Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, financial assistance in the form of loans and grants have been made available to businesses and non-profit organizations. Below is a list of currently available funding opportunities, and resources that can provide additional information and assistance.
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
As small businesses have experienced major economic impacts related to COVID-19, state-mandated restrictions, and winter weather, the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (DABID) is making one-time, forgivable loans of up to $2,500 available for eligible small businesses.
For over three decades the Business Review has been releasing the Book of Lists, a go-to publication in doing business for anything from job-seekers to CEOs looking for bids on an upcoming project.
There's no shortage of ways to support local Downtown businesses and organizations this holiday season, and for those last minute shoppers, here are the spots where you can shop online, in-store, and more.
As with so many things, Covid postponed the Downtown Albany BID's Board elections and Annual Meeting. We are pleased now, though, to present this video recapping 2019, a year that saw the State announce over $40 million in grants for projects in our District and immediately adjacent, substantial growth of residential, and a broad range of businesses open in Downtown.
Serving up a delicious meal this holiday season while supporting local has never been easier - or more important. Whether it's setting the table for those who live in your house or sending food to a loved one or employees, here are the holiday offerings from downtown Albany eateries:
Shop Small this holiday season and support the locally owned and operated businesses that make up the fabric of our community. Small Business Saturday in Downtown features special deals and events from local restaurants and retailers, and kicks off two weeks of Shop & Savor smAlbany promotions.
Earlier this year the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (BID) postponed our Board elections and Annual Meeting due to the pandemic. With restrictions on gathering still in place, we have decided to release a video about the BID’s accomplishments in 2019 that will be sent out to all of our members when we announce the results of our elections, which begin today.
Artful Albany is a guided walking tour podcast designed to celebrate the art, history, and culture unique to New York's Capital City. During each episode, we'll focus on an area of downtown Albany to explore. We'll regale you with stories, highlight dynamic public art, and hear from some of the artists behind the Capital Walls public art project.
Winter Wonderland is the Downtown Albany BID's 2020 Placemaking program, designed to help support artists and businesses while providing accessible public art to help uplift and connect the community.
O'Connell & Aronowitz presents Shop & Savor smAlbany, two weeks of promotions celebrating and showcasing downtown Albany's independent businesses this holiday season.
Skip the stress of preparing for Thanksgiving and focus more on family time this year, with multiple Downtown restaurants offering to-go options, centerpieces available, and an opportunity to help those in need.
The Downtown Albany Business Improvement District is collecting community feedback information on how consumers are engaging with businesses within our District this fall and winter. We will use this data to inform our retail and retail-related businesses and restaurants about consumer insights and habits.
The BID is pleased to announce the slate for the Board of Directors elections. Several qualified candidates were submitted for consideration. Upon conducting interviews and careful consideration, the following individuals were selected by the Governance Committee:
Supporting Downtown businesses is as easy as the click of a button, with online shopping offering online everything from clothing to accessories and floral arrangements to hair products. All this with the benefit of supporting locally-owned businesses!
Application due date: November 2, 2020 at 5:00 PM
The latest two murals added to the Capital Walls public art portfolio were unveiled in downtown Albany, NY on October 27, 2020 as elected officials, arts organization leaders, and artists gathered to celebrate the works by artists BoogieREZ and Jade Warrick.
Spook-tacular details below for what downtown Albany businesses are serving up for Halloween 2020, and as always, you can view our full event calendar right here.
Albany Archives, Discover Albany, and the Downtown Albany BID present Albany I Spy, with a seasonal spin! The competitive portion of the scavenger hunt has ended, but you can still play along for fun and search out the ghouls, gargoyles, and Gothic architecture looming in Downtown’s streets.
Here’s how to play:
The National Arena League's Albany team name has been selected - and the Albany Empire will strike back, return to downtown starting April 2021. The news follows an announcement in August that indoor football would return to the Times Union Center under a three-year agreement to play at the Downtown venue.
Step aside, basic salad, because downtown Albany eateries are serving up some seriously delicious vegetarian and vegan meals. No need to romaine calm as you sink your teeth into these unique dishes that are great on meatless Monday and every other day of the week. Oh, and these eateries aren't a secret, so leek the list to all your friends.
