To help individuals and families experiencing homelessness move into permanent housing, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently announced $2.8 billion in Continuum of Care (CoC) Competition Awards for thousands of local homeless service and housing programs across the United States. These awards are intended to achieve the Biden-Harris Administration’s goal of reducing homelessness by 25% by 2025 and ultimately ending it.
Long Island will receive $15,729,385 of this funding.
Greta Guarton, Executive Director at Long Island Coalition for the Homeless, stated, “We are very excited to announce that the Long Island COC, NY-603, was awarded almost $16 million in federal funding to create and/or continue programs serving homeless persons in Nassau and Suffolk Counties. This amount also included funding for the region’s Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) and Planning funds.”
The CoC program is designed to promote a community-wide commitment to the goal of ending homelessness. The program is the largest source of federal grant funding for homeless services and housing programs servicing people experiencing homelessness.
This funding builds on a $315 million first-of-its-kind package of resources that HUD awarded in January 2023 to help communities provide housing and supportive services to people in unsheltered settings and people experiencing homelessness in rural areas. As a part of the January funding, communities were asked to develop a comprehensive approach to addressing unsheltered and rural homelessness that involves coordination with health care providers, other housing agencies such as public housing authorities, and people with lived experience of homelessness.
In August 2022, HUD issued the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the fiscal year 2022 CoC competition awards. Specifically, HUD sought projects that:
End homelessness for all persons experiencing homelessness;
Place emphasis on racial equity and anti-discrimination policies for LGTBQ+ individuals;
Use a Housing First approach;
Reduce unsheltered homelessness and reduce the criminalization of homelessness;
Improve system performance;
Partner with housing agencies to leverage access to mainstream housing programs;
Partner with health agencies to coordinate health and supportive services, including to prevent and respond to future infectious disease outbreaks;
Advance racial equity and addressing racial disparities in homelessness;
Engage people with lived experience of homelessness in decision-making; and
Support local engagement to increase the supply of affordable housing.
All applications submitted by NY-603 to HUD for consideration under the Continuum of Care program were fully funded, including all existing COC programs and one new program submitted under the DV Bonus funding.
Pinball Long Island is now open for business in downtown Patchogue, Greater Long Island reports. The village is now home to the largest collection of pinball machines anywhere in New York state.
Owner Joshua Guskin, a lifelong pinball enthusiast, has spent nearly two decades collecting, restoring and reselling classic and modern machines, the owner told the outlet.
“Patchogue is the perfect spot for Pinball Long Island,” Mr. Guskin stated, citing all the shops and restaurants. “Pinball Long Island finally came together and opening up our doors has been a dream come true,” he said.
Located at 44 W. Main Street, entry fee into the arcade is $20, or $10 for children under 10. Once inside, players get unlimited access to more than 100 machines, including an array of vintage machines, and staying for as long as they like. “I hope everyone can come down and enjoy themselves just as much as I enjoyed creating this place,” Mr. Guskin told Greater Long Island.
A bipartisan coalition of state lawmakers, environmentalists, construction groups and labor union representatives are pushing in the final days of New York State budget negotiations for a plan to fund a dramatic expansion of sewers and high-tech septic systems in Suffolk County, Newsday reports. The groups are backing language in state Senate and Assembly budget bills that would allow a referendum on the November ballot for county voters to consider a 1/8-cent sales tax increase. If passed, the Suffolk County Legislature would need to decide whether to put the plan on November’s ballot.
Nearly 75% of Suffolk homes rely on traditional septic systems or cesspools that don't reduce nitrogen concentrations. Such systems account for 63.6% of the nitrogen that reaches the groundwater, according to the county’s Subwatersheds Wastewater Plan adopted in 2020, Newsday summarizes. Advocates say the ambitious plan would provide a stable revenue source to fund comprehensive wastewater treatment and reverse decades of nitrogen pollution in Suffolk.
“It is well established that Suffolk County is facing a water quality crisis, and voters should get the opportunity to decide if they want to invest in the infrastructure needed to restore this resource, which is vital to public health, the economy and to property values," Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone tells the outlet.
