provide workers with access to current best practices and support to ensure a safe return to work.
Previous Webinars
NY Forward: Information for Businesses Navigating Reopening
Wednesday, June 10, 2020
As New York businesses begin to reopen under NY Forward, NYSERDA and The Business Council of New York State held an informational webinar to provide resources on safely opening businesses and the clean energy programs available as business operations resume.
Access downloadable presentation [PDF]
The Latest Reopening Guidance from New York State
Monday, May 18, 2020
The Business Council of New York held a webinar to discuss the requirements of sector-specific reopening guidelines for manufacturing, construction, retail and agribusiness sectors subject to the state’s phase 1 reopening plan.
Access downloadable presentation
Impact of Coronavirus on Employers: A Clean Energy Business Resource Overview
Thursday, April 16
NYSERDA and the Business Council of New York co-hosted a webinar to discuss COVID-19 state/federal assistance programs available for businesses, including clean energy businesses.
Access webinar recording and downloadable presentation
CARES Federal Relief Bill: Assistance in Applying for Business Loans
Wednesday, April 8
NYSERDA and the Business Council of New York hosted a free webinar on The CARES Federal Relief Bill: Assistance in Applying for Business Loans. The webinar featured experts from the US Chamber, the Small Business Administration, Banking services and Human Resources who discussed the bill and provided guidance through the process of applying for assistance.
Access downloadable presentation [PDF]