New York City is trying to help small businesses open quicker as the city recovers from coronavirus. The city is launching a QuickStart program designed to make it easy for businesses to either launch or get going again after being shut during the pandemic. This program will provide small businesses a personal contact to help navigate regulations and guarantee a response to questions within 48 hours. Melissa says the city recently helped her open a cafe.
“Whether you are thinking about starting a business or have a business, we can all benefit by saving time and taking advantage of these free resources.”
The de Blasio administration says 40 percent of small businesses are shut in the city.
New York City officials are increasing reward money for crime tips after seeing a drop in tips during the pandemic. Despite a huge surge in shootings and spike in other crime categories, tips to Crime Stoppers are down. Chief Rodney Harrison has one theory.
“Unfortunately because people are wearing these masks, it’s been very difficult for New Yorkers to identify individuals that are committing some of these acts.”
Mayor de Blasio says Crime Stoppers is increasing the max reward tips that help catch suspects from 25 to 35 hundred dollars as an incentive to try and get more people to come forward with tips.
“We need information. We need help. We need the community to step forward.”