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

December 18th, 2020

Quotes of the Day

“I’ve said it before and I will say it again: mass transit is the lifeblood of New York and New York is the beating heart of the American economy. I am hard at work trying to deliver a second $4 billion dollars for the MTA to keep the system flowing, workers working, riders riding and the economy running. Without transit funds now, and also into the Biden administration, NYC, LI, Westchester and New Jersey will face an even harder recovery—and really—so will the nation.” - United States Senator Charles Schumer

“Water is one of our most precious resources, but nitrogen pollution from cesspools and septic systems has been identified as one of the largest causes of poor water quality and contributes to toxic algae blooms, which contaminate our water and leads to inhabitable conditions for marine life. I encourage eligible property owners to participate in SEPTIC to take advantage of this opportunity to update their septic systems, to help preserve our water quality and environment for generations to come.” - Nassau County Executive Laura Curran

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Town of Oyster Bay Hosts Public Hearing on New Hicksville Downtown Code

Vision Long Island was out at the recent Town of Oyster Bay public hearing discussing the Hicksville Downtown Revitalization zoning code that would replace the existing Central Business District.

Town Board members in attendance included Supervisor Joe Saladino, Councilmembers Steve Labriola, Tom Hand, Lou Imbroto, Vicki Walsh, and Laura Maier by phone.  Nassau County Legislator Rose Walker sent a statement of support.

Community members present included Harry Malhotra from the South Asian Chamber of Commerce, Joel Berse from the Hicksville Community Council, Jeff Negron and Cheryl Brown from the Northwest Civic Association, building owner Dev Ratnam, and a representative from G2D Group who developed Work Smart office and housing development.  Many also tuned in to the video link on the Town’s website in order to stay informed on the changes.

Vision has heard largely positive feedback on this updated plan as it has consistently mirrored the priorities presented by residents and helps bring back Hicksville’s downtown.  The following is the testimony we provided, which also gave an overview of the Hicksville Revitalization process.

Hello it’s Eric Alexander, Director Vision LI, Consultant to Hicksville Chamber since 2010 and Co chair of the Hicksville Downtown Revitalization committee.

We have been on a Long journey for Hicksville revitalization and longer than we could have imagined but we are finally at a place where redevelopment  projects are being planned and built.

Kudos to the Town for getting back to prioritizing the train station area as that is where the community told us all along wanted to see improvements

Special thanks to Jim Mcaffrey and planning team within the Town for keeping this project afloat through dark years.

Lionel Chitty from the Hicksville Chamber deserves special mention for the countless meetings, phone calls, letters. Over 1,000 residents participated in the early stages of the revitalization process and prioritized the following:

-Maintenance
-Traffic calming, walkability
-Replacing old buildings
-Bringing the old downtown back
-Cleaning up train station while expand public space with a plaza
-New retail
-New housing
-Keeping building heights 3-4 stories
-Limit out of control development by putting a cap on apartments to 500
-Lastly the community didn’t want to want to see massive growth beyond the train station area
-They wanted quality building and architectural design
-They knew a new code would have to replace the outdated Commercial Business District zone.

We issued a revitalization plan based on this input.  Then an economic analysis of the plan to show the tax positive elements.  We then took the plan on the road to civics and street fairs for two years and reissued a revised Hicksville Downtown revitalization plan.  The Revitalization Committee presented the plan at a public hearing at the Town of Oyster Bay.  The Town used that plan as the basis for their drafting of a new zoning code.

Two subsequent meetings were held at the Hicksville High School seeming public input on a new code.  One had 700 people.  Another had 400 people.  These meetings verified the communities Vision as 3 of 4 comment cards were positive.  Based on the plan and the new code the Town applied and secured the $10 million NYS DRI funding.

NYS did their own process on how to spend that public money but largely followed the initial goals of the community.  Where they veered off with proposals for 5-6 story buildings they were corrected.

Hopefully the DRI funds can now help implement the plans we see today. 

During the Revitalization process we had multiple meetings with the LIRR to help guide their station improvements.  We met with Nassau County and helped shape their traffic calming plan.  Over 300 people imputed into that process between public meeting, community surveys and a walking tour.  Recommendations are now in place to complement this new zoning code.