The proposed sales tax, if successful, would help fund construction of new sewers in areas where they would be appropriate and installing high-tech septic systems at homes and businesses. The county projects the increase could generate $57.8 million in its first year and a total of $3.1 billion between 2024 and 2060. It would be used as a local match to secure future federal and state grants. Suffolk County deputy county executive Peter Scully explains to Newsday; the new legislation stipulates the money can only be used for its intended purposes.
“If Albany passes this legislation to consider a County Wastewater District, it will be on the ballot in the fall. The ability for Suffolk to have a dedicated source of funding to match potential Federal infrastructure dollars will jump start sewer projects in local communities,” states Eric Alexander, Director of Vision Long Island and the Long Island Main Street Alliance. “Vision Long Island has lobbied for sewer funding in Washington, Albany and Suffolk County for sewers in Mastic, Shirley, Mastic Beach, Kings Park, Huntington Station and Central Islip. Some of those projects took decades. This initiative will radically speed up the process and help us reach more communities that want sewers for their downtown.”
“Along with Vision, Citizens Campaign for the Environment, the LI Federation of Labor and others joined a number of environment, labor and community organizations in support of sewers. This was also a priority in Albany this year, and last year, with over 40 business, civic groups from the LI Lobby Coalition engaged,” Mr. Alexander concludes.
PSEG LI Celebrates National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day By Hitting $1 Million Milestone In Grants Distributed
PSEG Long Island has announced that it has granted $1.09 million over the past five years to help local businesses thrive. The company also said these economic development grants will continue to be funded in 2023, with an additional half a million dollars available. The announcement coincided with National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day (March 29) and was held at the office of a customer who received three sources of funding through PSEG Long Island programs.
“We are proud to announce that PSEG Long Island’s economic development grants have provided more than a million dollars to local businesses in the past five years, and we will continue to fund these very popular programs in 2023,” said John Keating, manager of Economic and Community Development for PSEG Long Island. “We support mom and pop shops and businesses that are enhancing downtowns and shopping districts because they are the backbone of Long Island’s economy. They create jobs and increase commerce. On this day before National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day, we encourage the public to support our local economy and our entrepreneurial neighbors.”
The announcement took place at the official grand opening of the law offices of Smith Carroad Wan & Parikh, P.C. in Smithtown, which recently moved into their completely renovated new building on East Main Street. The construction project earned them an $18,750 PSEG Long Island Main Street Revitalization grant.
Main Street Revitalization grants are available for businesses that complete projects to help improve the economic stability and growth of a municipality. Over the past five years, the grants have helped business owners create more than 900 local jobs. Since 2018, Main Street Revitalization grants have supported renovation projects for 44 local businesses.
"It’s great to see an expression of support for local businesses, which are the backbone of Long Island communities,” said Eric Alexander, founder of the LI Main Street Alliance. “The pandemic restrictions have set these small shops back and grants and resources from PSEG Long Island and other institutions can aid in the recovery of our downtown business districts."
Other PSEG Long Island programs include:
The Vacant Space Revival program which provides up to $10,000 in electric bill discounts for a new business’ first year, which is often financially difficult. Since 2018, nearly $204,000 has been provided to more than 100 new businesses under this program.
The Outdoor Commerce and Beautification grants, created in 2020 as a direct response to the pandemic, are being combined into one grant this year; and the maximum amount of the grant has been increased to $10,000. Local chambers of commerce and business improvement districts can use the funding for beautification and downtown improvement projects to help their members.
Senator Schumer Reveals LI Fire Departments Need A Major Rescue
Standing with firefighters and public safety supporters at the East Willison Fire Department on March 27th, U.S. Senator Charles Schumer revealed that Long Island fire departments are nail-biting over the future of a federal funding programs they not only use – but really need to save lives and keep safe.
Senator Schumer said the FEMA programs he wrote, called Assistance to Firefighter Grants (AFG), and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grants are in limbo because they are not authorized for funding beyond 2023 and that doing so will require the Senate and the House to pass legislation to extend them, and include the program in the overall budget. The senator said there is great worry that some folks will seek cuts for the sake of cuts and that AFG and SAFER grants are amongst the top target by some members.
