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  • 9 Jul 2025 5:00 AM | Dawn Hargrove-Avery (Administrator)


    Delight Your Customers With AI

    You have tuned your plant floor and sharpened your business decisions. Now comes the fun part: using artificial intelligence to surprise and delight the people who keep the lights on. This week, we walk through three customer-facing AI moves that improve service quality, drive repeat visits, and keep delivery routes full. As always, the rule is simple. AI amplifies whatever you hand it. Make sure phone numbers are correct, stain notes are clear, and route stops are logged before you let the robots take over the repetitive parts.

    1. Chatbots and 24 / 7 Self-Service

    Put a smiling concierge on every screen

    Modern chat widgets plug straight into most dry-cleaning POS systems. They greet visitors, fetch order status, quote prices, and slot pick-ups while you sleep. Customers get instant answers at 10 p.m. Staff spend their morning on high-touch issues instead of voicemail clean-up.

    What you need to prepare first

    • A complete FAQ list with approved prices and turnaround times
    • Clear rules for when the bot passes a conversation to a human
    • A staffer who owns the chat log and reviews tricky exchanges every day

    Setup steps

    1. Install the POS native bot or a tool like ManyChat.
    2. Paste the FAQ pairs and connect the POS API key.
    3. Test on ten friendly customers for one week.
    4. Add a satisfaction poll so you can prove the time savings.

    Results to expect: customer satisfaction scores up fifteen to thirty percent and phone interruptions cut almost in half.

    2. Personalized Marketing That Feels Like Magic

    Speak to each client as if you wrote the message just for them

    Traditional blasts say all shirts ten percent off. AI-driven email or text campaigns look at what a client actually sends in. If Sarah cleaned a linen blouse last June, she might get a linen-only tune-up reminder twelve months later. If Devin uses wash-dry-fold every Friday, he could see a midweek coupon that nudges an extra bag into the route.

    Foundation work

    • Make sure client profiles in your CRM include garment history and last visit date
    • Tag VIPs and wedding-gown customers so AI can create special drip sequences
    • Confirm that unsubscribe links and privacy notices are current

    Tools and flow

    1. Turn on the “suggested campaigns” or “smart segments” feature in your POS or Mailchimp-style platform.
    2. Approve the first batch of subject lines.
    3. Track open and conversion rates for two weeks.
    4. Let the system auto-tune send times and coupon amounts.

    Owners who adopt smart campaigns report repeat-purchase rates climbing five to eight percent without adding a penny to ad spend.

    3. AI Scheduling and Demand Forecasting

    Right staff, right van, right time

    Using last year’s calendar to plan next week’s shifts is like driving with yesterday’s weather report. AI looks at seasonality, local events, and your own ticket flow to predict how many press hours and delivery miles you will need.

    Process tune-up first

    • Inspect route timestamp accuracy for the past month
    • Verify each press has a unique operator ID in the POS so labor data is clean

    Quick start

    1. Export three months of ticket data into a forecasting plug-in or Google Cloud Forecast.
    2. Let the model predict daily order counts for the next four weeks.
    3. Compare forecast to staffing. Adjust shifts or add a flex driver where needed.
    4. Feed the revised schedule back into the model to refine accuracy.

    Benefits include fewer last-minute overtime calls, drivers who finish on time, and happier clients who always see a familiar face at pickup.

    Your Customer-Experience Checklist

    Task

    Owner

    Due date

    Upload updated FAQ sheet to chatbot

    Front counter lead

    Monday

    Tag top 100 spenders in CRM

    Office manager

    Wednesday

    Export route timestamps and check for gaps

    Delivery supervisor

    Friday

    Run first AI demand forecast and review staffing

    GM

    Next Monday


    Stick this list on the break-room wall.

    A week of clean data will make every AI tool more accurate for months.

    Measuring Success

    • Chat response time under one minute
    • Repeat-purchase rate up five percent or more
    • On-time delivery percentage above ninety-five
    • Customer satisfaction survey average above 4.5 out of 5

    Track these four numbers. If they move in the right direction, lean in further. If they stall, look for gaps in the source data.

    Closing Thoughts

    Customer-facing AI is not about replacing friendly service. It is about giving your team the time and information they need to deliver friendly service every single time. Tighten the process first, then let automation handle the drudge work. Your clients will notice and so will your bottom line.

    Share your wins

    Tried a chatbot or a smart coupon this week? I would love to hear how it went. Send your story to info@nca-i.com and I may feature it in a future edition.


  • 2 Jul 2025 5:00 AM | Dawn Hargrove-Avery (Administrator)


    Last week we tackled operational efficiency, how AI slashes lost-garment headaches and speeds every hand-off. This week we move up a level: data-driven decision-making. From stopping breakdowns before they happen to charging exactly what each ticket is worth, AI now delivers the kind of insights once reserved for chains with six-figure IT budgets.

    But before we dive in, let’s address an uncomfortable truth: AI can’t rescue a broken process. Feed bad data into brilliant algorithms and you’ll still get bad answers, only faster. So we’ll start with a reality-check section, then explore three high-ROI business-intelligence moves you can trust once your foundation is solid.

    Good Process In, Good AI Out – A Non-Negotiable Step

    Why it matters

    Example from the plant floor

    Quick fix before you turn on AI

    Garbage data produces garbage forecasts.

    Route drivers “wing it” on pickups, so timestamps are missing or wrong. AI dynamic-pricing model assumes false demand spikes and raises prices at the wrong hour.

    Require drivers to tap “picked up” in the POS app before leaving each stop; audit for completeness one week.

    Broken workflows create blind spots.

    Boiler maintenance is logged on sticky notes; sensor alerts fire, but no one knows the last service date.

    Migrate maintenance logs to a shared spreadsheet (or the POS maintenance module) and set who’s responsible.

    Unclear ownership kills follow-through.

    A chatbot suggests an upsell, but no staffer confirms press capacity, so orders back up.

    Assign one person to review bot-generated promos daily and throttle if capacity is tight.

    Rule of thumb: Automate only what already works at 80 %+ reliability manually. Then AI scales that success.

    Mini-Checklist – Are You Ready?

    • Accurate timestamps on tickets and routes for the past 30 days?
    • Digital maintenance or supply logs, not clipboards?
    • One owner per key metric (pricing, downtime, CSAT)?
      If you can tick at least two boxes, you’re AI-ready; if not, spend a week tightening the process first.

     

    1. Predictive Maintenance – Fix It Before It Fails

    Nothing torpedoes a day like a boiler outage or down press. Traditional “wait-until-it-breaks” maintenance is wasteful: you either pay rush fees or replace parts with life left. Predictive maintenance flips the script.