We reached out through the years and partnered with the following organizations among others:

Hicksville Chamber of Commerce
Hicksville Community Council
Northwest Civic Association
Midland Civic Association
Hicksville Gardens Civic Association
Hicksville School Board President and Board members
South Hicksville Rotary
South Asian Chamber of Commerce

In addition we have tabled at 9 street fairs, which showed 95% approval.  Thousands of Hicksville residents participated in this feedback through the years.  A separate Small Business Survey for the train station area business district showed 75% support for changes.  With the addition of 10% affordable housing component to conform with NYS law and some design and parking tweaks we are pleased to say this code conforms to the original community vision.

The market for TOD is there.  All TOD projects across LI have financing and strong demand.  They will be an economic engine to revitalize the community through this Coronavirus and beyond.

The first example of that is where we participated in a ribbon cutting for Worksmart and it received a Smart Growth Award as well.  We know there are more projects to come by the train station waiting on action from the Town through this code to truly revitalize Hicksville

Special thanks to each and every member of the Revitalization for sticking with this plan, code and community.   Thanks of course to the Town of Oyster Bay and we support these zoning improvements.

We are also submitting a design memo with detailed comments from Elissa Kyle, Vision Long Island’s Planning Director, who has worked with the Hicksville community for 10 years

I grew up in Hicksville and, like most residents and business owners, we want our downtown back.  Happy to see the progress.

Data Reveals that Restaurants Account for Minimal Coronavirus Spread

According to the NYS Contact Tracing data, nearly 74% of the spread of the Coronavirus is coming from small gatherings in homes. 

While there is a perception of the spread coming from local businesses, workplace, schools, religious, cultural institutions and other public and quasi-public activities, the data seems to show it is what individuals are doing in their own home that is the major cause of the Coronavirus spread.  

According to NYS data, restaurants account for just 1.4% of the Coronavirus spread.

This is great news for folks who have been supporting their local businesses for indoor dining either inside the restaurants or in outdoor tents.  This information confirms the fact that the small business community has been adapting and operating in a safe manner.  It also coincides with information last week that gym and salons have very low rates of spread as well. 

It is unfortunate that good news like this for local businesses is not presented regularly, which would help to build confidence in our local downtowns where safety regulations are being followed.

Please continue to shop local.

You can read more about this at Eater New York.

PinkTie Partners with Town of Islip to Deliver Food in Brentwood and Bay Shore

As we wind down 2020, the Pink Tie Delivers team was out this past Saturday in Brentwood and Bay Shore for a food distribution with local residents.

Our first stop was Roberto Clemente Park in Brentwood, where we distributed 600 meals and over $6,000 in gift cards to a local grocery store to 125 families. 

The next stop was Bay Shore at the 1st Baptist Church where we distributed nearly 350 meals and $5,000 worth of grocery store gift cards to 100 families.

Special thanks to the Town of Islip CDA for their support of the program, Debbie Cavanaugh for her help in outreach, and to Mary Reid and Pastor Dixon from 1st Baptist Church for hosting and reaching their community members.

It was also great to see NYS Senator Phil Boyle join the group for the event as well.

Pink Tie Team members that made it out included Co-Founders Rich Cave, Mike Cave, Ray Thomas from 1st Equity Title, Pink Tie, and Black Business Zone, Mike Passantino from Trinity Solar, Liz Goldner from LEAP Edu, Lula Lukasiewicz and Daniella Decker from Tied In Media, Nic Bash from Honeyflower foods, Paxton Provitora, Asia Lee, and Eric Alexander from Vision LI and the LI Main Street Alliance.

For more info on how you can take part in the doorstep donation program or join the Delivers Team,  check out pinktie.org or please email us at contact@pinktie.org

W.I.N. Holds Successful Virtual Event

The impact of Coronavirus on the entire event industry has been catastrophic.  However, our good friends at some of the local chambers (also LI Main Street Alliance members) put together a virtual Bridal Expo that not only had excellent attendance also had a lively and visual program.  

