We have released a Coronavirus Response Survey to collect inquiries from Cayuga County businesses in regard to the ongoing coronavirus crisis. Businesses of all types and sizes that are in need of financial and technical assistance resources are encouraged to complete the survey, which can be accessed here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/F3TGTTF. Any Cayuga County business can call a CEDA specialist to discuss their current needs. Support from a CEDA specialist is always free and confidential. CEDA specialists are staying current on resources available to assist businesses and will work with each business individually to identify the most appropriate resource for that business.
In addition to State and Federal resources, CEDA is working to establish an Emergency Microloan program to assist locally owned small businesses. This program will provide relatively small, but favorable, loans with an initial no interest deferment period followed by an extended low-interest repayment period. This program is intended to provide some breathing room by helping with some operating costs and/or help businesses invest in measures to adjust operations.
Businesses are encouraged to fill out the survey or reach out to CEDA staff no matter what level of need they have, and regardless of financial history, to discuss options for their business. Businesses that respond to the survey will be contacted by a member of the CEDA team or referred to an Auburn SCORE Chapter mentor depending upon the need they describe in the survey. Businesses that are unable to access or complete the survey can reach out to a CEDA specialist directly. Businesses with fewer than 10 employees should contact Business Development Specialist Derek Simmonds (dsimmonds@cayugaeda.org or 315-252-3500 x232). Businesses with more than 10 employees should contact Danielle Szabo (dszabo@cayugaeda.org or 315-252-3500 x231).
CEDA’s office is currently closed in compliance with New York State mandate, but the team is working remotely and available to help.