    How it works : Low-cost IoT sensors watch vibration, temperature, and power draw while cloud models learn each machine’s healthy baseline. The moment readings drift; bearing wear in a dryer motor, boiler pressure decay, you get a text alert instead of a frantic tech call.

    Bottom-line impact; Plants report up to 50 % fewer unplanned stoppages and 10–15 % longer equipment life, freeing labour hours for pressing and customer care.

    Quick start

    1. Install vibration/temperature sensors on your most failure-prone machine.
    2. Pipe the data into the kit’s cloud dashboard (many include a free tier).
    3. Set SMS alerts at 10 % deviation from baseline.

     

    2. Dynamic Pricing & Promotion – Charge What Each Ticket Deserves

    Flat price lists and blanket “20 % off” blasts leave money on the table. AI-driven dynamic pricing uses real-time data to protect margin in peak hours and tempt orders in slow ones.

    How it works: Algorithms analyse demand curves, competitor prices, capacity, and local events. The system nudges prices up when capacity is tight and down when presses sit idle. Personalised coupons drop to high-value clients when their preferred garment type peaks.

    Results: Early adopters report 5–10 % revenue lifts with no increase in order count, pure margin.

    Quick start

    1. Export 90 days of ticket data; flag peak vs. trough hours.
    2. Pilot a modest ±10 % price band on two garment categories for two weeks.
    3. Review margin and volume; expand or refine rules.

     

    3. AI Analytics Dashboards – Your New CFO in a Browser Tab

    Weekly Excel exports take hours; gut feel is risky. Modern POS dashboards now answer plain-language questions like “Which route delivered the highest profit last month?” in seconds.

    Key KPIs to watch

    • Profit per route stop
    • Repeat-customer rate after promotions
    • Machine downtime vs. throughput
    • Average turnaround time per garment type

    Owners using AI dashboards report decisions reached in minutes, not meetings.

     

    30-Day Action Plan (Business-Intelligence Edition)

    Week

    Action

    Success metric

    1

    Audit one core process (maintenance logs, route timestamps). Fix gaps.

    90 % data completeness

    2

    Install sensors on one critical machine & connect alerts.

    Baseline health report received

    3

    Pilot ±10 % dynamic pricing on shirts & dresses.

    Margin per garment

    4

    Turn on AI “insights” module in POS; answer three profit questions.

    Decisions made within 24 hrs

     

    The Payoff

    • 50 % fewer emergency repairs
    • 5–10 % revenue lift via smarter pricing
    • Decisions finalized in minutes, not meetings

    Couple that with Week 1’s efficiency wins and you’re looking at a five-figure swing to your annual bottom line: provided your underlying data is clean.

     

    Next Week

    We wrap the series with customer-facing AI—chatbots, personalised marketing, and demand forecasting that keeps delivery routes full.

    Which process in your plant needs tightening before AI can amplify it? Hit reply or email info@nca-i.com—we read every note.

    About the Author

    Dawn Hargrove-Avery, garment care’s first Certified Chief AI Officer, turns AI buzz into measurable profit as Executive Director of the National Cleaners Association.



  • 2 Jul 2025 5:00 AM | Dawn Hargrove-Avery (Administrator)


    Fresh Air Keeps Your Dry‑Cleaning Shop Safe

    Running a dry‑cleaning plant is about more than clean clothes. It is also about clean air. Good ventilation moves dirty air out and brings fresh air in so everyone can work safely and stay comfortable.

    1. Clean Air Protects People

    • Fewer fumes. Solvents and spotting chemicals can make people feel dizzy or sick if the vapors stay in one place. Fans and ducts pull these fumes away.

    • Cooler work area. Steam and hot presses raise the temperature fast. Moving air lowers the heat so workers do not get tired as quickly.

    2. Clean Air Meets the Rules

    Agencies like OSHA and the EPA require safe air and normal temperatures. A strong ventilation system helps you follow these rules and avoid fines.

    3. Three Ways to Move Air

    Level What It Does Best Spot
    Local Exhaust Catches fumes right at the source. Spotting tables, solvent machines
    General Ventilation Circulates fresh air through the whole building. Pressing and finishing areas
    Spot Cooling Blows cool air on very hot spots. Near steam presses and boilers

    4. Easy Daily Habits

    1. Check the air. Use simple badges or meters to test vapor levels.

    2. Pick good equipment. Modern fans and filters save energy and work better.

    3. Teach the team. Show everyone how the system works and why it matters.

    4. Do routine checks. Clean filters and inspect ducts on a schedule.

    5. Ask an expert. A ventilation professional can design the best setup for your shop.

    5. The Bottom Line

    Ventilation is not a luxury. It keeps workers healthy, speeds up production, and protects your business from legal trouble. Treat fresh air like any other key utility and your shop will succeed.


  • 25 Jun 2025 2:34 PM | Dawn Hargrove-Avery (Administrator)

    Welcome, forward-thinking dry cleaner owners! The year is 2025, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept—it's a powerful, accessible tool revolutionizing industries, including our very own: dry cleaning. If you've been wondering how AI can truly impact your bottom line, enhance customer satisfaction, and keep you ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving market, you're in the right place.

    For too long, dry cleaning operations have relied on traditional methods. But the landscape is changing. Technology is advancing at an unprecedented pace, and those who embrace innovation will be the leaders of tomorrow. That's why we've put together a comprehensive, three-week roadmap exploring the transformative power of AI in the dry cleaning industry.

    Over the next few weeks, we'll delve into the top 7 uses of AI for dry cleaners in 2025, breaking down how these innovative technologies can lead to significant cost savings, improved service quality, and a more competitive edge. Forget the jargon and the hype – we're here to provide practical, actionable insights that you can implement in your business.

    What can you expect in this series?

    • Week 1: Boosting Efficiency with AI. We'll explore how AI-powered inventory management and workflow automation can streamline your operations, reduce errors, and accelerate turnaround times. Discover how AI is optimizing everything from garment tracking to quality control.
    • Week 2: Smarter Business Decisions with AI. Learn how AI can empower you to make data-driven decisions. We'll cover predictive maintenance for your equipment, dynamic pricing strategies to maximize revenue, and how AI analytics can provide valuable insights into your business performance.
    • Week 3: Enhancing Customer Experience & Operations with AI. We'll focus on how AI can revolutionize your customer service through chatbots and personalized marketing. Plus, we'll explore AI-powered scheduling and demand forecasting to optimize staffing and delivery routes.

    Get ready to discover practical, actionable insights that will reshape your business for success in 2025 and beyond! The future of dry cleaning is intelligent, and we're here to guide you on the journey.

    Stay tuned for Week 1, where we'll dive deep into how AI is boosting efficiency in dry cleaning operations!

    Provided by:

    Dawn Hargrove-Avery, garment care’s first Certified Chief AI Officer, turns AI buzz into measurable profit as Executive Director of the National Cleaners Association.


