County Exec also presents Ceremonial $10,000 check to Tassel Children’s Shoes – the first recipient of County’s Main Street Recovery Grant
Cedarhurst, NY – Nassau County Executive Laura Curran was joined by leaders of the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce, Vision Long Island, Long Island Association, Hofstra University and others to launch the County’s new Small Business Technical Assistance and Planning program – now accepting funding proposals through the County’s Boost Nassau portal – www.nassaucountyny.gov/boostnassau. This program, part of the County’s slate of economic recovery initiatives, utilizes $1.5 million of American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding to provide grants to non-profit organizations, including Chambers of Commerce, academic institutions, and other business support organizations. This funding opportunity is aimed at supporting current and new programs that these organizations provide for businesses hard-hit by the pandemic. This can include technical assistance, planning and promotional activities.
“The pandemic may have slowed down businesses, but our local chambers and business support groups have been busier than ever,” said County Executive Laura Curran. “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. 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.”
“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 non-profits by providing them with grants to help them come back stronger than before,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck E. Schumer.
Matt Cohen, President & CEO of the Long Island Association, said, “The pandemic has had a devastating impact on small businesses, and although they are resilient, they are still recovering. I want to thank Nassau County Executive Curran for launching the Boost Nassau Resource Center, including grant funding and technical assistance for Long Island business owners.”
“The Nassau Council of Chambers is proud of our Main Street Businesses who have survived a tumultuous almost two years. We are grateful for the assistance of the County Executive, the Nassau County IDA and their economic development team and are hopeful for continued prosperity,” said Frank Camarano, first Vice President of the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce.
"The Coronavirus shutdowns and restrictions hurt our small business community and our Main Streets but we are on the road to recovery. Kudos to County Executive Curran for directing resources to local communities and chambers to help rebuild our downtown business districts,” said Eric Alexander, Director of Vision Long Island and Founder of LI Main Street Alliance.
"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. Thank you to Senate Majority Leader Chuck E. Schumer and County Executive Laura Curran for your continuous support of our community and businesses,” said Luis Vasquez, President of the Long Island Hispanic Chamber.
Additionally, the County Executive presented Aaron Shapiro, owner of Tassel Children's Shoes with an enlarged, ceremonial $10,000 check, recognizing the small business as the first approved to receive a grant under the County’s Boost Nassau Main Street Recovery Program.
More than 100 other businesses have also been approved to receive the grant and are being notified starting this week. The County is utilizing both federal Community Development Block Grant funds and a new $10M allocation of ARP funds for the Main Street Recovery Grant program. The County expects to support more than 1,000 businesses - prioritizing MWBEs and underserved communities.
“I want to let our businesses, residents and nonprofits who are struggling know – there is help available and there is more to come,” said County Executive Laura Curran.
Earlier this summer, the County launched the Boost Nassau Resource Center, a brick-and-mortar location in Eisenhower Park, and a website, both of which serve as a one-stop-shop for residents, nonprofits, and business to determine eligibility for federal, state, and County programs.
The center’s dedicated staff is available to help those interested apply for available recovery grants, loans and other assistance programs and initiatives. Those interested in applying or in need of assistance are encouraged to visit www.nassaucountyny.gov/boostnassau or call 516-572-2888.