presented by Vision Long Island and the Long Island Main Street Alliance

April 9th, 2021

Quote of the Week

“Just as you drive and slow down through other neighborhoods, stop treating our neighborhood like it’s the Autobahn. We will be stepping up traffic enforcement in the Village of Hempstead to protect our residents and businesses.” - Hempstead Mayor Waylyn Hobbs.

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Hempstead Swears in New Village Mayor and Trustees

Vision and members of the LI Main Street Alliance were out today in the Village of Hempstead for the swearing in of a new Mayor and Village Trustees. 

Beautiful weather and hundreds of residents and business owners and elected officials from all levels of government were in attendance.  Great to hear the keynote address from former Governor David Paterson and see the swearing in of Mayor Waylyn Hobbs, Trustee Clariona Griffith and Kevin Boone.

“As you drive and slow down through other neighborhoods Stop treating our neighborhood like it’s the Autobahn. We will be stepping up traffic enforcement in the Village of Hempstead to protect our residents and businesse,” said Hempstead Mayor Waylyn Hobbs.

Among his remarks the Mayor challenged drivers to stop treating the Village streets like a raceway and reduce speeds through stepped up enforcement which was heartening as well.

Good luck to the new leadership team in their downtown revitalization efforts as well.

TOD in Lynbrook Proposed

A developer is seeking to build a 210-unit apartment complex at the site of the vacant Mangrove Feather factory in Lynbrook, has recently reached out to the Lynbrook community through two “get acquainted and share your thoughts” meetings to discuss the proposed development project.

The proposed mixed-use Transit Oriented Development project would have approximately 210 residential rental units, 85% studios and one-bedroom units, and 15% two bedrooms. Ten percent of the units would be affordable. A wide range of amenities would be offered, along with a cafe open to the public on the first floor. Parking would be on site as well. The project is estimated to be a $60 million investment in the community.

The site is located the intersection of Broadway, Langdon Place & Saperstein Plaza, just west of the Long Island Railroad on Broadway. It is two blocks from the heart of the Village and within walking distance to Atlantic Avenue, the movie theatre, and Village Hall.

Vision Long Island and members of the LI Main Street Alliance attended the public meetings, which were held in person and virtually on April 1st and April 6th. According to Eric Alexander, Director of Vision Long Island and the Long Island Main Street Alliance, questions from the public included topics such as parking, school district impacts, tax revenue, pilots and the need to hire locally.  “Additionally,” Mr. Alexander noted, “community members have reached out to Vision with concerns about overall project density and building height.”   

David Orwasher, the chief development officer for Breslin Reality advised the LI Herald, “We are seeking feedback. We’re trying to understand what folks would like to see, and there are some levels of elasticity, and we’re trying to build a good and consistent neighborly outreach to support the asset and the contribution that this development will deliver.”

By way of the history of this site, as reported by the LI Herald, the building at 4347 Broadway has been a fixture in Lynbrook since the early 1900s. Originally known as the Bates Opera House, the building was sold in 1916 and converted into a knitting factory. By 1917, the Atlantic Knitting Mills became Lynbrook’s largest employer, hiring 60 men and 60 women. Eventually, the Mangrove Feather Company moved into the ground floor. It produced feathers for the carnival and apparel industries. In 1982, the building became home to English Sportswear. In 2005, Barry Singer purchased the building with plans to develop it. For over a decade, development projects came and went, never materializing. In 2017, David Orwasher, the chief development officer for Breslin Realty, began negotiating with Mr. Singer, and finally reached an agreement to build the proposed 210-unit apartment complex, pending village board approval.

You can read more about this project at the LI Herald.

You can learn more about this project here.

Deal Reached on $212 Billion Budget to Jump-Start Recovery

Governor Cuomo and New York State lawmakers announced Tuesday they have reached an agreement on a $212 billion state budget. Much of the budget’s key initiatives are intended to jump-starting the recovery of a state that was hit hard and early by the COVID-19 pandemic.

This year’s $212 billion budget is a 9.9% increase over last year’s $194.6 billion budget, due in part to extra federal COVID-19 relief that New York will not get again next year, including an expected $12 billion for state government alone. Of the $212 billion, more than half ($111 billion) will go towards state operating costs.

