Mass Vaccination Sites

All New York State mass vaccination sites are now open to eligible New Yorkers for walk-in vaccination on a first come first served basis. In addition, all vaccine providers are encouraged to allow walk-in appointments for eligible New Yorkers. People who would prefer to schedule an appointment at a state-run mass vaccination site can do so on the Am I Eligible App or call (877) 829-4692.

 

COVID-19 Testing Sites

For a full list of COVID-19 testing sites, text “COVID TEST” to 855-48 or go to: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/coronavirus/get-tested/covid-19-testing.page.

 

Home Vaccinations for 12-Year-Olds and Older 

On June 23, 2021, the City confirmed that in-home COVID-19 vaccinations are now available to all New Yorkers aged 12 and older. More details are available at nyc.gov/homevaccine or by calling 877-829-4692.

 

COVID-19 Restrictions Lifted  

Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on June 15 that all COVID-19 restrictions would be lifted in New York State since 70 percent of adults in the State have received at least their first dose of the vaccine. However, just 45 percent of Bronx residents have received one dose of the vaccine, and only 39 percent of Bronxites are fully vaccinated, the lowest rate in the City.

 

With this policy change, retail, food services, offices, gyms and fitness centers, amusement and family entertainment, hair salons, barber shops and personal care services, among other commercial settings, may all return to normal operations. Unvaccinated individuals are expected to continue to wear a mask and comply with CDC guidelines. New York State health guidelines continue to be in effect for large-scale indoor event venues, pre-K to grade 12 schools, public transit, homeless shelters, correctional facilities, nursing homes, and health care settings per CDC guidelines.

 

Jerome Gun Hill BID Summer Friday Series

As part of its Summer Friday event series, Jerome Gun Hill BID will be hosting “Make Art” with the Uni Project as well as “Grab a Free Book” with the Norwood Community Library on June 25 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., on the corner of Jerome Avenue and East Mosholu Parkway North, under the Mosholu Parkway 4 subway station.

 

Van Cortlandt Park Alliance Lawn Party

Van Cortlandt Park Alliance (VCPA) is hosting a lawn party on Thursday, June 24, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the Van Cortlandt House Museum lawn. The event will include live music, lawn games, and an opportunity to visit the goats. Individually-boxed dinners, designed by Thomas Preti Events to Savor will be provided. To learn more, and to rsvp, visit vancortlandt.org/lawnparty.

 

New York Salutes America Fireworks Display

The New York Salutes America Fireworks Extravaganza will be held on Thursday, June 24, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Orchard Beach, as an early celebration of Independence Day. The event is being organized by the Business Initiative Corporation of New York, Bronx Tourism Council, the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation, the Bronx Chamber of Commerce, Montefiore and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, together with Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. Attendees should bring chairs or blankets to enjoy music and fireworks.

 

Gun Buyback Event

A Bronx Gun Buyback is taking place on Saturday, June 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Christ Church at 860 Forest Avenue (between E. 160^th and E. 161^st Streets), in the South Bronx. This is a no-questions-asked opportunity to turn in operable handguns or assault rifles, and receive a $200 pre-paid card, plus a free ipad from the Bronx DA’s office for the first 76 participants (limited to one per person). Participants can also turn in operable rifles, shotguns, and air guns to receive a $25 pre-paid card. Masks are required for all participants.

 

Bronx Community Relief Effort Updates

Applications for grant funding from the Bronx Community Relief Effort are currently closed but the next round of applications will open soon. Head to their website to sign up for updates, or periodically check https://thebronx.org/ to see when the application window reopens.

 

New York Forward Loan Fund

The New York Forward Loan Fund is continuing to accept applications to assist those impacted by COVID-19. This program will target small businesses with 20 or fewer full-time equivalent employees, nonprofits and small landlords that have seen a loss of income or rental income. If approved, these loans will need to be paid back over a five-year term with interest. To apply and for more info, go to https://www.connect2capital.com/partners/new-york-forward-loan-fund/.

 

SBA 7(a) and SBA Community Advantage Loans

The SBA 7(a) loan program makes funding from $50,000 to $5 million possible for startups and growing businesses in any qualified industry. The SBA 7(a) rates fluctuate, and the rate is determined by your financing needs. The SBA Community Advantage loan program, which provides loans of up to $250,000, is a unique type of 7(a) loan designed to provide additional support for businesses operating in underserved areas. For more information, visit: https://pursuitlending.com/business-loans/products/sba-7a-community-advantage/

 

SmartLoan

The SmartLoan provides fast, small business loans with flexible terms. Through this program, you can access up to $100,000 in funding at a fixed interest rate with affordable monthly payments. You can apply online for the SmartLoan and be funded in as soon as five business days. For more information, go to: https://pursuitlending.com/business-loans/products/smartloan/

 

The Small Business Resource Network

The Resource Network is a newly established team of 22 dedicated Small Business Specialists embedded within the City’s five Chambers of Commerce to help small businesses navigate a range of challenges including technology, real estate, legal and accounting services, procurement opportunities, marketing, and sources of loans and grants. Help with navigating the complex new regulatory environment established to contain the pandemic is also available. Business owners can access these resources by contacting a Recovery Specialist in their borough via: https://www.nycsmallbusinessresourcenetwork.org/.

 

Free COVID-19 Decals!

Jerome Gun Hill BID is offering free COVID-19 decals to small business owners within MPC Corridors. To request decals, email jeromegunhillbid@gmail.com and include your name, business address, mailing address, business name, and email. Decals will be sent in the mail.

 

Small Business Training

The NYC Department of Small Business Services is providing no-cost, online training to help business owners and employees in NYC. For more information, visit: https://www1.nyc.gov/nycbusiness/article/nyc-means-business-training-for-your-employees.