County officials outline $1.5 million in grants for chambers, business support orgs

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County officials outline $1.5 million in grants for chambers, business support orgs
Nassau County officials outlined more than $1 million in grants for nonprofit organizations last week. (Photo courtesy of the county executive's office)

Nassau County officials last week announced the establishment of the Small Business Technical Assistance and Planning program to aid in providing nonprofit organizations with grants.

County officials said $1.5 million from the funds received from the American Rescue Plan will provide direct grants for chambers of commerce, academic institutions and other business support groups. The funds will also provide organizations with help to plan promotional events and technological assistance.

“With this program, we look to deepen our support for Main Street businesses by bolstering the efforts of these groups which have been an invaluable asset for the small business community,” Nassau County Executive Laura Curran said. “If you think your organization has an existing program or an idea for a new creative way to help businesses, I encourage you to apply.”

“The Coronavirus shutdowns and restrictions hurt our small business community and our Main Streets but we are on the road to recovery,” Vision Long Island Director Eric Alexander said. “Kudos to County Executive Curran for directing resources to local communities and chambers to help rebuild our downtown business districts.”

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said he was glad to see Curran and other county groups use funds from the American Rescue Plan to aid organizations that have promoted businesses during the coronavirus pandemic.

“I fought tooth-and-nail in Washington to deliver aid to Nassau County, and I’m glad that County Executive Laura Curran is putting those funds to work boosting small businesses and nonprofits by providing them with grants to help them come back stronger than before,” Schumer said.

Officials said more than 100 businesses were approved to receive grants this week and they anticipate providing support to more than 1,000 businesses. Minority and women-owned business enterprises and businesses in underserved communities will be prioritized, officials said.

“This is a great program and opportunity for businesses within our underserved Hispanic and minority communities to receive funding and assistance to help them recover and thrive during these uncertain times,” Long Island Hispanic Chamber President Luis Vasquez said. “Thank you to Senate Majority Leader Chuck E. Schumer and County Executive Laura Curran for your continuous support of our community and businesses.”

In late June, the Nassau County Legislature unanimously passed the $62.9 million proposal put forth by Curran to help the county’s economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.

Curran said $30 million will be equally distributed to the Boost Nassau Main Street Small Business Grant Program, the Boost Nassau Small Business Loan Program and to workforce development.

Businesses can apply for the recovery grants on the county’s website or call 516-572-2888.

 

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