This video clip does a nice job summarizing the event.

Congratulations to the W.I.N. Virtual Bridal Expo team on an excellent event.

Senator Chuck Schumer Calls for Cash Infusion to New York State Transit System

U.S. Senator Charles Schumer is calling for a cash infusion of New York’s transit system, which is now in desperate need because of the pandemic.

As congress continues to negotiate a recovery bill, if transit funds are not included in the down-to-the-wire deal, New York City, Long Island, Westchester and New Jersey will face an even harder economic recovery when COVID crests.  Because of this, Senator Schumer is calling for the inclusion of another $4 billion dollars in federal funds for the MTA, and overall transit funds for the country.

“I’ve said it before and I will say it again: mass transit is the lifeblood of New York and New York is the beating heart of the American economy,” said U.S. Senator Charles Schumer. “I am hard at work trying to deliver a second $4 billion dollars for the MTA to keep the system flowing, workers working, riders riding and the economy running. Without transit funds now, and also into the Biden administration, NYC, LI, Westchester and New Jersey will face an even harder recovery—and really—so will the nation.”

This would come after $4 billion in fed funds to the MTA were already delivered as part of an earlier relief package this past March, after the agency drew down on $1 billion in credit to keep the system afloat.  Schumer has noted that agency credit won’t be enough for the agency to weather the coronavirus crisis and that billions more in fed funds will be needed to overcome the full damage done to the MTA by the coronavirus.

According to the Daily News, the MTA board will vote this week on an annual budget that could include 40% cuts to subway service and more than 9,300 layoffs if federal relief is not passed.  Moreover, daily subway ridership remains down 70% from last year, from 5.4 million trips per day to 1.6 million.  The virus’ hit on the system has also caused a collective $12 billion hole for the MTA and their $17 billion annual budget, according to reports.  Aside from supporting riders and the economy, federal transit relief will help prevent the furloughing of MTA employees, potentially thousands.

Nassau County Announces Septic System Replacement Program

We got some good news in Nassau County this week as a program is being initiated for a septic system replacement program for residents and small businesses.  The county is offering grants of 50% of the costs, up to $10,000, for homeowners or small businesses to install state-of-the-art nitrogen reducing septic systems.

“Water is one of our most precious resources, but nitrogen pollution from cesspools and septic systems has been identified as one of the largest causes of poor water quality and contributes to toxic algae blooms, which contaminate our water and leads to inhabitable conditions for marine life. I encourage eligible property owners to participate in SEPTIC to take advantage of this opportunity to update their septic systems, to help preserve our water quality and environment for generations to come,” said Nassau County Executive Laura Curran.

Nassau County residents and small businesses with less than 1,000 gallons discharge a day of wastewater are eligible for grants to install new septic systems approved by the Suffolk County Department of Health Services.

Eligibility criteria includes:

- Residences must be single family, owner-occupied and the owner’s primary residence.
- The residence/small business must be served by a septic system or cesspool and not connected to a sewer system or located within a proposed sewer district.
- Grant recipients may not be a current employee of Nassau County, an NYS elected official or part of any political subdivision, or a party officer.
- Property cannot have any outstanding or open tax liens.
- Property must have a valid certificate of occupancy (CO) or equivalent.
- Income verification will be required

For more information, please contact NassauSepticProgram@Gmail.com.

You can read more on this new program at LongIsland.com.

Commercial Eviction Ban Extended to January 31st

NYS has announced that it will continue the Commercial Eviction Ban until January 31st of 2021.  

Small businesses benefit in some extent but landlords, particularly smaller ones, are hurt by this extension for sure.  What we do see happening, unfortunately, is that eviction proceedings are underway so essentially they are ready once the ban is lifted.

In the fall there was discussion of a rent relief program that would put a third of the back burden on the landlord, a third on the tenant and a third would be a partial grant and low interest loan put on the back of the lease.  That initiative, or some sort of legislative bill, has been on ice along with most activity from the legislature.

NYS though is now supplying free lawyers to help resolve lease disputes. 