  • 25 Jun 2025 8:30 AM | Dawn Hargrove-Avery (Administrator)

    Crinkle fabrics have taken the fashion world by storm! These textured textiles are a designer’s dream, offering a unique and eye-catching appearance that’s hard to resist. From casual wear to haute couture, crinkle fabrics have found their way into various garments, adding depth and interest to otherwise plain designs. These textured textiles boast a unique, puckered surface that catches the eye and adds dimension to any garment or home decor item. The distinctive crinkled appearance is achieved through various manufacturing processes, such as chemical treatments, heat-setting, or specialized weaving techniques.


    Seersucker:

    The Classic Crinkle When it comes to crinkle fabrics, seersucker is the undisputed king! This timeless textile has been around for centuries and continues to be a favorite for its unique texture and cooling properties. Seersucker is characterized by its puckered surface, typically created by alternating tight and loose tension in the warp threads during weaving. Seersucker’s popularity soared in the early 20th century, particularly in the southern United States, where it became synonymous with summer fashion. Today, it’s used in everything from suits and dresses to bedding and accessories.

    Crepe Fabrics:

    A Family of Textured Textiles Crepe fabrics are like the cool cousins in the crinkle textile family. They come in various types, each with their own unique personality! Crepe fabrics are known for their crinkled, pebbled, or grained surface, which is achieved through the use of highly twisted yarns, chemical treatments, or special weaving techniques. Some popular members of the crepe family include: • Crepe de Chine: A lightweight, lustrous fabric often used in elegant eveningwear • Georgette: A sheer, lightweight crepe with a dull finish • Crepe-back Satin: A fabric with a crepe texture on one side and a smooth, satin finish on the other • Canton Crepe: A heavier crepe fabric with a pebbly texture

    Crinkle Cloth: A Generic Term for Puckered Fabrics This generic term encompasses a wide range of textiles that have been treated or woven to create a permanently puckered or crinkled surface. Crinkle cloth can be made from various fibers, including cotton, polyester, or blends, and is often used in casual wear, beachwear, and home textiles.

    Crinkle Fabric Variations and Their Names:

    The world of crinkle fabrics is vast and diverse, with many exciting variations to explore. Here are a few more textured textiles that might pique your interest:

    • Plissé: A lightweight fabric with a puckered or pleated effect, often used in lingerie and blouses

    • Crinkle Chiffon: A delicate, sheer fabric with a crinkled texture, perfect for flowy dresses and scarves

    • Bubble Gauze: A lightweight, airy fabric with a unique bubbly texture, popular in summer clothing

    • Crinkle Taffeta: A crisp, crinkled fabric often used in formal wear and home décor

    Tips for the Processing of Crinkle Fabrics:

    • Always check the care label for specific instructions

    • When drycleaning crinkled fabrics, choose a gentle cycle and reclaim at the lowest temperature setting that is required by your solvent type

    • Avoid the use of heated solvents

    • When laundering or wetcleaning crinkled fabrics, a gentle cycle using cold water with a low alkali detergent

    • Hang or lay flat to dry, as heat from a dryer can damage the crinkled texture

    • Steam and iron on low heat if necessary, but be careful not to flatten the crinkles by applying excessive finishing temperatures or pressure


    The allure of crinkle fabrics lies not just in their distinctive appearance, but also in their practical benefits. Their textured surface provides enhanced breathability, comfort, and a low-maintenance appeal that has made them popular choices for both everyday wear and high-end design. As we look to the future, it’s clear that crinkle fabrics will continue to play an important role in textile innovation. With ongoing developments in manufacturing processes and a growing appreciation for sustainable and versatile materials, these textured textiles are poised to remain at the forefront of fabric design and application.

  • 25 Jun 2025 7:00 AM | Dawn Hargrove-Avery (Administrator)

    Welcome to our 3-week AI roadmap! Last week, we set the stage for understanding the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence in the dry cleaning industry. This week, we're diving headfirst into one of the most significant areas where AI is making a tangible impact right now: operational efficiency.

    In the fast-paced world of dry cleaning, every minute and every resource counts. Manual processes are prone to errors, can be time-consuming, and ultimately affect your bottom line and customer satisfaction. Thankfully, AI offers powerful solutions to streamline workflows, minimize waste, and maximize output. Let's explore the key ways AI is boosting efficiency in dry cleaning businesses in 2025:

    1. Intelligent Inventory Management: Never Lose a Garment Again

    Imagine the frustration of a lost garment – the time spent searching, the cost of compensation, and the dent in customer trust. Traditional inventory methods rely heavily on manual tagging and tracking, leaving room for human error. AI-driven inventory systems are changing the game.

    • Real-time Tracking: Using technologies like RFID tags combined with AI-powered analysis, every garment, supply, and even cleaning chemical can be tracked in real time throughout your facility. This provides an accurate, up-to-the-minute overview of your inventory.
    • Optimized Stock Levels: AI algorithms analyze historical data, current demand, and even upcoming promotions to predict the optimal levels of cleaning supplies and other consumables. This prevents stockouts and reduces the risk of overstocking, saving you valuable storage space and capital.
    • Reduced Lost Items: The precise tracking capabilities of AI significantly minimize the chances of garments being misplaced or lost. If an item does go astray, the system can quickly pinpoint its last known location, dramatically speeding up the retrieval process.

    The Benefit: Say goodbye to inventory headaches, reduce costly errors, and ensure you always have the necessary supplies on hand.

    2. Workflow Automation: From Intake to Output, Optimized by AI

    The journey of a garment through your dry cleaning process involves several steps: intake, sorting, cleaning, pressing, and packaging. AI is revolutionizing each of these stages through intelligent automation.

    • Automated Sorting: Advanced AI-powered vision systems can now analyze garments upon intake, identifying fabric types, colors, and even special care instructions. This automates the initial sorting process, saving significant staff time and reducing the risk of damage due to incorrect cleaning.
    • AI-Adjusted Cleaning Processes: Based on the fabric type and any identified stains, AI can automatically adjust the settings on your washing and dry cleaning machines, ensuring the optimal cleaning process for each item. This leads to better cleaning results and minimizes the risk of fabric damage.
    • Robotic Assistance in Pressing and Packaging: While not yet ubiquitous, AI-integrated robotic systems are emerging to assist with tasks like pressing and folding, further streamlining the finishing stages and increasing throughput.

    The Benefit: Experience a significant increase in throughput efficiency (potentially up to 25%), reduce turnaround times (by as much as 20%), and free up your staff to focus on more complex tasks and customer interactions.

    3. AI-Powered Quality Control: Ensuring Perfection Every Time

    Maintaining high standards of quality is paramount in the dry cleaning business. AI is providing a new level of precision in quality control.