According to Crain’s, the Legislature and Governor waited until late Tuesday to release specifics to the public about some of the most contentious parts of the budget, including a $2.1 billion fund to provide one-time payments for undocumented workers who did not qualify for federal stimulus checks or unemployment benefits; personal income tax rate increase on individuals making over $1 million, introducing two new brackets for incomes over $5 million and $25 million; and an agreement to legalize mobile sports betting, bringing a potential revenue stream of nearly $500 million a year to New York.

Other budget highlights include:

•         $311 Billion Infrastructure Plan
•         $15 Broadband Plans Must Be Offered to Low-Income Families
•         Withholding of 50 Percent of State and Federal Funds from Jurisdictions that Fail to Produce a Police Reform Plan; Requires the Attorney General to Appoint a Monitor to Ensure Safe Policing
•         $2.3 Billion in Federal Child Care Resources to Expand Availability, Quality and Affordability of Child Care Across the State; Enacts Employer Child Care Credits
•         $29 Billion in Public and Private Green Economy Investments
•         Establishes Prevailing Wage & Buy American Requirement
•         Protects Renters by Creating $2.4 Billion Rent Relief Program
•         Enhances Quality of Care at Nursing Homes with Patient-Centered Reforms
•         $1 Billion in Small Business and Arts Relief and Recovery Assistance
•         Middle Class Property Tax Credit and Continues Middle Class Tax Cut; Expected to Save 4.8 Million New Yorkers Over $2.2 Billion This Year
•         $29.5 Billion School Aid, 11% Increase, Record Funding
•         Environmental Protection Fund funding at $300 million

This year’s budget delay means thousands of state workers are facing the prospect of having to wait to receive paychecks. State comptroller Tom DiNapoli said that employees may get their pay late because lawmakers didn’t pass the budget by Monday, April 1st, Crain’s reports.

New York State Senator Anna M. Kaplan stated upon casting her vote for this budget, “I’m not just casting a vote for record school funding, lower middle-class taxes, and over a billion dollars in relief for small businesses, I’m casting my vote for a state budget that will deliver for our community and uphold the American values that we hold so dear." 

“We are heartened to see that the budget will enact small business and arts relief and recovery assistance, in the form of a $1 billion relief package for our small businesses, arts, entertainment and restaurants, to help them recover from the crippling impacts of the Coronavirus regulations,” observes Eric Alexander, Director of Vision Long Island and founder of the Long Island Main Street Alliance. “We look forward to ensuring that local communities and businesses receive this assistance.”

You can read more at Crain’s NY Business, New York Times, and at the Governor’s Press Release.

Marijuana Legalization Raises Questions for Business Owners

Earlier this week, Vision Long Island and Long Island Main Street Alliance members were in downtown Farmingdale reacting to questions from the press about New York's new recreational marijuana legislation and its possible impact on the workplace and small businesses.

The Long Island Main Street Alliance surveyed small business owners in advance of the interview and found most were not aware of the impact of the legislation, as they were not involved in shaping the regulations. Questions that were asked by businesses included management issues such as: how to handle employees that are impaired at work; can employees engage in marijuana use on their lunch break; and how to handle work performance. “The most serious concern,” Eric Alexander, Director of Vision Long Island and the Long Island Main Street Alliance stated, “was about their drivers and folks who operate critical machinery.”

On Wednesday, CBS2’s Jennifer McLogan spoke to Village of Farmingdale Mayor Ralph Ekstrand, local downtown businesses and a legal expert who weighed in on the law.

“If an employee comes in smelling like marijuana, we are limited to what we can do,” asserted Daniel Romano of Frankie’s Gourmet Pizza.

“Smell would not be a symptom of impairment,” stated attorney Avrohom Gefen of Vishnick McGovern Milizio LLP. “Tricky situation for an employer to actually show that the employee was under the influence while they were working.” Mr. Gefen told CBS, it’s a slippery slope as New York becomes the 15th state to legalize recreational marijuana, immediately allowing residents to possess small amounts. Legal sales are more than a year away.

Ralph Ekstrand, a local pharmacy owner, as well as Farmingdale’s mayor, asked, “Can we zone them out of our downtown and into our industrial area? Is that also legal?”

Mr. Gefen explained to CBS, these next months should be about advice and training. “Advising employees who may think that this is open season and they can come to work impaired,” he said. “And also training supervisors to recognize what the signs of impairment are.”