Note there has been no discussion on residential evictions so those may continue to expire on Dec. 31st.

You can read more about this at The Real Deal.

NCCC and SCAC Hosts New York Forward Loan Fund Informational Meeting

Vision and LI Main Street Alliance members were tuned in this week along with the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce (NCCC) and the Suffolk County Alliance of Chambers (SCAC) for a New York Forward Loan Fund webinar.

Local businesses, nonprofits, and small residential landlords that can use additional working capital to support their endeavors can access this program.  Eligible applicants can tap into an up to $100K of working capital at 3 % for five years. 

Repayments for these funds are interest only the first 12 months and straight line amortization the last 4 year.  There are no application, collateral required, or prepayment penalties.

These funds are flexible and can support your cashflow needs to match account receivable and payables, support emergency reserves, to make changes to business to adapt to challenging business environments due to COVID, for adaption to social distancing guidelines, and to pay operation expenses that are typical of your business. 

Huey-Min Chuang from Empire State Development presented the program and she has been active getting the program out over the last few months to the LI African American Chamber, LI Main Street Alliance and a large number of business and community organization.

For more information you can contact her at:

Ms. Huey-Min Chuang
Senior Director of Business and Economic Development
Empire State Development
633 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10017
Huey-Min.Chuang@esd.ny.gov | www.esd.ny.gov

If you have any questions, please email: nyloanfund@esd.ny.gov and if you would like to visit the Program page to apply, please go to www.nyloanfund.com.

You can find more information on the New York Forward Loan Fund 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.

Not surprising that we had a great visit with Adrienne Esposito from the Citizens Campaign for the Environment for the latest of our LI Main Street News interviews. 

Adrienne tackled her organizations work through the years including work on water quality, wastewater infrastructure, wind energy and solid waste. 

Her dedication and pragmatic approach to many regional issues through a community based lens is both refreshing and effective.  

We have been happy to work with her on the LI Lobby Coalition for over a dozen years and counting and look forward to 2021.

Check out the full interview here.

Check out this verision of the LI Main Street News Interviews where we interview Peter Florey from D&F Development on his experience building affordable housing on Long Island.  

This wide ranging discussion covers the need for affordable housing, the challenges for building particularly in the regulatory area and the changing attitudes of local communities towards many of these projects.

What was particularly great about the session is the down to earth nature, passion and persistence he brings to building under difficult circumstances.  It’s also important for people to connect with developers who often don't spend time communicating with the public directly.

Check out this informative session here.

Here is the latest edition of the LI Main Street News Interviews that features Nassau County Minority Affairs Director and good friend Lionel Chitty.

Lionel shared with us the work of the Office which focuses on MWBE certification and contracting on Nassau County projects, outreach for government grants for minority owned businesses, their disparities study and their past public networking programs.

He also covered what he is hearing from local businesses as he has very plugged in to what is happening in communities across Nassau County.  We spent over a decade working together to get the Hicksville revitalization off the ground it is really wonderful to see him thrive in this new role.

You can view the full video of the interview here.

Tell Your Federal Representatives 'Transit Moves the Economy'

This is a critical period for public transit and the future of New York State’s transit services are in jeopardy.  NYPTA has developed the following summary of the status of transit during the coronavirus pandemic, transit’s response to the pandemic and the action needed now to obtain federal funding to preserve transit service.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on NYS transit systems includes:

• The State faces a catastrophic multi-billion-dollar budget deficit that will grow without federal relief.
• The MTA exhausted their $3.9 billion in CARES funding in July 2020 and has a $12 billion immediate need for federal funding through the end of 2021 alone.
• CARES Act funding provided immediate relief to non-MTA transit systems and should sustain large systems either through the end of 2020 or early 2021; and most smaller systems through mid-2021.
• Transit anticipates continued STOA reductions in 2021.
• Ridership and revenue are down as people continue to work from home, and students either opt for virtual learning or caregivers drive children to school.
• While transit has seen relief from the CARES Act, the disruption and lack of sustained investment has resulted in delayed capital programs and delayed purchasing for many transit agencies.