    • Automated Stain and Damage Detection: AI-enabled vision systems can meticulously inspect each garment for remaining stains, damage (like tears or missing buttons), and overall cleaning quality. This automated process is far more consistent and thorough than manual inspections.
    • Reduced Errors and Rework: By identifying issues early in the process, AI helps prevent garments from being returned to customers with unsatisfactory results. This significantly reduces the need for rework, saving time, resources, and improving customer satisfaction.
    • Consistent Results: AI ensures that your cleaning processes are executed consistently, leading to predictable and high-quality outcomes for every customer.

    The Benefit: Reduce errors by up to 30%, improve stain detection accuracy by 25%, minimize fabric damage, and build a reputation for exceptional quality and attention to detail.

    The Bottom Line for Week 1:

    Implementing AI-powered solutions for inventory management, workflow automation, and quality control isn't just about adopting the latest technology – it's about building a more efficient, reliable, and ultimately more profitable dry cleaning business. By streamlining your operations, you can reduce costs, improve turnaround times, enhance the quality of your services, and create a smoother, more productive work environment for your team.

    Ready to take the first step towards an AI-powered future for your dry cleaning business? Stay tuned for Week 2, where we'll explore how AI can empower you to make smarter business decisions!

    What aspects of your current operations do you think could benefit most from AI-powered efficiency? Share your thoughts and questions send us an email info@nca-i.com


    Dawn Hargrove-Avery, garment care’s first Certified Chief AI Officer, turns AI buzz into measurable profit as Executive Director of the National Cleaners Association.

  • 18 Jun 2025 7:16 AM | Dawn Hargrove-Avery (Administrator)

    Perspiration stains aren’t just unsightly—they’re chemically aggressive. The acid, salt, and metallic content in sweat and antiperspirants can weaken fabrics, discolor dyes, and even cause structural breakdown. With summer heat rising and performance fabrics more common, it’s essential to have a spotter-smart strategy.

    What to Watch for at Intake

    • Yellowing underarms on light colors

    • Orange or rust-like stains on polos with sulfur dyes

    • Shiny or weakened fabric in silk, wool, or acetate

    • Odor that signals protein buildup—even when stains are invisible

    Tip: Always document suspected sweat-related damage before cleaning, especially in eveningwear or delicate natural fibers.

    Treatment Options: What Works & What to Avoid

    Use: Enzyme Digesters (Best for Delicates)

    • Breaks down protein without dye risk

    • Effective with dwell time

    • Ideal for silk, wool, and gowns with mixed materials

    Use Caution: Protein Spotters with Alkalis

    • Ammonia/sodium hydroxide-based formulas work fast

    • But may strip color and break yarns

    • Avoid on silks and aged wool—especially if using bleach

    Avoid: Solvent-Only Cleaning

    • Solvents don’t remove perspiration salts

    • Heat from pressing can activate stains not visible at intake

    Wet Cleaning = Your Secret Weapon

    When the fabric allows, wet cleaning is the most effective method. Perspiration is water-soluble. Just confirm colorfastness and fiber resilience before processing.

    What to Say to Customers

    Train your team to use non-blaming, supportive language:

    • “We’re seeing some perspiration buildup here. We’ll treat it carefully, but let’s take a look together.”

    • “These areas are common spots for yellowing or damage over time. Our goal is to clean it without putting stress on the fabric.”

    Offer a 'Summer Refresh Treatment'

    Position a specialty service to target odor, yellowing, and buildup in warm-weather garments. Include enzyme soaking, reshaping, and gentle pressing. Customers feel cared for—and you avoid surprises at pickup.

    Final Thought: Sweat Doesn’t Show Until It Does

    Perspiration damage may only surface after heat or moisture are applied. By proactively inspecting, treating with care, and setting clear expectations, you protect garments and your shop’s reputation.


  • 11 Jun 2025 10:00 AM | Dawn Hargrove-Avery (Administrator)

    Full Cycle Revenue Booster : Turn Patio Cushions into Profits This Spring

    Because nobody wants to sit on last winter’s grime)

    You can almost smell the barbecue smoke; spring has finally rolled in. Across the neighborhood, families are dragging patio sets out of storage: faded cushions, bird-bombed umbrellas, pollen-dusted everything. Homeowners have two choices:

    • Spend a Saturday spraying cushions with the garden hose, hoping the mildew smell “sort of” goes away.
    • Hand the mess to a fabric-care pro who can make those cushions look (and smell) brand new.

    Guess which option they’d prefer?

    Why Cushions Are a Hidden Jackpot
    They’re pricey. Most families drop hundreds, sometimes thousands, on their outdoor lounge setup. A ruined cushion feels like money down the drain.

    DIY rarely works. Waterlogged foam equals a mildew factory. Sunblock smears, barbecue grease, bird droppings… a hose can’t beat chemistry.

    You’re already the fabric hero. Customers trust you with silk blouses. A cushion is just a bigger, boxier textile.

    The Money Math (Plain English Edition)
    Big order, one ticket. A full patio set could mean a dozen cushions. Think of it as a dozen “shirts” in a single bag.

    Operating costs remain minimal because you can leverage the same spotters, cleaning solutions, and skilled staff already in place.

    Upsell magic. A coat of fabric-safe water repellent tacks on extra revenue with almost no extra time.

    How to Fold It into Your Day-to-Day
    Take a close look. Point out rust rings, sap, or funky odors. Customers love knowing you see what they see (and a bit more).

    Ensure complete drying. Cushions must be thoroughly dried—both exterior fabric and interior filling—to prevent mildew. Dedicating a well-ventilated area equipped with high-capacity fans accelerates the process and guarantees optimal results.

    Protect and impress. Apply a professional-grade UV and water repellent to safeguard the fabric from sun fade and liquid spills. Customers appreciate the added longevity and are typically eager to invest in this premium upgrade.

    Email us if you want our Patio Cushion Cleaning Playbook info@nca-i.com

  • 11 Jun 2025 8:00 AM | Dawn Hargrove-Avery (Administrator)

    If you’ve glanced at the pick‑up rack lately, you’ve probably noticed an army of knit polos and relaxed‑fit jeans awaiting a good press. That’s no coincidence. The once‑mocked “dad style” trend has gone mainstream, and Father’s Day is its Super Bowl. By knowing what’s popular, you can talk shop with customers, upsell specialty services, and remind dads that a crisp finish makes every gift look better. fileciteturn0file0

    Why This Trend Matters for Dry Cleaners

    ·         Seasonal buzz = fresh foot traffic. Shoppers are already thinking about Dad—meet them where they are.

    ·         Trend items need expert care. Knit polos lose shape and jeans lose that perfect fade without proper cleaning.

    ·         Easy upsells. Offer sneaker cleaning or quick turnaround pressing packages as add‑ons.