Mr. Alexander observed, “The local feedback is not about ‘should there be a law decriminalizing the use of the drug?’ but simply how to manage it on top of all of the other issues folks are dealing with from other NYS Coronavirus regulations.” 

“There is a lot of confusion out there and hopefully, in the coming months, there will be education and training for employees and employers alike,” Mr. Alexander concluded.

You can view the CBS2 story here.

Trust For Public Land Seeks Proposals for Greenway Study

The Trust for Public Land (TPL) is seeking proposals for a Preliminary Survey and Design Study to advance the conceptual design of the first phase of the Long Island Greenway, a 25-mile segment of the proposed trail from Eisenhower Park to Brentwood State Park. The proposed trail is intended to serve as an extension of the Empire State Trail and utilize a combination of established utility rights-of-way, on-road routes, and existing trails.

In 2017, Governor Cuomo announced the Empire State Trail, a continuous 750-mile route slated to become the longest multi-use trail in the country. It will span the state from Plattsburgh and Buffalo to New York City. It ends in Manhattan, leaving out the 7.8 million New Yorkers who live east of the City. The TPL has a plan to change that by creating a historic trail that will connect the residents of Long Island (including Brooklyn and Queens) to the Empire State Trail.

The study proposed in this current RFP represents the next step toward implementation of the first phase of this project by documenting a detailed land survey along the 25-mile route, performing an environmental site assessment, a vertical separation study, an analysis of automobile parking, a LIDAR scan to determine the clearance between transmission lines and the ground, determining any potential health impacts through an electromagnetic field radiation study, and producing a preliminary design.

The TPL has received sufficient funds in order to commence the project.

Some important dates to note are April 14, 2021 when a 10 AM pre-bid meeting will be held, a proposal due date of May 18, 2021 and an estimated decision date of June 11, 2021.

The expectation is that activity on the scope of work will begin in this summer.

To register for the pre-bid meeting on April 14, 2021, send an email to Danny Gold at danny.gold@tpl.org.

You can view the RFP with the complete details here.

Long Island Main Street News, Under Production, makes Extended Interviews with Local Leaders Available

Vision Long Island has been in the process of interviewing some of our community partners: local civics, small business/chamber friends, municipal officials and local food pantry and religious leaders. 

As part of these efforts, we have reached over half of the communities we work in and are starting now to connect to some of our friends not rooted in any one community from development, design and infrastructure professionals and environmental leaders as well.   These interviews will be pieced together into a future show titled "Long Island Main Street News," but, in the meantime, you can view an extended version of these interviews here.

Special thanks to our guests for sharing their experiences, to our friends at Pink Tie for providing access to their studio, and to Rob Comforto from Videomasters for the filming and production.

We were back with another edition of LI Main Street News featuring James Bonner from NY Atlantic Railways.

Mr. Bonner gave us a primer on the Long Island connections to our regional rail system.  He tackled the benefits of freight rail getting trucks off the road resulting in less carbon emissions and the economic and job growth tied to the rail system.  

We appreciate Mr. Bonner's candor and work sharing a little understood but critical piece of our local infrastructure.  

Check it out here.

This edition of LI Main Street News we heard from Dr. Gail Lamberta on how higher education is managing through the Coronavirus.

Dr. Lamberta shared the programs of St. Joseph's, their current online learning, community programs and a range of education in the areas of hospitality, tourism and many others.   We also covered the LI Youth Summit which St. Joseph's has sponsored in the past and again this year.

Dr. Lamberta outlined that their roots are in community service and we are at a time in public life where service is needed more than ever.   

This is one of those interviews where I learned a lot, so check it out here.

The next edition of LI Main Street News interview featured our friend Vanessa Lockel, the Executive Director of the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk.

Ms. Lockel shared with us what the areas the Cooperative Extension is working on with youth, education, environment, food insecurity and more.. 
We had a robust conversation about Vanessa’s experience working with local communities on Long Island and how that ties in to her current work and the programs she runs.

It was great to learn about what the Cornell Cooperative Extension has been doing  and the different services they provide.

Check it out here.

The latest edition of LI Main Street News featured Town of Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim.

Supervisor Wehrheim covered the range of services the Town provides to local residents and business owners.   He also shared the work that was done to help manage the Town through the Coronavirus.    Of course we spoke about the planning work for the broader Town and the work with the civic and chamber of commerce to bring sewers and a revitalization plan to Kings Park’s business district. 