Transit’s response to the pandemic was critical to meeting community-wide needs, and transit stands ready to continue its support:

• Rider and employee safety are a priority.
• The public transit industry understands the state’s financial situation.
• The New York State public transit industry supports the state’s and the MTA’s positions on the need for essential federal funding.
• The New York State transit industry is essential to New York State’s economic recovery.
• Federal and state support for MTA and all transit systems is essential to national and state economic recovery.
• Keeping capital programs alive is an essential investment in New York State’s public transit infrastructure and will result in substantial economic stimulus.
• Funding will maintain and create jobs and impact billions of dollars in spending on buses, rail cars, and other transit infrastructure.
• As the state continues to navigate the pandemic, communities can continue to rely on transit for mobility and to support community needs.

What All Transit Systems Need to Do Next

1. NYPTA will communicate the dual message to Washington decision-makers of:
       a. The importance of transit to communities
       b. The need for additional transit funding in any future federal relief package
2. We need each transit system to also outreach to their federal and state representatives on the importance of transit to your community and the need for funding to maintain services to essential workers.

Resources:

•             Congressional delegation letter that NYPTA sent as a sample. Link here.
•             NYPTA press release. Download here.
•             APTA's Public Transit Emergency Funding COVID-19 Emergency Response Legislation Talking Points. Download here.
•             NYPTA has also created social media tiles and email headers for you to promote the message Transit Move the Economy. Download here.

APTA #SavePublicTransit Call to Action:

•             Join APTA and the entire public transportation industry on Tuesday, December 15 to collectively fight to #SavePublicTransit with a day of mobilization and engagement.
•             APTA is asking transit systems to participate and engage in as many ways as they can: share the graphic on social media, contact your elected officials by phone and email, issue a press release, and ask your local partners and local officials to join you.

LI Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to Host Online Toy Drive on January 6th

The Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will be hosting an online event on January 6th, 2021, for all to enjoy great parranda music, *BIG PRIZE* raffle opportunities, and more.  

Please donate an unwrapped SEALED toy for an underserved child, which can be delivered to The Cuban at 987 Stewart Ave in Garden City.  This year, toys will be donated to IGLESIA PENTECOSTAL MOUNTE SINAI, who will then distribute the toys to children effected from the ravaging Hurricanes in Honduras.  Please make sure the toy is sealed as we follow a strict Pandemic protocol when it comes to disadvantaged youth.

This year, fundraising efforts were put on pause due to the unanticipated COVID-19 Pandemic. Many businesses have experienced significant loss and have suffered financial hardships.  The Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, like everyone else, has been impacted by these unprecedented times and they need your help to continue their mission of serving the needs of the Long Island minority-owned small business community and entrepreneurs.  The LIHCC is a conduit to provide information and now, more than ever, minority small business community needs to have the latest information regarding the ever-changing climate of operating a business during COVID-19.

Please consider purchasing a raffle or donating what you can towards this event.  As always, thank you for your support throughout the year. Have a Happy Holiday, and New Year!

RAFFLE PRIZES:
13' MacBook Pro
65' Flat Screen TV
$500 CASH

To enter the raffle drawing, please send an email to admin@lihcc.org stating which prize(s) you would like to enter for.  You will then receive a link in which you have 24 hours to choose a number(s) AND pay via Venmo or CashApp to secure your spot in the drawing of your choice.  The winning number will be chosen LIVE on Zoom the night of the event.

Upcoming Webinars on Wellness

Making the Shift from Overeating to Mindful Eating

Monday, December 28 @ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.

It can be challenging to figure out how to stop something that you are doing automatically every day. Learn how to break the autopilot-eating cycle and stop mindless eating. Shifting from mindless to mindful eating can lead to tremendous changes with overeating, weight-loss and your overall health.

Please call (516) 931-3907 to register.

New Year's Reset

Thursday, January 4 @ 7 p.m. - 8 p.m.

2021 can be an incredible year of profound transformation! But nothing can change by simply changing the calendar. Learn how to reduce cravings, slim down and feel comfortable in your favorite clothing again. 
Register in advance for the Zoom link:

Please call (516) 931-3907 to register.