“Long Island has a very unique need when it comes to the work of fire departments and fire fighters, and that is why federal help is so critical here,” said Senator Schumer. “First, the island is huge. Second, it’s got a lot of people. Third, diverse structures. So, whether it’s paid or volunteer, this Island has needs that are a lot like the city, and that costs dollars, but it should not be all on the backs of locals. In fact, it can’t be. They cannot afford to shoulder the full costs of fire and EMS safety.”
Since the start of the AFG and SAFER programs, the senator added, New York has received nearly $700 million in federal funding through these critical programs, and millions have come to Long Island, but more is needed because the work is never done. “We’ve secured money for new fire trucks, better equipment, and to hire more firefighters across the Island in communities that need them most. I’ve fought my whole career to bring more support to our brave firefighters. Every day they save lives and I promise that I will not stop holding congressional feet to the fire until we pass the bill that saves this federal lifeline for our New York fire departments and first responders.”
Over the last 20 years, Senator Schumer’s fire department programs have delivered nearly $700 million in federal funding to NY firefighters and first responders, including millions for Long Island. He warned today that if new legislation doesn’t pass, Long Island fire departments will not be able to access this funding in 2024.
Senator Schumer originally created the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program in 1999, which later expanded to also include the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Program, and the Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) programs.
The following fire departments are just some that have received SAFG funds in 2020 or 2021:
WILLISTON PARK FD: 2021-SCBA (Regional award with East Williston FD)
EAST WILLISTON FD: 2021-PPE (Regional award with Williston Park FD)
ALBERTSON FD: 2021-PPE
GREAT NECK VIGILANT HOOK AND LADDER CO.: 2020-RADIOS; 2021-PPE
GREAT NECK ALERT FIRE COMPANY: 2020-SCBA
PORT WASHINGTON FD: 2020-RADIOS, 2021 RESCUE TRUCK.
PORT WASHINGTON FIRE MEDIC COMPANY #1: EMS PPE
MINEOLA FD: 2018-SCBA
ROSLYN RESCUE FD 2020-radios
New York State has finalized the list of identified “disadvantaged communities” to be targeted for extra funding and cleanup in the state’s largescale multibillion-dollar climate plan.
Criteria was established by the Climate Justice Working Group (CJWG), as required by the 2019 Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. The Climate Act requires New York State to invest or direct resources to ensure that disadvantaged communities receive at least 35 percent, with the goal of 40 percent, of overall benefits of spending on clean energy and energy efficiency programs. The Climate Act also requires State agencies and entities to prioritize greenhouse gas emissions co-pollutant reductions and ensure State decision-making does not disproportionately burden disadvantaged communities.
The CJWG worked to identify disadvantaged communities by evaluating, and ultimately voting on 45 indicators, including: environmental burdens and climate change risks; socio-demographic factors such as age, race, and income; and health vulnerabilities. Using a methodology that worked at the census tract level, the CJWG combined and ranked all indicators into an overall score.
In addition to the geographic component, the criteria include low-income households located anywhere in New York State for the purpose of investing or directing clean energy and energy efficiency programs, projects, and investments. These individual households report annual total income at or below 60 percent of the State median income, or households otherwise eligible for low-income programs.
There were 1,736 census tracts recognized across New York State under this criterion. The information below is a list of identified disadvantaged communities in Nassau and Suffolk Counties.