The Supervisor has spent his live in the public and private sector serving the community and seems like he knows not just neighborhoods but all of the people in the Town.   Great to see the very positive and forward thinking approach he brings to his job managing the Town and we look forward to continuing to work with him.  

Check it out here.

Keep an eye on Vision Long Island's Facebook page here, where we'll be premiering a new Main Street News Interview daily! Simply follow us if you have not already and you should get alerts before a new video debuts.

Blank Slate Media Presents: Saving Our Downtowns on April 15th

Join this virtual discussion on Thursday, April 15, 2021, from 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM, where informed speakers will focus on how our downtowns can continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speakers include: Eric Alexander, Director of Vision Long Island and the Main Street Alliance; Anthony Bartone, Managing Partner of Terwilliger & Bartone Properties; Village of Farmingdale Mayor Ralph Ekstrand; Dennis Grossman, President and CEO of DMI Business Consulting Group since 198; Richard Kessel, chairman of the Nassau County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) and the Nassau County Local Economic Assistance Corporation (LEAC)

You can register and find more information for this event here.

The Road Ahead: Long Island and the Outlook for our Economy

On April 21, 2021 at 9:00 AM, join People’s United Advisors for a live conversation focused on the local Long Island economy, business, investments, and the implications of new legislation. Senior leaders from Peoples United Advisors will share insights and discuss client implications.

The agenda includes:

• Opening Remarks: William Spencer, Senior Vice President and Senior Wealth Advisor
• Implications for Investors and Long Island: John Traynor, Chief Investment Officer and John Mast, Senior Vice President and Commercial Market President, New York

A recording will be made available after the call.

You can register here.

15th Annual Latina Hat Luncheon - Wednesday, June 9th, 2021

Founded in 1988, the Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce was established to serve the needs of the Long Island minority owned small business community. Through an array of networking events, members have an opportunity to make contacts necessary to help their businesses thrive. One such event, the Latina Hat Luncheon, is one of its best attended events, where attendees can be honored based on their work for the community and professional achievements.

Last year, the LIHCC, along with other non-profit organizations, were forced to cancel all in-person events due to COVID-19. This caused many individuals, business, and nonprofit organizations, including the LIHCC, to suffer deep financial losses.

The LIHCC has continued to fulfill its mission to service the minority business community by offering informational webinars related to COVID-19 updates, such as PPP loan information and where to get personal protective equipment (PPE). The Chamber is also continuing its yearly toy drive to benefit the victims of the 2020 Hurricanes in Honduras.

With the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines and restrictions being eased, the Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is moving ahead with planning the Latina Hat Luncheon. The Chamber is optimistic that by June 2021, it will be able to host this luncheon with limited in person capacity.

The LIHCC's biggest priority is the safety and well-being of its members, sponsors, and staff. The event will follow the guidelines provided by the CDC, federal, and local authorities.

The 15th Annual Latina Hat Luncheon will be held on Wednesday, June 9th, 2021. Contact their office at (516) 333-0105 or email at admin@lihcc.org for tickets and sponsorship packages.

Applications Are Now Open for Suffolk Legislature’s 2021 Page Program

Suffolk County Legislature Presiding Officer Rob Calarco has announced that applications are being accepted for the Suffolk Legislature’s 2021 Page Program.

Approaching its seventh year, the legislature’s Page Program is an immersive summer internship program that gives college students the opportunity to learn about county government and public service. The 2021 program will run for 12 weeks, beginning with an orientation on May 21 and culminating in a graduation ceremony on Aug. 6.

Nearly 30 students participated in last year’s program, which went fully remote as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s program will be remote as well, offering students the ability to participate virtually via Zoom.

Participants will connect with legislators, elected officials, and policymakers from throughout Suffolk County, participate in an online mock legislature, and attend weekly virtual workshops on leadership and personal development. Students will also be tasked with developing service projects that address one of the many issues presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Page Program was created by the Suffolk County Legislature Office of the Presiding Officer in 2015 to provide students with a rewarding and educational experience in local government. Several former Pages return to serve as “Senior Pages” who help organize activities and guide the new class.

Applications due May 7. Download the Page Program application here.

You can find details on the program here.