    The Hero Pieces You’ll See on Your Counter This Month

    Wardrobe Staple

    What Customers Love

    How You Can Help

    Classic Oxford Shirts

    Always looks sharp, pairs with anything

    Medium‑starch press or no‑starch for a softer hand

    Knit Polos

    Breathable comfort with a tailored vibe

    Block and steam to keep collars flat, use delicate cycle detergent

    Chunky “Dad” Sneakers

    All‑day cushioning & retro flair

    Offer sneaker‑cleaning add‑on; whiten soles, deodorize insoles

    Relaxed‑Fit Jeans

    Broken‑in feel, vintage washes

    Gentle wash preserves color; light steam press keeps natural drape

    Lightweight Jackets (Harrington, Bomber)

    Layer‑is ready for unpredictable weather

    Spot‑clean linings, re‑waterproof shells

    Retro Sling Bags & Caps

    Functional accessories trending up

    Promote bag & cap refresh service (odor removal, shape retaining)

    Pro Care Tips to Share (Perfect for a Countertop Tent Card)

    1.      Oxford Shirts – Skip high heat; a medium‑starch press keeps lines crisp without making fabric brittle.

    2.      Knit Polos – Air‑dry flat to avoid hanger “shoulder horns” and stretch back into shape while damp.

    3.      Relaxed Jeans – Wash inside‑out in cold water; line‑dry to keep fades authentic.

    4.      Lightweight Jackets – Use a mesh bag for zippers/snaps; follow with a low‑temp tumble to re‑activate DWR finishes.

    5.      Sneakers – Remove laces & insoles, spot‑clean, then stuff with towels while drying to prevent collapse.

    Sustainability Talking Point

    Many of these dad‑approved pieces are now made with organic cotton, recycled polyester, or blended TENCEL™ fibers. Highlight your green cleaning solvents and water‑saving equipment to win the eco‑minded modern dad.

    Five Quick Promotions You Can Launch Before June 15

    1.      “Press for Pops” Bundle – One shirt + one polo + one jacket for a flat Father’s Day rate.

    2.      Sneaker Revival Add‑On – 20% off sneaker cleaning with any garment order.

    3.      Gift Card Booster – Bonus $5 credit for every $25 Father’s Day gift card purchased.

    4.      Same‑Day Hero Service – Guaranteed by 4 p.m. drop‑off for last‑minute shoppers.

    5.      Social Snap Contest – Customers post a #DadStyle2025 photo and tag your shop for a chance to win free cleaning for a month.

    Bottom Line

    Father’s Day isn’t just about ties anymore. It’s comfort‑first, personality‑driven style that still looks better freshly cleaned and professionally pressed. Smart cleaners who ride the dad‑style wave will solve wardrobe headaches, boost receipts, and send dads out looking—and feeling—like heroes.


  • 4 Jun 2025 5:40 PM | Dawn Hargrove-Avery (Administrator)


    Published June 4 2025 • Updated as litigation progresses

    The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s 2024 final rule on perchloroethylene (perc / PCE) under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) is not on hold. While lawsuits are winding their way through the courts, all compliance dates remain enforceable unless a judge or a future EPA amendment says otherwise.

    Below is your quick-start guide to the rule’s hard deadlines, what the pending litigation really means, and the smartest next moves for professional cleaners.

    1. What’s Still in Force?

    • No legal stay — The Fifth Circuit has not paused the rule’s requirements.

    • Full compliance timeline — Both the 2025 machine-purchase ban and the 2034 absolute prohibition remain on the books.

    • Ongoing litigation — Industry groups are challenging several provisions, but any change will require an official court order or a new EPA rulemaking.

    2. Perc Phase-Out Timeline at a Glance

    Deadline Requirement Impact on Your Plant
    June 16 2025 No perc in any dry-cleaning machine purchased or leased after this date. All new equipment must operate on alternative solvents or wet-cleaning processes. Leasing counts!
    December 20 2027 Perc banned in 3rd-generation machines and related spot-cleaning. Older transfer and vented units must be decommissioned, replaced, or converted.
    December 19 2034 Full prohibition on all perc use in dry-cleaning and spotting. Fourth- and fifth-generation machines must be emptied, removed, or converted; no spotters may use perc.

    3. The Litigation Landscape—Should You Wait?

    Short answer: No.

    Although several industry coalitions have filed petitions for review, the court has not stayed the rule. EPA has indicated it may propose targeted amendments later in 2025, but any revisions must go through notice-and-comment rulemaking—meaning new requirements would take at least several months (most likely a year or more) to become final. In the meantime, inspectors will enforce the original deadlines.

    4. Action Steps You Can Take Today

    1. Freeze perc machine purchases. If you need a replacement, choose hydrocarbon, siloxane, liquid CO₂, or professional wet cleaning.

    2. Map your equipment life cycle. Calculate depreciation so every remaining perc machine is off-line before December 19 2034.

    3. Document your transition plan. Keep written records of solvent tests, equipment quotes, and staff training to demonstrate good-faith compliance during audits.

    4. Educate customers. Use “perc-free” marketing to attract health- and eco-conscious clients—and to offset conversion costs with premium positioning.

    5. Stay informed. Subscribe to EPA’s PCE list-serve and follow the docket for FabriClean Supply et al. v. EPA (5th Cir. No. 25-60006).

    5. Frequently Asked Questions

    If the rule changes, will EPA push back the 2025 date?

    Only if an amended final rule is published before June 16 2025 or a court issues a stay—neither has happened. Plan as though the ban starts on schedule.

    Can I keep a perc machine I already own?

    Yes, but only until December 19 2034 and only if you meet all monitoring, record-keeping, and engineering-control requirements spelled out in the 2024 rule and EPA’s Compliance Guide.

    Is professional wet-cleaning automatically compliant?

    Wet-cleaning avoids perc restrictions, but you must still meet applicable wastewater, energy, and OSHA requirements.

    6. Need More Details?

    • Direct questions to: PCE.TSCA@epa.gov (Existing Chemicals Risk Management Division, EPA).

    • Industry support: Contact the National Cleaners Association at info@nca-i.com or 212-967-3002 for help with planing for a new solvent.

<< First  < Prev   1   2   3   4   5   ...   Next >  Last >> 

News Update:

We have been made aware that National Waste sold its facility to Clean Earth.

www.cleanearth.com/contact

If you visit, www.cleanearth.com/contact and fill out the form, you can get registered as a customer.

Clean Earth Phone Number: 866-303-7644

Another option for waste removal is.

Clean Harbors- Clean Harbors recently purchased Safety Clean

Visit www cleanharbors.com/locations for a complete list of the facilities.

example NY  631-703-3451     Bridgeport NJ 856-467-3103

ERC FAQ's



I already received PPP. Can I still get the ERC?

