Author Archives

emil mella

New $100 million New York Forward Loan Fund.

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The State’s New York Forward Loan Fund will make under-$100,000 working capital loans to NYS small businesses, nonprofits, and small landlords of under 20 employees and gross revenues of under $3 million. Applicants are ineligible if they received SBA funding through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) or the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL).  Loan amounts will be the lesser of (a) $100,000 or (b) up to 100% of average monthly … Read more

Current list of COVID-19 testing sites in Manhattan.

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The following is a list of testing sites for both swab testing (for those who suspect they are infected) and antibody testing (for those who believe they have already recovered from the virus) in Manhattan. All sites are swab testing sites and available by appointment only, unless otherwise noted. Last updated: 5/27/2020 NOTE: The State has released an online map tool to help find your nearest COVID-19 testing center, which… Read more

Current list of open streets in Manhattan.

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Here’s a list of all the open streets in Manhattan as of May 14th:
  • Hudson Blvd. East & West, from 35th – 36th Street.
  • 17th Street, from 10th Ave. – 8th Ave.
  • West End Avenue, from 87th – 96th Street.
  • 75th Street, from Broadway – Riverside Drive.
  • 114th Street, from Manhattan Ave. – Frederick Douglass Blvd.
  • Edgecombe Avenue, from St. Nicholas Place – 145th Street.
  • Margaret Corbin Drive, from Fort
… Read more

Who’s Helping New York Reopen?

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Who’s Helping New York Reopen? The Mayor and Governor are announcing many advisory boards of stakeholders and experts working to determine best practices as we adapt to a “new normal.” Here are the boards that I know of… Blue-Ribbon Commission Appointed by Governor Cuomo on May 25, the Blue-Ribbon Commission will advise on improving telehealth and broadband access using new, innovative technologies. Source: governor.ny.gov.
  • Chair: Eric Schmidt, former CEO
… Read more

Help Available for Freelancers

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Here’s a list of active grant programs available to freelancers:

Freelancers Relief Fund:

Launched by Freelancers Union, this program offers financial assistance of up to $1,000 per freelance household to cover lost income and essential expenses not covered by government relief programs. This includes: food/food supplies, utility payments, cash assistance to cover income loss. Eligibility:
  • Primarily reside in the US
  • Must have performed freelance work as their primary source of
… Read more

Everything I’ve Heard About: ARTS & CULTURE

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These are difficult times, and we’re doing our best to keep Manhattan informed – which is why we’ve been putting out our daily COVID-19 newsletter (sign up here!). As we all self-isolate, New Yorkers are leaning more than ever on books, movies, music and other great works of art – but just as we find support in the arts, times like these remind us how essential it is that… Read more

Everything I’ve Heard About: FOOD

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These are difficult times, and we’re doing our best to keep Manhattan informed – which is why we’ve been putting out our daily COVID-19 newsletter (sign up here!). This crisis has placed how we feed ourselves and our families front and center in all of our minds. This post compiles information from our newsletter to help keep you posted on the resources and information available to you, what we’re… Read more

Everything I’ve Heard About: MONEY

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These are difficult times, and we’re doing our best to keep Manhattan informed – which is why we’ve been putting out our daily COVID-19 newsletter (sign up here!). The effect of coronavirus on paychecks has been sizable, and while local, state and federal governments, along with some businesses, have put a variety measures in place to give New Yorkers a break, it’s hard to keep track of it all.… Read more

Everything I’ve Heard About: EDUCATION

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These are difficult times, and we’re doing our best to keep Manhattan informed – which is why we’ve been putting out our daily COVID-19 newsletter (sign up here!). One of the most challenging parts of this crisis have come from how it has impacted education – from college to pre-K, students are going home as families learn how to best grapple with e-learning platforms. We’ve been sending out information… Read more

Everything I’ve Heard About: DONATIONS & VOLUNTEERING

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These are difficult times, and we’re doing our best to keep Manhattan informed – which is why we’ve been putting out our daily COVID-19 newsletter (sign up here!). As the situation around COVID-19 develops, so many New Yorkers want to serve their communities – it goes without saying that in so many cases, the best way to do so is just to stay home! But for those in healthy… Read more