Voting has closed for 2020 Hounds of Halloween, and we'll be announcing the winners on Halloween. Thanks to all who submitted their costumed canine pics and all who voted to help decide the Top Dogs.
Current downtown Albany, NY traffic advisories listed below. To receive Albany Police Department Nixle alerts via text or email, and to view all APD alerts online, click here.
As New York went on PAUSE, so did the Downtown Albany BID's Board election process. We are seeking nominations for candidates to join the BID Board beginning November 2020 and serve three-year terms. Please note that nominations that were previously submitted this year for consideration do not need to be resubmitted.
With the safety of our Downtown community in mind, the PearlPalooza music festival goes virtual in 2020.
Bring your pups on your next trip to downtown Albany and enjoy shopping and dining (and, of course, the Olde English Downtown Dog Park) with man's best friend.
Arena football will return to the Times Union Center in downtown Albany, the National Arena League (NAL) has announced. The unnamed Albany team will join the NAL in fielding a team starting in the 2021 season under a signed three-year agreement with the venue.
Get ready for a new way to enjoy a stroll around downtown Albany.
If you missed out on the 5th not-quite-annual Albany I Spy this summer, there's no need to fret because clues for the 2020 architectural scavenger hunt are now available for all to enjoy.
Thank you to all who shared photos for New York on PAWS! The submission period has ended.
Who's up for some social interaction while we social distance? Downtown businesses and organizations have a number of virtual events so you can stay engaged with Downtown - and each other! A complete directory of in-person and virtual events can be found here. Looking for ways to support Downtown businesses amid COVID-19?
The Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (BID) has announced $250,000 in grants available to brick and mortar businesses within the District to support re-opening and repairing following significant economic impact related to COVID-19 and vandalization during recent demonstrations.
We invite you to support - today and every day - the Black-owned businesses and organizations in downtown Albany. These leaders of their industries offer a wide array of services and through them you can master a new yoga pose, enjoy an incredible meal, experience meaningful exhibits and programs, and sport new clothes, accessories, and hairdos.
As officials begin preparations to re-open the Capital Region under the State’s four-phased, regional plan, the Downtown Albany BID is compiling information to assist Stakeholders as they plan to, once able, welcome employees, customers, and clients back. Resource in
Thank you to all who helped support Downtown businesses through a gift card purchase. This program ended on June 30, 2020. To find a full list of open businesses in Downtown, click here.
Celebrating First Responders & Frontliners is a program launched by the City of Albany’s three Business Improvement Districts: Central Avenue, Downtown Albany, and Lark Street (BID), to thank the first responders and frontline workers whose dedication through the COVID-19 pandemic keeps the community safe, mobile, and fed.
Mother's Day will look a little different this year, but that won't keep us from celebrating mom! Downtown restaurants and retailers are here to help you honor these wonderful women with options for those quarantined together and those physically separated (anyone else calling for a socially distant spa day? Gift card today for a later bouquet? Brunch over zoom?).
As the spread of COVID-19 has resulted in limited gatherings and increased working from home, multiple downtown Albany businesses are ensuring you're still able to get your exercise routine in through online classes. From personal training sessions to POUND and several varieties of yoga to tarot readings, these sessions are here to ensure your mind and body are well cared for.
At a time of distress, we’ve seen an incredible amount of generosity from individuals, businesses, and organizations within Downtown. If you're looking for some good news to boost your spirits, or are looking for ways to give back yourself, look no further. Know of a good great deed that’s happening as a result of COVID-19 not listed here?
Through drive-in or online services and to-go meals and treats, Downtown churches and restaurants are working to ensure your souls and stomachs are well nourished this Holy Week.
The CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act recently passed by Congress includes funding for businesses and nonprofits. The following information was provided by Assemblymember Patricia Fahy and Congressman Paul Tonko.
Looking to level up your meals while cooking at home? We partnering with Downtown restaurants on Quarantine Cuisine! See below for the recipes they came up with based on submitted photos.
April 1:
