FLX Gateway CDC

Schuyler County Hospitality Professionals Assistance Program

Application for Financial Assistance

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the purpose of this program? To provide Schuyler County’s Hospitality Professionals with financial support due to financial hardship caused by COVID-19 and the subsequent decrease in wages, tips, and compensation for service.

Why FLX Gateway CDC? The mission of the FLX Gateway CDC is to leverage the strengths of Schuyler County and the region through Enhanced Commercial Activities and Economic Development. Our residents and workers are our number one asset and strength. Our success is built on our workforce. With this understanding, the CDC will administer the program through the collection of donations and the disbursement of assistance.

How much funding is available? There is no set funding at this point. Funding is determined by the amount donated from businesses and individuals.

How much funding can an individual receive? This will be determined by the amount of donations received and the number of verified applications received. All awardees will receive the same amount of funding. However, not all verified application may be funded in each round. The range of awards will be $100 – $500 and will be set by the award committee.

What are the criteria for a professional to receive funds?

• Applicants must work and/ or live in Schuyler County
• Applicants primary employment must be in hospitality (hospitality jobs include both forward facing (customer interaction) and behind the scenes)
• Applicants must have been employed in the position prior to the pandemic
• Applicants must have been laid off, furloughed, have reduced hours, have reduced pay, or have cancelled/ suspended contracts due to COVID-19
• Applicants cannot be business owners with the exception of independent contractors that provide services to other hospitality businesses (1099 employees)

How are donations received? Donations can be made online at the above link or via check (Memo: Hospitality Fund) and mailed to:

FLX Gateway CDC

910 S. Decatur Street

Watkins Glen, NY 14891

How much of the donation will go to the hospitality professionals? 100%

Are donations tax deductible? Yes

How are funding decisions made? Application will be reviewed by the Funding committee established by the CDC Board and award decisions will be made. Any conflict of interests related to the awarding of funds will be noted and the committee member with the conflict will abstain from participation in the discussion and awarding of funds.

How will hospitality professionals be notified regarding the program? The program will be placed on Facebook (SCOPED, FLX Gateway CDC, Hector Has It All, Chamber, and others as shared) and the SCOPED Website. The notice will also be sent to all hospitality businesses located in Schuyler County. We will ask the business owners to disseminate the information to all employees, including independent contractors.

Where will application be available? Applications are available at the above link. All applications will be completed and submitted online.

What is the application period? Applications will be accepted May 1 through May 14.

Is this a onetime program? We hope to establish this as an ongoing program with subsequent rounds.