Long Island Coalition for the Homeless Job Opening

Project Hope Crisis Counselor - Street Outreach Worker, Amityville

This position will begin as a full time Crisis Counselor position working under a Project Hope contract, and may or may not include direct street outreach. It will convert to a full time Street Outreach work upon completion of the Project Hope contract around mid-June.

Crisis Counselor: Responsible for providing crisis counseling to individuals, households and groups experiencing crisis as a result of COVID-19 and provide supports, including linkages to essential services, benefits, and more in-depth mental health counseling as necessary and appropriate. Crisis counselors will work with the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless’ Coordinated Entry Team and support housing-focused case management for households experiencing long-term homelessness either living on the street or living in shelter. Outreach will be assigned and targeted based regional needs related to the areas which have been most impacted by COVID and having households that have the highest levels of vulnerability and most significant barriers to exiting homelessness on their own. Crisis Counselors must be highly mobile (personal vehicle w/ reimbursed mileage) and will be assigned households that are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of homelessness in Suffolk counties. Community Crisis Counselors will be responsible for hotline monitoring, referrals and support, homelessness diversion and community outreach and education in addition to crisis counseling

Street Outreach: Responsible for providing housing-focused street outreach and case management targeted for single adults experiencing long-term homelessness either living on the street or living in shelter. Street Outreach Workers will engage in community canvassing, partnered outreach, and coordination with partners to identify and engage all persons experiencing homelessness that are residing unsheltered. Street Outreach Workers must be highly mobile and will have access to a Street Outreach van for transport of clients. Engagements focus around direct and person-centered support in obtaining necessary documentation/applying for various housing programs, as well as connecting households to other services that relate to housing placement and housing retention and health and safety, such as employment, entitlements/benefits, medical/clinical services, linkages to care coordination, budgeting and credit, legal, and other services for which they are eligible and interested in. Street Outreach Workers will work as a supervised/guided team of direct care workers, comprised of staff focused on street outreach and shelter inreach. This team collectively provides referrals for permanent housing programs (permanent supportive housing and rapid rehousing), including programs funded through HUD, NYS Office of Mental Health, nursing home programs, housing choice voucher programs, and other housing that meets each household’s needs and preferences.

Essential Duties include the following. Other duties may be assigned:

· Provide direct outreach and follow up to clients
· Document all client information and engagements in HMIS (Homeless Management Information System) database
· Ensure completion and submission of various housing applications as applicable
· Connect clients to all available services that directly assists with obtaining and remaining in permanent housing
· Provide transportation to clients as necessary to access housing and services
· Assist in the coordination of housing intakes, move-ins and transition support
· Completion of phone screenings and assessments
· Homeless diversion (problem solving)/service triage supports
· Weekly case conferencing/team meetings
· Weekly case review/supervision

Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and two years’ experience (internships or volunteer work acceptable); or a related human services field or a minimum of three years’ related experience in human services arena preferred; strong organizational skills; possesses effective verbal and written communication skills; working knowledge of computer database applications (Foothold AWARDS - preferred, Access, Client or Customer databases of accounting database software) or ability to learn quickly. Must have a clean driver’s license and personal vehicle are required for this position.

Must have a commitment to organization’s mission and goals. Must be self-motivated; must be able to work effectively with diverse people and personalities and as a member of a team. Bilingual (Spanish and English) preferred. Experience/knowledge in trauma-informed care and motivational interviewing a plus.
This position will require local travel as needed. A clean Driver’s License and private vehicle is required for this position.

Benefits after probationary period will be available. These include paid time off (vacation, holiday, sick, personal), medical insurance for the employee (premium paid by LICH), Dental and Vision insurance optional, Life Insurance for the employee and Simple IRA plan (with employer match).

Interested parties should submit a resume and salary requirements via email to mgiuffrida@addressthehomeless.org. Please do not call the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless regarding this position. Questions should be submitted via email only.

Applying for the Second Round of PPP Loans for Small Businesses

The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) has been revived, with $280 billion available for a second round, for small businesses still struggling to make ends meet. Monday, January 11th, was the first day to apply for this new, potentially forgivable, federal loan.

What you need to know about PPP Loans:
PPP loans are forgivable loans, meaning the money doesn’t need to be repaid if it meets the criteria laid out by the Small Business Administration. They have an interest rate of one percent and the current batch will mature in five years. The loans require no collateral and come without fees. Borrowers must spend at least 60% of the loans on payroll, with the other 40% going to other eligible operating expenses. Forgiven PPP loans are not considered income for federal tax purposes.