Nassau County (Census Track)
Westbury Village (36059304100)
New Cassel (36059304202, 36059304203, 36059304204)
Elmont (36059404902)
Hempstead village (36059406701, 36059406702, 36059406801, 36059406802, 36059406900, 36059407000, 36059407101, 36059407201, 36059407203, 36059407204)
Uniondale (36059407301, 36059407302, 36059407401, 36059407402, 36059407501, 36059407502)
East Meadow (36059407900)
Valley Stream village (36059410400, 36059410500, 36059410800, 36059410900)
Inwood (36059411000, 36059411100)
Rockville Centre village (36059412400)
Oceanside (36059413002)
Roosevelt (36059413900, 36059414001, 36059414002)
Freeport village 36059414201, 36059414202, 36059414301, 36059414303, 36059414304, 36059414400, 36059414502)
Long Beach city (36059416500)
Glen Cove city (36059517101, 36059517200)
East Massapequa (36059522000)
Suffolk County (Census Track)
Huntington Station (36103111100)
East Farmingdale (36103122403, 36103123201)
West Babylon (36103123002)
North Amityville (36103123202, 36103123301, 36103123302)
Copiague (36103123701, 36103123702)
Brentwood (36103145603, 36103145604, 36103145605, 36103201100)
Islandia village (36103145804)
North Bay Shore (36103145902)
Bay Shore (36103146003, 36103147300)
Central Islip (36103145703, 36103146203, 36103146300, 36103146403, 36103146404)
Gordon Heights (36103158705)
Ridge (36103158710)
Patchogue village (36103158900, 36103159000)
East Patchogue (36103159102)
Brookhaven (36103159103, 36103159204)
Yaphank (36103159106)
Shirley (36103159408, 36103159505)
Mastic Beach (36103159508)
Calverton (36103169704)
Riverhead (36103169800, 36103169901)
Greenport village (36103170101)
Flanders (36103190401)
Westhampton Beach village (36103190502)
ESD offers working capital grants for economic development related projects that support:
Strategic development plans for a city, county, or municipality or significant part thereof
Feasibility studies for site(s) or facility(ies) assessment and planning
Eligible applicants include for-profit businesses; not-for-profit corporations; business improvement districts; local development corporations; public benefit corporations (including industrial development agencies); economic development organizations; research and academic institutions; incubators; technology parks; municipalities; counties; regional planning councils; tourist attractions; and community facilities.
Funds may be used for:
Acquisition or leasing of land, buildings, machinery and/or equipment
Acquisition of existing business and/or assets
Demolition and environmental remediation
New construction, renovation or leasehold improvements
Acquisition of furniture and fixtures
Soft costs up to twenty-five (25%) of total project costs
Planning and feasibility studies related to a capital project
CFA applications for Round 12 closes on Friday, April 14, 2023 at 4 PM.
Click here for more information or to apply. Call the Long Island ESD Office at 631-435-0717 if you have any questions.
More than $500 million in federal funding is now available to support the resurgence of small businesses across New York State through the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI), a program through the American Rescue Plan Act.
Managed by the U.S. Department of Treasury, SSBCI provides funds to support programs for small businesses, including socially and economically advantaged individual (SEDI) owned businesses and very small businesses (VSB), to recover from the economic effects of COVID-19 and allow them opportunity to succeed in the post-pandemic economy. With this funding, Empire State Development (ESD) has developed a suite of capital access and equity programs to help New York State small businesses recover from the economic effects of COVID-19 and allow them the opportunity to succeed.
The programs include:
Capital Project Loan Fund
$106 million in SSBCI funding to provide direct loans for the growth of manufacturing and other eligible businesses within New York State, by assisting in financing a portion of the cost of acquiring and renovating existing buildings or constructing new buildings or for purchasing machinery and equipment.
New York State Small Business Revolving Loan Fund Round 2
$55.5 million in SSBCI funding to provide shorter-term microloans and loans typically under $250,000. Addresses inequitable capital access by bridging the financing gaps facing new companies, under-banked communities and small businesses. Lending is provided by participating lenders.
Capital Access Program
$29. 4 million in SBCCI funding for portfolio insurance for participating lenders designed to increase financing opportunities for New York State’s small businesses, socially and economically disadvantaged individual (SEDI) owned businesses and very small businesses (VSB). Loans provided via participating lenders.
New York State Surety Bond Assistance Program
$22 million in SSBCI funding to provide access to bid bonds, payment and performance bonds for contractors performing on publicly funded projects throughout New York State via participating surety companies.
New York State Contractor Financing Program
$22 million in SSBCI funding to provide to contractors in need of working capital to deploy and execute federal, state, and local government related contracts via participating lenders.
Emerging and Regional Partner Program Fund
$102 million in SSBCI funding for investing in diverse fund managers with first, second or third time funds, or with managers who will use the funds to invest in areas of New York State where venture capital is less readily available.
Community and Regional Partner Program Fund
$52 million in SSBCI funding for partnerships with accelerators or other similar mentor-based programs to provide equity investments for high-growth New York State companies that are participating in those programs.
Pre-seed and Seed Matching Fund Program
$30 million in SSBCI funding for equity investments in venture-backable start-up companies at the earliest stages of their development. This program is via a competitive application process with applicants evaluated to assess likelihood of venture scalability.
New York State Innovation Venture Capital Fund
$35 million in SSBCI funding for equity investments for Seed through series B technology companies across New York State.
Click the link below to learn more about New York State Small Business Credit Initiative and to find out which SSBCI programs can help you.
The Suffolk County Department of Economic Development and Planning (SCEDP), along with the Downtown Revitalization Citizens Advisory Panel, has announced that applications for the 2023 Round of the Suffolk County Downtown Revitalization Grant Program are now available.
2023 marks the 21st Round of the Downtown Revitalization Grant Program, a highly successful program that has provided funding to 300 projects supporting revitalization efforts in communities across Suffolk County since 1997. In total, over $12.5 million in funds have been granted to Downtown Revitalization initiatives.
Applications for Round 21 are due on Wednesday, May 17th, 2023 at 4 pm.
“Over the years, the Downtown Revitalization Program has paved the way for transformational change in our region’s downtowns. As it enters its third decade, the Downtown Revitalization continues to be a central program of our Connect Long Island plan by supporting placemaking, walkability and beautification of our central business districts,” said Suffolk County Executive Bellone.
Grant applicants must be organizations that represent a downtown area and who partner with their local municipality. Organizations that represent downtown areas including business improvement districts, chambers of commerce, civic associations, historical societies, beautification societies, and local development corporations are eligible applicants. Towns or villages who partner with a community organization are required to pass resolutions supporting the project on which the two entities partner. Projects must be capital in nature and have a significant and sustainable impact that enhances economic activity.
Among the various projects that are eligible for grants are public parking facilities, curb and sidewalk construction, pedestrian walkways, street lighting, public restrooms, disabled accessibility, renovations to existing structures, and cultural facilities. The criteria for eligible projects include that the project must be a capital improvement project, funding request must be at least $10,000, the organization must partner with a municipality and be located on municipally-owned property in or adjacent to a downtown and the project life-span must be at least 15 years.
Application materials for Round 21, including an application document, program guidelines and best practices handbook can be found HERE.
SCEDP staff will also be holding an informational training session on applying to Round 21 of the Downtown Revitalization Grant Program on Wednesday, March 1st, 2023, from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm. All potential applicants to Round 21 of the Downtown Revitalization Grant Program are strongly encouraged to attend. The training session will be held on Zoom via the following link.
The session will guide potential applicants and review some of the most frequently asked questions regarding the Downtown Revitalization Grant Program, including what types of projects can apply to the program, what attachments are required to accompany a submitted application, what are the specific criteria used to evaluate applications, what is the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) process, and much more.
The Climate Friendly Homes Fund (CFHF), administered by The Community Preservation Corporation, provides financing for existing 5-50-unit buildings in New York State, with a focus on replacing older and less energy-efficient systems with all-electric, high-performance heating, cooling, and hot water heating systems.
With $250 million in New York State funding, CPC and New York State Homes and Community Renewal aim to finance electrification retrofits in at least 10,000 units of multifamily housing that serve economically disadvantaged communities. These funds will empower small building owners to identify and execute a scope of work to improve the energy efficiency of their buildings and decrease their greenhouse gas emissions.
Owners of eligible buildings may apply for funds to cover the cost of eligible building upgrades including electrification of heating, cooling, and water heating systems and additional building envelope improvements. Funds may be used for approved retrofit work scope items, as well as certain soft costs.
