Politics & Government

Sandy Aid Available For Business Owners

Ed Mangano informs business owners on federal grants, local programs that they can turn to.

County Executive Edward Mangano spoke at a Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce meeting Thursday about state-based grant programs for businesses affected by Hurricane Sandy and Nassau County programs that are available to help them.

"Hurricane Sandy was one of the most devastating natural disasters to hit this area and it greatly affected businesses," he said to more than 30 people at Bristol Assisted Living. "We consider small businesses the most important in this area and 60 percent of employment comes from small businesses."

Mangano said that Nassau County is expected to receive $880 million from the federal government to help small businesses and homeowners recover from Hurricane Sandy.

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"It appears the dollars were approved by Congress," he said. "We are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel."

The county executive encouraged business owners to register for grants immediately while the federal government is still in the process of approving programs.

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"You want to apply before the spring season hits," he said. "You don't want to be left behind."

Mangano and his economic development team have created local programs that business owners can turn to immediately. The programs include:

Local Enterprise Assistance and Development Services Program (L.E.A.D.S.): The program targets small and mid-size businesses — those with 100 or fewer employees, who account for 60 percent of Nassau County’s workforce. The program is a clearinghouse for all economic incentives, relief and programs available to small business at the federal, state, county and local levels.

The program provides eligible small businesses with up to $99,000 of financial assistance through a sales tax exemption on any furniture, fixtures, equipment and material purchased for repair and reconstruction.

It also provides access and guidance in navigating New York State and federal government reconstruction and recovery business programs and provides access and guidance in navigating New York State and federal government reconstruction and recovery business programs.

Nassau County Business Recovery Task Force: The program is charged with restoring Nassau County's business economy, post-Hurricane Sandy. The committee's mission is to create jobs by providing Nassau businesses and not-for-profit organizations with the tools they need to restore, open and grow.

The Hofstra Legal Clinic: Offers free assistance to local small businesses recovering from the effects of Hurricane Sandy.  Contact Kathleen Conti at 516-463-5934.

"We have made creating jobs and businesses in Nassau County a priority," he said. "With tenacity you can make something happen and you can't give up."


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