Differences in Round 2:
Targeted funds are being made available for the most vulnerable businesses; restaurants can get bigger loans; the forgiveness process is simpler; the tax break for PPP loan recipients have gotten bigger; and there is an expanded use of funds.

Eligibility for PPP funding:
For round 2 of the PPP funding, both first-time and second-time qualified borrowers are eligible to apply. First-time borrowers can apply for loans up to $10 million.

PPP applicants who are seeking funding in addition to what they received earlier in the year (also known as Second Draw Loans) are eligible for loans up to $2 million provided they meet the following requirements:
-          Employ fewer than 300 people (down from 500);
-          Have used or will use the full loan amount granted to them in their first round of PPP funding;
-          Can show a 25% gross revenue decline in any 2020 quarter compared with the same quarter in 2019 (if a business was out of operation for a portion of 2019, they can use different quarters to compare gross receipts.)

How and when to apply:

SBA reopened the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for First Draw PPP Loans the week of January 11, 2021. SBA will began accepting applications for Second Draw PPP Loans on January 13, 2021.

To promote access for smaller lenders and their customers, SBA will initially only accept Second Draw PPP Loan applications from participating community financial institutions (CFIs), which include Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs), Certified Development Companies (CDCs), and Microloan Intermediaries. Paycheck Protection Program lending will reopen to all participating lenders shortly thereafter. At least $25 billion is being set aside for Second Draw PPP Loans to eligible borrowers with a maximum of 10 employees or for loans of $250,000 or less to eligible borrowers in low- or moderate-income neighborhoods.

NEW DEADLINE EXTENSION: SBA HAS ANNOUNCED THAT APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED UNITIL MAY 31st!

How much can a business borrow?
Loans are capped at 2.5 times an applicant’s average monthly payroll costs in the one year prior to the loan being issued (3.5 times for restaurants and other eligible hospitality businesses).
Loans are limited to a maximum of $10 million for first time PPP borrowers and $2 million for second time borrowers.

What can the money be used for?
The loan proceeds can be used to cover a business’s payroll and certain other expenses, including operations expenditures, property damage costs, supplier costs, and worker protection expenditures.

What about loan forgiveness?
If a business uses at least 60% of the loan on payroll expenses and maintains its employment levels during the covered period of the loan, it can apply to have the loan forgiven. Otherwise, the loans carry a 1% interest rate and a maturity of five years.

For further information, and to apply, click here.

PPP Webinars & Workshops Offered by Asset Enhancement Solutions

To assist members of Associations, Chambers of Commerce, etc., Asset Enhancement Solutions is offering a complimentary 2 session webinar on how to apply for a PPP Loan.

Session #1   
Everything you want to know about a PPP Loan, but are afraid to ask. Participants are educated about PPP Loans and advised on the exact information and documentation they need to collect in order to apply online during the 2nd webinar, which is an Application Workshop.

Session #2 
Workshop on Zoom where applicants will be assisted in completing a PPP Loan application online, as applicants watch professionals complete the same application. Applicants will be able to obtain assistance during the application workshop.

Many are still unaware they may be eligible for a PPP Loan, which may be up to 100% forgiven.

For more information, contact Neil Seiden at (516) 767-0100 or neil.seiden@assetenhancement.com
www.assetenhancement.com

NEW DEADLINE EXTENSION: SBA HAS ANNOUNCED THAT APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED UNITIL MAY 31st!

Small Business Assistance Grant Program – Second Round

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone will join with local officials and business owners on Friday, April 9th, to announce that more than 65 small businesses located across the County have received a total of nearly $500,000 in grant funding through the County’s COVID-19 Small Business Assistance Grant Program. Awardees, which include both Javier’s Café and Katie’s of Smithtown, also include various gyms, salons, restaurants, and bars across Suffolk.

The County Executive will also announce the opening of the pre-application period for the second round of available funding, with the goal of providing over $500,000 in additional grants by the end of May to assist struggling small businesses that have been negatively impacted by the pandemic.

The Small Business Assistance Grant Program pre-application will open on April 9th at 9am and will be open through April 23rd.

Small Business Assistance Grant Program funds are a one-time payment granted to eligible applicants in an amount up to $5,000 for businesses with up to 10 full-time equivalent employees, and $10,000 for businesses with 11-50 full-time equivalent employees. Eligible businesses are: gyms, hair salons/barbers, nail salons, restaurants and bars/taverns.

