Private Financial Aid for Transport Companies: COVID-19 Transportation Update – Tuesday, April 14, 2020
Face Covering Ordered for Employees of Transportation Companies in New York
New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo issued an executive order requiring that, starting Wednesday, April 15 at 8 p.m., all essential businesses must provide “any employees who are present in the workplace” with face coverings to wear when they are in direct contact with customers or the public, and require employees to wear the masks. Since the order specifically mentions “employees,” there is nothing in the order that would appear to require transportation companies to provide such masks to independent contractors engaged as their drivers. However, since taxi and for-hire services have been deemed essential services – to the extent that independent contractors operate as a separate business – this executive order would appear to require that they may need to buy and wear their own face masks when working.
Private Sources Can Provide Financial Help for Transportation Companies!
In addition to the local, state, and federal government programs that we have highlighted in the past, transportation companies may apply for several private programs providing financial assistance to small businesses seeking support due to the economic impact from the COVID-19 crisis. Some of these private sources include:
Facebook Small Business Grants Program: Facebook is offering $100 million for up to 30,000 eligible small businesses in more than 30 countries. Click Here for Additional Information.
Google Small Business Fund: Google is providing $340 million in Google Ads credits available to all SMBs with active accounts over the past year. For qualifying business, their credit notifications will appear in the Google Ads accounts and can be used at any point until the end of 2020 across Google’s advertising platforms. Click Here for Additional Information.
Opportunity Fund: The Opportunity Fund is available to small business owners whose business has been impacted COVID-19. The Fund has not provided specific qualifications but instead asks that applicants reach out directly to learn more. Click Here for Additional Information.
The Northern Manhattan Recovery Fund: New York-Presbyterian Hospital made a major new commitment of $10 million over the next two years to help the local northern Manhattan communities recover from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Click Here for Additional Information.