The simple answer is YES! On December 27, 2020, The Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2020 was enacted. This Act modified the ERC credit rules. One change included a modification that permits a company to have a PPP loan, and also be able to take advantage of the ERC credit. But, you may not use the same dollar for dollar funds. We consider this when we process your ERC credit.

How will my ERC tax credit be disbursed?

We are proud to have established the ERC Master Trust for the benefit of our clients’ Tax Refunds. Eastern Point Trust Company (EPTC) — the same prestigious Trust Company that assisted in disbursing the Flint Contaminated Water Fund, The NFL CTE Concussion Fund, the Bernie Madoff Settlement Fund, and many other nationally known Escrow accounts — is our trust company. Feel safe knowing that all funds received are deposited directly into the Eastern Point Trust Company and are placed into the ERC Master Trust; then dispersed into separate sub-trust accounts for each individual client.

How do I repay the ERC Credit?

Another simple answer…You don’t! The ERC credit IS NOT A LOAN! The ERC credit is a refundable tax credit that you are eligible to receive if you meet the criteria. If you do not file for the ERC credit and are eligible for it, you will lose out on receiving thousands, or even millions of dollars that are actually owed to you.


How long does it usually take to get my ERC Credit?

The process works in 5 easy steps:

  • You submit our pre-qualifying questionnaire.
  • You will receive a link to upload the documents we will request.
  • Within 2-7 days (and at no charge), we provide you the exact dollar amount of the credit you are owed.
  • If you decide to contract with us, you will select a payment option, and your claim will be filed.
  • Your refund will be generated by the IRS (there is currently a 20-week minimum backlog for ERC refunds).

Why should I contract ERC Helpdesk…can’t my CPA file for me?

The only service ERC Helpdesk provides is the calculation and filing for ERC refunds—which is based on your payroll. Your CPA likely handles your business income tax returns. ERC is likely not their specialty. While your CPA can file for your ERC, it is highly likely that because of their unfamiliarity with The Cares Act and ERC credit, they might miss important findings that can make your ERC refund greater. To put it in simpler terms, we are ERC credit experts; your CPA is a tax specialist. You need an ERC expert to maximize the opportunity for a greater ERC refund. In fact, many CPAs and payroll companies do not want to file ERC and refer their clients to us.

Can I qualify for the ERC program if my 2020 revenue went up?

Another resounding, “YES!” There are two qualifiers for 2020: either revenue reduction, or a “full or partial shutdown of your business due to COVID-19.” The IRS describes this as “A government authority required partial or full shutdown of your business during 2020 or 2021. This includes your operations being limited by commerce, inability to travel or restrictions of group meetings.” These are some examples of possible qualifying events:

A business that ordinarily met with clients in person had to cancel meetings due to COVID-19.

A restaurant was forced to close and/or limit its on-site dining capacity due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Supply chain interruptions caused your business to have delayed production timelines.

COVID-19 restrictions lowered the amount of people who could attend an event with your business.

Your business had to reduce operating hours due to COVID-19 cleaning requirements and restrictions.

Will the IRS run out of ERC funds?

The government has funded $400 billion for the ERC credit program. When the funds are exhausted, the program will end. If you are an eligible employer, currently, there are funds available, and you will receive the ERC credit. The faster you file, the more likely you are to receive your credit.

As an owner, do my wages or the wages of any family member I employ qualify?

Maybe. Wages of owners who have majority ownership, defined as over 50%, do not qualify, nor do the W2 wages of any immediate family members of the owner. In the case an owner has 50% or less ownership, their W2 wages qualify, as do the W2 wages paid to immediate family members.

Is the ERC Credit taxable?

For federal income tax purposes, you will need to provide the credit information to your CPA and report it on your tax return.

We have researched the Employee Retention Credit, but we do not offer accounting or legal advice. Please contact your attorney and CPA regarding this program.

Blog posts

According to the record, The City Council took this action based on the recommendation of the Workplace Taskforce, of which the NCA was an active member.

On July 18, 2021, the City enacted Local Law 80 of 2021, which repeals the licensing requirement for retail laundries. This repeal goes into effect on December 31, 2021.

Beginning December 31, 2021, you will no longer need a Retail Laundry license from DCWP to operate your retail laundry business. Because the license is no longer required, DCWP will no longer accept new or renewal license applications.

NOTE: Industrial Laundry and Industrial Laundry Delivery businesses will continue to be licensed. The license repeal is only for Retail Laundries.

NEXT STEPS:

On December 31, 2021, your current Retail Laundry license will expire and you may take down DCWP’s license sign. You will not need to surrender or renew your Retail Laundry license.

Even though you will no longer need a license for your retail laundry, you will still be required to comply with other laws DCWP enforces, such as:

  • Your business’s bills, tickets, business cards, advertising and stationery must list your business name and address;
  • Every document (example: receipt, delivery ticket, invoice, statement, etc.) that contains charges to a consumer must accurately and clearly state each of the laundry charges, not just the total charge;
  • All vehicles used for delivery of laundry must include your business’s name, address, and telephone number in letters at least 2 inches in height;
  • You must post a price list where orders are placed or payments are made by consumers;
  • Your price list must contain a list of services offered, the minimum price charged for each service, and a description of any factors that may cause the price to be higher than the minimum. Your price list must not contain different prices for men and women for the same services;
  • If scales are used to weigh laundry on the premises, each scale must have a DCWP seal and must be inspected annually;
  • If your business offers self-service laundry machines to the general public:
  • an attendant must be on site from 8:00 P.M. until closing or 6:00 A.M. the following day, whichever is earlier; and
  • you must post a sign in a location that is clearly visible to consumers which states to whom complaints and claims for refunds must be made.


Repeal of Retail Laundry License


COVID-19 Response Document


https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/no-20213-continuing-temporary-suspension-and-modification-laws-relating-disaster-emergency

Sections 3203 and 4510 of the Insurance Law are modified to extend the grace period for the payment of premiums and fees to 90 days for any life insurance policyholder or fraternal benefit society certificate holder, as those terms are used in such sections, facing a financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic;  

Sections 3203, 3219, and 3220 of the Insurance Law are modified to provide a life insurance policyholder or annuity contract holder or a certificate holder, as those terms are used in such sections, under a group policy or contract with 90 days to exercise rights or benefits under the applicable life insurance policy or annuity contract for any policyholder or contract holder or certificate holder under the group policy or contract who is unable timely to exercise rights or benefits as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic;

Section 1116 and Articles 34, 53, 54, and 55 of the Insurance Law and Sections 54 and 226 of the Workers’ Compensation Law are modified to impose a moratorium on an insurer canceling, non-renewing, or conditionally renewing any insurance policy issued to an individual or small business, or, in the case of a group insurance policy, insuring certificate holders that are individuals or small businesses, for a period of 60 days, for any policyholder, or in the case of a group insurance policy, group policyholder or certificate holder, facing financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.  The foregoing relief shall also apply to the kinds of insurance set forth in paragraphs (16), (17), (20), (21), (24), (26), and (30) of Section 1113(a) of the Insurance Law.  For purposes of this Executive Order, a small business shall mean any business that is resident in this State, is independently owned and operated, and employs one hundred or fewer individuals;

City

New York City – 5 Boroughs

NY Hero Act, Model Airborne Infectious Disease Exposure Prevention Plan

Protecting New York Workers from Airborne Diseases

On May 5, 2021, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the New York Health and Essential Rights Act (NY HERO Act) into law. The law mandates extensive new workplace health and safety protections in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of the NY HERO Act is to protect employees against exposure and disease during a future airborne infectious disease outbreak.