You can find the guidelines here.

You can find the application here.

Suffolk County Water Quality Improvement Division Calls For Applications

The Suffolk County Department of Economic Development and Planning has issued a Call for Applications for the ¼% sales tax Suffolk County Water Quality Protection and Restoration Program (WQPRP) funding. 

The latest application and the instructions can be found on the Water Quality Improvement Division’s website here.

Applications are open to all Suffolk County departments, non-profit organizations, and to all local municipalities. All non-County projects will require a match of at least 50% of the total project cost which is equivalent to at least 100% of the WQPRP funding being requested.

Any potential applicants for this round of Suffolk County Water Quality Protection and Restoration Program funding have the opportunity to attend a remote Proposer’s Conference at 10 AM on April 21, 2021. Please be prepared with all questions/comments on the application at that time.

Key Dates: Application Available Online - April 7, 2021; Optional Proposers Conference - April 21, 2021 @ 10:00 AM; Applications Due: May 28, 2021 by 4PM.

Award Amounts: Minimum $50,000/Maximum $250,000

Proposer’s Conference
Wednesday, April 21, 2021 @ 10 AM
Remote Meeting - Zoom Information
The link to the meeting information is as follows:
https://suffolkny.zoom.us/j/81099014168?pwd=ekQ3cnRLZHpyOXlrY2pTTVlnU2NhQT09
Meeting ID: 810 9901 4168
Passcode: 292740

If you have any questions about participating in the proposer’s conference please contact WQPRP@suffolkcountyny.gov.

Citi Foundation Small Business Technical Assistance Request for Proposals

The Citi Foundation aims to support nonprofit organizations providing direct technical assistance to small businesses owned by people of color that have been disproportionately impacted by the health, social and economic challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Selected organizations will receive up to $500,000 in unrestricted funding through this grant.

Eligibility: Applicant organizations must have IRS 501(c)(3) status and a Federal Employer Identification Number, as well as three years of audited financial statements. Organizations should have a mission to serve low- and moderate-income individuals and communities and provide direct technical assistance to small businesses owned by people of color that have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, including a current portfolio of small business technical assistance that falls within one or more of Citi Foundation’s target geographies. Targeted areas include the following counties: Bronx; Kings; Nassau; New York; Queens; Richmond; Rockland; Suffolk; Westchester.

Funding: Up to $500,000 per award in one-year, unrestricted grant support.

Deadline: April 12, 2021

“We are happy to see actual corporate philanthropy reach Long Island,” states Eric Alexander, Director of Vision Long Island and the Long Island Main Street Alliance, “and we’re happy to see these kinds of grants for small businesses that are most in need during these tough times. Kudos to Citi Foundation for its commitment to small business.”

Contact Email: citifoundationrfp@citi.com
Website: https://www.citigroup.com/citi/foundation/programs/smallbusiness.htm
Application link: https://citi.fluxx.io/apply/sbta

New Funding from PSEG Now Available for a Limited Time

John Keating, Manager of Economic Development for PSEG Long Island, announced during a Long Island Main Street Alliance virtual meeting on Tuesday, March 23rd, that PSEG is again initiating its very successful Chamber of Commerce and BID grant program.

“These are very unusual times, and PSEG is trying to come up with programs that benefit small business,” Mr. Keating stated. “Last year PSEG was able to offer up to $5,000 grants to about 26 different Chambers and BIDs. We felt it was very worthwhile and we were able to help small businesses in downtowns to set up shopping and restaurant areas outdoors, which we saw as the lifeline for small business.”

“Since it was such a successful program, PSEG has agreed to offer it again,” Mr. Keating announced. “Even if you participated and got a grant last year, you can apply this year. This is a new round, new funding. Last year we ended up funded up to $120,000 and we anticipate being in the same ballpark this year.”

