For businesses, the pain of life under social distancing is exacerbated by the loss of customers, and for restaurants and bars, the ability to even accept customers. But businesses, nonprofits and other organizations are working to unite those in need and those who can help. This includes loans and grants, counseling and networking, and helping customers support their community businesses during the crisis.

Buffalo Business First has compiled resources to assist businesses. Click on the entity below for more information.

Amherst

Information from the governor’s office is available on the Amherst Chamber of Commerce website regarding a shortage of personal protective equipment. The state is looking for businesses that may be able to help produce these products. The Amherst Chamber is open and willing to help businesses at https://amherst.org.

Buffalo

Buffalo Urban Development Corporation (BUDC) is the development agency for the city, reclaiming distressed land and buildings for future development. BUDC is a conduit for public funding of significant projects and as a real estate holding company for certain public-sector projects. https://www.buffalourbandevelopment.com

Cattaraugus County

Cattaraugus Industrial Development Agency partners with our economic development throughout the region as a virtual “one-stop shop” for retaining and assisting businesses. http://www.cattcoida.com

Chautauqua County

The state has called on businesses to produce needed supplies related to COVID-19. Any company with the proper equipment or personnel to begin to manufacture personal protective equipment products is encouraged to visit https://ccida.com/covid-19-resources. The County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency can help with this process.

Economic development/NYSEG

NYSEG offers economic development programs to help existing businesses and collaborates with economic development partners at the local, regional and state levels. https://www.lookupstateny.com/wps/portal/lookupny/developmentprograms.

Energy-efficiency/National Grid

The National Grid business energy review initiative sends a representative into a business to conduct an efficiency audit. Funding it is an energy line item that is part of utility bills for most companies. https://www.nationalgridus.com/Upstate-NY-Business/Energy-Saving-Programs/

Erie County

The Erie County Industrial Development Agency (ECIDA) assists private-sector industrial andbusiness development by offering tax incentives, tax discounts or exemptions, to qualified businesses who invest in the community. https://www.ecidany.com