Under this new law, the New York State Department of Labor (NYS DOL), in consultation with the NYS Department of Health, has developed a new Airborne Infectious Disease Exposure Prevention Standard, a Model Airborne Infectious Disease Exposure Prevention Plan, and various industry-specific model plans for the prevention of airborne infectious disease. Employers can choose to adopt the applicable policy template/plan provided by NYS DOL or establish an alternative plan that meets or exceeds the standard’s minimum requirements.

The airborne infectious disease exposure prevention plans must go into effect when an airborne infectious disease is designated by the New York State Commissioner of Health as a highly contagious communicable disease that presents a serious risk of harm to the public health. 

Currently, while employers must adopt plans as required by the law, as of the date of this writing no designation has been made and plans are not required to be in effect.

The standard and model plans are available in English and will be available in Spanish in the coming days. Employers are required to provide a copy of the adopted airborne infectious disease exposure prevention plan and post the same in a visible and prominent location within each worksite.

Templates that apply to the Dry Cleaning Industry

Eviction Updates by State


Economic Injury Disaster Loan Assistance:

https://www.sba.gov/disaster/apply-for-disaster-loan/index.html

Online Application:

https://covid19relief.sba.gov/#/

U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION ECONOMIC INJURY DISASTER LOAN SUPPORTING INFORMATION

https://www.sba.gov/disaster/apply-for-disaster-loan/pdfs/Economic%20Injury%20Disaster%20Loan%20Supporting%20Information%20(P-019).pdf

Additional Forms

A Disaster Assistance loan officer may request you to fill out the following additional forms:

Home Loans or Sole Proprietor Loans

Download corresponding forms below:

Mailing Instructions

All required documents listed below under Forms must be returned. All forms requiring signature must be signed and dated. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

U.S. Small Business Administration

Processing and Disbursement Center

14925 Kingsport Rd.

Ft. Worth, TX 76155-2243

If you have any questions, please contact 1-800-659-2955 or (TTY) (800) 877-8339

Use this form to upload your disaster loan application.

the 100 most active SBA 7(a) lending banks

https://www.sba.gov/article/2020/mar/02/100-most-active-sba-7a-lenders

State

New York- Insurance

NYS Executive Order 202.13   Re-Insurance Law Modifications

Insurance Carriers must allow a 60 day grace period

https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/no-20213-continuing-temporary-suspension-and-modification-laws-relating-disaster-emergency

Sections 3203 and 4510 of the Insurance Law are modified to extend the grace period for the payment of premiums and fees to 90 days for any life insurance policyholder or fraternal benefit society certificate holder, as those terms are used in such sections, facing a financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic;

• Sections 3203, 3219, and 3220 of the Insurance Law are modified to provide a life insurance policyholder or annuity contract holder or a certificate holder, as those terms are used in such sections, under a group policy or contract with 90 days to exercise rights or benefits under the applicable life insurance policy or annuity contract for any policyholder or contract holder or certificate holder under the group policy or contract who is unable timely to exercise rights or benefits as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic;

• Section 1116 and Articles 34, 53, 54, and 55 of the Insurance Law and Sections 54 and 226 of the Workers’ Compensation Law are modified to impose a moratorium on an insurer canceling, non-renewing, or conditionally renewing any insurance policy issued to an individual or small business, or, in the case of a group insurance policy, insuring certificate holders that are individuals or small businesses, for a period of 60 days, for any policyholder, or in the case of a group insurance policy, group policyholder or certificate holder, facing financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.  The foregoing relief shall also apply to the kinds of insurance set forth in paragraphs (16), (17), (20), (21), (24), (26), and (30) of Section 1113(a) of the Insurance Law.  For purposes of this Executive Order, a small business shall mean any business that is resident in this State, is independently owned and operated, and employs one hundred or fewer individuals;

Small Business

Federal

CARES

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act allocated $350 billion to help small businesses keep workers employed amid the pandemic and economic downturn. Known as the Paycheck Protection Program, the initiative provides 100% federally guaranteed loans to small businesses who maintain their payroll during this emergency.

What will lenders be LOOKING FOR?

In evaluating eligibility, lenders are directed to consider whether the borrower was in operation before February 15, 2020, and had employees for whom they paid salaries and payroll taxes or paid independent contractors.

Lenders will also ask you for a good faith certification that:

1. The uncertainty of current economic conditions makes the loan request necessary to support ongoing operations

2. The borrower will use the loan proceeds to retain workers and maintain payroll or make mortgage, lease, and utility payments

3. Borrower does not have an application pending for a loan duplicative of the purpose and amounts applied for here

4. From Feb. 15, 2020, to Dec. 31, 2020, the borrower has not received a loan duplicative of the purpose and amounts applied for here (Note: There is an opportunity to fold emergency loans made between Jan. 31, 2020 and the date this loan program becomes available into a new loan)

If you are an independent contractor, sole proprietor, or self-employed individual, lenders will also be looking for certain documents (final requirements will be announced by the government) such as payroll tax filings, Forms 1099-MISC, and income and expenses from the sole proprietorship.

Revised PPP application form (4/2/2020)

https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/Paycheck-Protection-Program-Application-3-30-2020-v3.pdf

Revised PPP Loan Updated (6/2020)

As of Thursday morning, the Senate unanimously approved a new bill that makes PPP loans more flexible in how and when they’re used. The House passed its version last week. Now, the bill just needs to be signed by the president for it to become law.

The centerpiece of the CARES Act, the PPP, was intended to prop up small businesses like dry cleaners and help keep small business employees on the payroll. Loans can be for 2.5 times payroll costs, with no collateral. Most significantly, PPP loans can be forgiven, fully or in part, depending on if borrowers maintain headcounts and payrolls at pre-pandemic levels and use their loan for permitted expenses.  Many cleaners applied for, and some received this assistance

The money can be used for payroll (no more than $100,000 annual salary per employee) as well as benefits (including paid sick leave and insurance premiums) and taxes on compensation. The new bill passed by the Senate allows for up to 40% (rather than 25%) of the loan to be used to cover mortgage interest, rent, and utilities.

