NYC Mayor's Fund secures $500,000 to help small businesses in the Bronx

With the phase one reopening on Monday, Mayor Bill de Blasio is pledging to help small businesses bounce back in New York City.
He announced the Business Emergency Grant Program that will issue grants of up to $10,000 per business to help with recovery including repairs, security systems, locks and more.
NYC Mayor’s Fund has secured $500,000 in initial funds thanks to SOMOS Community Care to support small businesses in the Bronx.
New York City is also providing access to direct NYPD engagement, emergency legal assistance, and insurance claim support.
Mayor de Blasio announced that the Dedicated Business Restart Hotline will be launching Friday. Business owners can call 888-SBS-4NYC for information.
In addition to helping small businesses, another way the mayor is preparing for reopening is by giving out 2 million free face coverings for employees.
Through June 8, DCAS will deliver face coverings to 40 local chambers and business groups.
Partners will deliver the face coverings directly to businesses or serve as pickup hubs. SBS will launch an online map with nearby hubs.
A 311 Worker Protection Hotline will be launching Monday. Workers who call 311 will be connected to the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection for immediate assistance during the city’s reopening.
Mayor be Blasio says in addition to plans for phase one, phase two is also nearing. He says phase two will allow for outdoor restaurant seating. This will include increased social distancing and safety measures. He says it will hopefully help restaurants improve business and rebound.
To make it easier for restaurants to set up sidewalk seating, the DOT and DCWP will begin a streamlining process.
Curbside Restaurant Seating will allow restaurants to convert adjacent parking spots into more seating for the first time. No permit will be needed with self-certification.
For that to happen, the city will also allow restaurants to create seating in Open Streets.