MERRICK, N.Y. (WCBS 880) — More money will soon be available for small business owners in Nassau County, to help them recover financially from the pandemic.
Hofstra University conducted a study of small business owners and homeowners in Nassau County recently and found that most are in dire need of financial assistance due to the effects of the pandemic.
“Of the pressing challenges facing our county, respondents were most concerned about, in this order: vacant storefronts, unemployment and housing,” Nassau County Executive Laura Curran said.
Now, in the next week, those who need help will be able to apply for new grants and loans to aid in their recovery process.
“This $25 million grant and loan opportunity will allow small businesses, like us, an opportunity to apply with some guidance,” says Julie Marchasella, owner of the Queen of Hearts dress shop in Merrick.
The money is being offered to business owners thanks to federal aid money that has been sent to the county.
Curran says the top grant amount that will be offered is $10,000 and a resource center will so be able to help owners navigate through the application process and programs.
She adds that the county wants to do everything it can to help business owners succeed.
“You walk our downtowns…there's concern about store fronts that are empty, businesses that have been really struggling,” she said. “So we want to do everything we can to revitalize our downtowns and to make them real magnets for economic activity.”
Marchasella is also hoping that residents in the area will think twice before order online, and consider supporting a local business.
“Before you click on an internet purchase, think ‘Main Street’ first. We all need you in order to recover,” she said.
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