The new bill also expands the amount of time borrowers have to spend their loan and have them forgiven. Before, covered expenses had to be incurred over the eight weeks right after loan disbursement. Now, small business owners have 24 weeks. Also, they have until December 31, 2020 (instead of June 30) to rehire or restaff up to their pre-pandemic level.

Any portion of the loan that is not forgiven will carry an interest rate of 1.0% and is due to be paid back within five (instead of two) years. However, payments are deferred for the first six months. There’s no pre-payment penalty.


PPP Loan Forgiveness

Borrowers will have their loans forgiven if they use the money for designated expenses. Participants are eligible for loan forgiveness for the amounts spent on authorized expenses over 24 weeks after loan disbursement.

Total payments for payroll may be forgivable. Mortgage interest, rent, and utilities are also forgivable, up to 40% of the PPP loan. (Note that if your loan is forgiven, these expenses covered by the loan are not tax-deductible, the IRS recently stated in Notice 2020-32.)

To get the entire amount of the loan forgiven (assuming that at least 60% is spent on payroll and the rest on permitted expenses), you must meet two criteria. 

First, the full-time employee headcount cannot decline from average monthly levels during 2019 or during the past 12 months. If your business launched in the second half of 2019, you can use average headcounts from January 1, 2020, to February 29, 2020. If your business is seasonal, you can base your monthly averages on numbers from February 15, 2019, or March 1, 2019, to June 30, 2019.

Second, for loans to become full grants, employers cannot cut salaries or wages. If they do, the forgiven amount will be reduced. Employers who already let workers go (between February 15 and April 26, 2020) have until December 31 to restaff.

The SBA has released the application for PPP loan forgiveness. It is two pages, plus nine pages of instructions and worksheets.  Three big changes to note:

1.      Instead of having to use your loan to cover the eight weeks right after loan disbursement, borrowers can start with the first pay period after the loan disbursement. (So if you receive the loan on Thursday, and your next pay period starts on Sunday, you can start with that Sunday pay period.)

2.      Borrowers are not required to report all allowed non-payroll costs (i.e., rent, mortgage interest, and utilities) if they don’t want to include them in the forgiveness amount. Before, there was some confusion over this; the flexibility may help borrowers keep their non-payroll costs within the required percentage (25%).

3.      The SBA recognizes that some employees who have been let go may get new jobs, or some may be fired with cause. So now there is a safe harbor for these situations.

--  The SBA has a summary of loan terms here.  link address.....https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/PPP--Fact-Sheet.pdf 

If you were wary of applying for PPP money before due to the nebulous information regarding forgiveness, consult with your accountant about whether the new terms make it a more comfortable fit for your business.

To increase your likelihood of getting money in the new round of funding, you should line up a bank and apply right away. Applications have slowed down compared to the first round, but the program is first-come, first-served. The deadline is June 30.  


Small Business Continuity Fund

1. As of March 27th, applications are open for INTEREST-FREE LOANS through the Small Business Continuity Fund. Go to https://www1.nyc.gov/nycbusiness/article/nyc-small-business-continuity-loan-program

The Fund, a public-private partnership between Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses, Tapestry, Inc.’s Coach Foundation and Pursuit, offers loans of up to $75,000 to small businesses in New York City as they deal with various challenges in response to the novel coronavirus. To qualify, businesses must:

• Be located within the five boroughs of New York City

• Demonstrate that the COVID-19 outbreak caused at least a 25% decrease in revenue

• Employ 99 employees or fewer in total across all locations • Demonstrate ability to repay the loan

• Have no outstanding tax liens or legal judgments

As part of the application, businesses will be required to demonstrate a revenue decrease by providing documentation such as: point-of-sales reports, bank statements, quarterly sales tax filings, 2019 tax returns, or CPA-certified profit & loss statements. Goldman Sachs Foundation will provide a grant to support technical assistance and capacity-building for the Small Business Continuity Fund.


The Employee Retention Grant Program

2. The Employee Retention Grant Program is available to help small businesses deal with the impact of COVID-19. Go to https://www1.nyc.gov/nycbusiness/article/nyc-employee-retention-grant-program

The City has launched the Employee Retention Grant Program to help retain employees as businesses face decreased revenue.

This program is available to New York City businesses with:

a. one to four employees and

b. can demonstrate at least a 25% decrease in revenue as a result of COVID-19.

Eligible businesses will receive a grant covering up to 40% of their payroll for two months. Businesses can access up to $27,000.

Who Can Apply?

Businesses must:

  • Be located within the five boroughs of New York City

  • Demonstrate that the COVID-19 outbreak caused at least a 25% decrease in revenue

  • Employ 1-4 employees in total across all locations

  • Have been in operation for at least 6 months

  • Have no outstanding tax liens or legal judgments

3. Northern Manhattan Emergency Recovery Fund

The Northern Manhattan Emergency Recovery Fund has received $2 million from Presbyterian Hospital for immediate relief to aid in the recovery and development of the community. The Fund will be administered by the Hispanic

 Federation. Go here for details https://hispanicfederation.org/nomafund/


For Employees

Federal

State 

City 


Things to Consider

Miscellaneous

The New York State ban on plastic bags has been postponed from April 1st toMay 15th Utilities have been ordered to not shut off service for gas, water, or electricity.

For NYC Employees

Verizon, Spectrum, and other cable providers' offer for free internet for households with school-age children. Verizon is also offering other learning tools and some premium TV channels offered to customers at no additional cost. Read the release: http://verizon.com/about/news/verizon-customers-learning-tools-premium-tv

Con Ed has halted all meter reading and installation of smart meters; stopped shutoffs of electric, natural gas or steam service due to non-payment resulting from the health crisis; waived new late-payment charges; and suspended the fee charged to a customer who is unable to grant access to their property. They WILL continue to shut off service when there is a safety issue. Customer service walk-in centers are shut. Residential customers can choose one of the alternate ways to pay their bill, including online at My Account, by mail with a check or money order, or by phone at 1-888-925-5016,

SNAP ASSISTANCE. The nonprofit expensify.org will reimburse SNAP participants $50 after they use their EBT card for approved purchases and submit a receipt. They are allocating these funds to help families in need to purchase essential groceries during the COVID-19 outbreak. There's no "catch" and the money is directly deposited into the participant's bank account. Employees should visit Expensify.org/hunger for more information.

Beginning Monday, March 23rd, free meals will be distributed at more than 400 sites across the city. Students may pick up three meals at one time. Find a location near you.

The New York State ban on plastic bags has been postponed from April 1st to May 15th 


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