As businesses begin or continue to develop outdoor commercial spaces, they may qualify for a PSEG Long Island grant of up to $5,000 to reimburse the purchase of materials including, but not limited to:

• Barricades and/or planter style barricades
• Clothing racks
• Durable safety materials
• Limited amount of signage in support of outdoor dining/commerce, specifically to support and encourage participation in business openings. Signage funding is limited to 20% of total grant up to $1,000.
• Outdoor seating, tables, patio heaters and lighting

Funding is limited and available first come, first served. Applications will be accepted until June 1, 2021. Eligible grantees include Chambers of Commerce and Business Improvement Districts. Pre-approval is required and purchases must be made by a Chamber of Commerce or Business Improvement District. Marketing and promotional expenses and rentals of any kind of equipment do not qualify under this program. There is talk about use enhancements of this grant, check the PSEG website for any changes.

“We are happy to see the impact of actual corporate philanthropy on Long Island," stated Eric Alexander, Director of Vision Long Island and the Long Island Main Street Alliance, “and we are happy to see these kinds of programs for small businesses that are most in need during these tough times. Kudos to PSEG for its commitment to Long Island’s downtowns.”

Click here to access PSEG loan application and information: https://www.psegliny.com/inthecommunity/revitalization/chambers

SBA Launches Portal to Begin Accepting Shuttered Venue Operators Grant Applications

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has launched a splash page for the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) application portal in anticipation of opening applications for the much-anticipated critical economic relief program on Thursday, April 8, 2021.

“Help is here for venue operators hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. The SBA has worked diligently to build the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program from the ground up to assist and address the diverse eligibility requirements of each type of applicant and we will open for applications on April 8th.” SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman said. “This vital economic aid will provide a much-needed lifeline for live venues, museums, movie theatres and many more.”.

The SVOG program was established by the Economic Aid to Hard Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits and Venues Act, which appropriated $15 billion for it. The American Rescue Plan Act, signed into law by President Joe Biden on March 11, 2021, appropriated an additional $1.25 billion, bringing the program funding to a total of $16.25 billion, with more than $16 billion allocated for grants.

To ensure eligible venues do not miss a window to receive assistance through the Paycheck Protection Program, the American Rescue Plan Act also amended the SVOG program so entities that apply for a PPP loan after Dec. 27, 2020, can also apply for an SVOG, with the eligible entity’s SVOG to be reduced by the PPP loan amount. The PPP loan applications have been updated to reflect this.

For more information, click here for the dedicated SBA SVOG portal: https://www.svograntportal.sba.gov/s/

Click here to register for the March 30th informational webinar: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/svog-application-informational-webinar-registration-147041437899

New York State Accepting Applications for NY Forward Loan Fund

New York State has opened pre-applications for the New York Forward Loan Fund. Loans from this fund are available to small businesses, nonprofits, and small landlords in New York State. New York Forward loans must be fully repaid over a 5-year term with fixed annual interest rates of 3 percent for small businesses and landlords.

Small businesses may apply for the lesser of $100,000 or up to 100% of the average monthly revenues in any 3-month period from 2019 or the first quarter of 2020. This loan can be paid back over five years with first year being interest only.  However, if small businesses have received either a PPP loan or an EIDL loan from SBA, they would not be eligible to apply. NYS has set a goal of 18% of total funds under this Program for Long Island

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis as industries and regions reopen however, priority for New York Forward Loans will be given to industries and regions that have been reopened. Resources are available to assist in preparing applications for small businesses, landlords and nonprofits in industries and regions that have not yet reopened.

To view more details, including eligibility requirements and how to apply, click here:

If you need technical assistance through this process, please contact an Entrepreneurial Assistance Center near you and inform the counselor that you need help for the NY Forward Loan application.  You can find your closest contact center here.

Our Sponsor

GRCH Architecture P.C.

GRCH Architecture Principal Glen R. Cherveny leads a highly successful team of industry professionals with more than 30 years of experience in architecture, design, planning, engineering and more recently LEED-sustainable architecture.

GRCH Architecture P.C. (GRCH) firm was launched in the 1980s and has consistently evolved to keep pace with the needs and the demands of constantly changing architectural design trends, engineering code updates and energy efficient architecture. GRCH has successfully designed millions of square feet for thousands of commercial and residential projects in hundreds of communities where many of our designs have received awards for excellence and smart growth on behalf of our clients and developers.

GRCH's goal of excellence is apparent in their work starting with high-quality practices in the initial phases of programming and continuing on through the building construction phase and project completion. Going forward, GRCH endeavors to expand their efforts and knowledge to keep ahead of the curve and to continually bring innovative ideas and approaches to all of our projects that will meet the changing requirements of the environmentally sustainable world in which we live.