Application Period for Suffolk County Emergency Rental Assistance Program, "Backstop," Now Open

Suffolk County has released information on its emergency rental assistance program available through the Suffolk County CDA Consortium.  The program can cover one month’s rent (up to $2500).

There are several restrictions though, including:

- Limited to Suffolk Consortium (Brookhaven, Islip and Babylon are NOT covered)
- Must be a legal apartment
- Must show proof that arrears are due to COVID

This is a Pre-Application and is currently open until January 15, 2021 at 3:00 PM ET.

Once the Pre-Application closes, a lottery will select applicants to be placed on a waitlist. Waitlist lottery results are final and are not subject to appeal. Selected applicants will be required to complete a funding application, and both Tenant and Landlord will be required to submit documentation for final eligibility review.

Selection in the lottery is not a guarantee of funding.

You can read more, including further guidelines and information, here.

The Nassau County Restaurant Recovery Grant Program Now Available

In another effort to support small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, Nassau County Executive Laura Curran announced the County’s new Restaurant Recovery Grant Program (RRGP) on November 18, 2020. The program is intended to support full-service restaurants – the industry hit hardest by the pandemic – during the winter months when outdoor dining is limited and as restaurants adjust to New York State’s COVID-19 safety restrictions and new mandates. Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (M/WBEs) are encouraged to apply.

Nassau County is using funding made available through the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program to provide approximately 300 grants to restaurants. Grant funds are valued at either $5,000 or $10,000 depending on the number of employees.

Restaurants started applying to the RRGP beginning Tuesday, December 1st. The link for the online application will be posted to this webpage and will remain open for at least two weeks. The online grant portal will close temporarily should the number of applications exceed funding availability. If grant funding remains available due to the exclusion of ineligible applications, the online grant portal will be re-opened following an announcement by the County. Any program announcements and/or updates will be posted to this webpage.

Grants will be awarded to eligible restaurants beginning in January 2021. If a restaurant establishment uses the grant funds to retain at least one (1) low/moderate-income job at full-time status, the funds do not need to be repaid.

Questions?

Please email any RRGP questions to the Restaurant Recovery team at mailto:nassaurestaurants@ndconline.org.

Check back to this webpage for any RRGP updates!

Program Eligibility Criteria

Eligible Businesses

• Full-Service Restaurants (NAICS code 722511) engaged in providing food services and meals prepared on-premises to patrons who traditionally order and are served while seated (i.e., waiter/waitress service)
• Restaurant Establishment must have a current and valid Nassau County Department of Health Food Service Permit

General Eligibility

• Located in Nassau County
• In operation on or before March 1, 2019
• Must have 50 or fewer Full-Time equivalent (FTE) employees
              o Maximum $5,000 grant – 0 (sole proprietor)-10 employees
              o Maximum $10,000 grant – 11-50 employees
• Must agree to create or retain at least one low/moderate-income job at full-time status
• Must certify and demonstrate that they have experienced financial hardship due to COVID-19

Eligible Expenses

• Grant funds to cover working capital and operating expenses including:
            o payroll, rent, utilities, purchase of PPE and sanitation supplies; lease or purchase of equipment like kitchen equipment or delivery vehicles; or COVID-19 related business improvements like patio heaters or contactless technology.

Ineligible Businesses

• Non-profit organizations
• Businesses with greater than 50 employees
• Businesses in violation of New York State Executive orders relating to the COVID-19 pandemic or other State, County or local ordinances
               o e.g., EO 202.74 effective Friday, November 13 at 10 PM
                               ▪ SLA FAQ: https://sla.ny.gov/Guidance-COVID-Related-Closing-Times

Keep an eye on the restaurant recovery page on Nassau County’s website for more information and to apply once the grant program becomes available.

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.

Today's Sponsor

1st Equity Title

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Their goal is to be a highly respected, compliant and best in class, national Title and Closing Services Company, delivering exceptional service to their clients. Their culture is client centric with a focus on supporting the growth of their clients as well as the surrounding community. Their approach to clients is “We do business the way you do business”.