Retrofit Scope of Work items eligible for funding include:
Electrical service upgrades
HVAC systems replacement with high-efficiency heat pumps
Domestic Hot Water replacement with high efficiency heat pumps
Additional energy conservation measures to optimize new system performance
Systems commissioning
Eligibility
Buildings must have 5-50 residential units, and be located in New York State.
Owners of regulated affordable and unregulated multifamily rental buildings in eligible locations may apply; Buildings must currently be subject to a regulatory agreement with a public agency or be located in one of the following locations:
Low-Moderate Income Qualified Census Tract as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Disadvantaged Communities as defined in the New York State Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.
To find out if your building location is eligible: See HUD Qualified Census Tract Areas CLICK HERE and view a map of NYSERDA Disadvantaged Communities Areas CLICK HERE.
A combined $1 million in federal grants has been distributed by the Town of Oyster Bay in the past two months to small businesses and nonprofits financially damaged by the COVID-19 pandemic, Newsday reports. At least 200 local businesses so far have each received $5,000 through the Oyster Bay Forward grant program.
The program, which opened on November 29, 2023 and is ongoing, is a small business and nonprofit grant program offering a one-time $5,000 grant to eligible organizations with 0 (sole proprietors) to 50 full-time equivalent W-2 employees and between $35,000 and $5 million in annual revenue in fiscal year 2021.
Eligibility criteria includes:
Be a small business owner or nonprofit representative.
Be a for-profit business or 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(19) nonprofit organization.
Have been in operation in Town of Oyster Bay prior to January 1, 2021.
Be in operation at the time of application
Have fewer than 50 full-time equivalent (FTE) W-2 employees.
Have between $50,000 and $5 million in annual revenue in fiscal year 2021.
Certify and demonstrate they experienced economic or financial hardship due to COVID-19.
Not be in default or arrears on past or current federal and state financing or funding programs.
Not be in conflict of interest with Town of Oyster Bay, the local municipality, or the third-party administrator (NDC).
Eligible uses of grant proceeds include working capital expenses that mitigate the economic and financial hardships caused by COVID-19 such as the purchase of inventory/supplies, rent, utilities, property taxes, lease or purchase of equipment, operating and emergency maintenance, etc.
In 2022, the Sustainable and Resilient Communities focused on speaking with stakeholders to understand the environmental challenges, current efforts, and implementation barriers that Long Island Sound communities are encountering on their paths to becoming more resilient to a changing climate. This year, there will be a focus on offering training programs and developing a resource hub to build a more coordinated regional response to current and future environmental threats, increase implementation of sustainability and resilience projects, and engage more communities to act as stewards of Long Island Sound and its watershed.
Several current funding opportunities include:
ReWild Gardens Program 2023
Apply to get assistance with creating or maintaining a community garden! The program is closing soon, if you are considering an application please apply now. Click Here for Details
Long Island Sound Futures Fund - RFP Opens March 2023
Grants ranging from $50k - $1.5M will be available for habitat restoration, resilience, water quality improvements, and more. Click Here for Details
2023 National Estuary Program Watershed Grants
This round will have approximately $3.2M in funds, with projects ranging from $200,000 - $500,000 and up to four years in length. Letters of Intent are due February 10th. Click Here for Details
To learn more about Sustainable and Resilient Communities, Click Here
The State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) is providing $30 million for the Pre-seed and Seed Matching Fund Program to support high-growth start-up companies at the earliest stages of their growth and development.
The program will offer early-stage businesses equity investments from $50,000 up to $250,000 with matching from the private sector (there must be at least $1 of private sector investment for every $1 NY Ventures invests). In addition to financial support, Empire State Development offers the tools and key introductions needed to help companies reach the next level.
Pre-Seed or Seed-stage companies across all technology markets, with a focus on:
Capital grant funding from the Regional Council Capital Fund is available through the State‘s Regional Economic Development Council Initiative, which helps drive regional and local economic development across New York State in cooperation with 10 Regional Economic Development Councils.
Capital grant funding is available for capital-based economic development projects intended to create or retain jobs; prevent, reduce or eliminate unemployment and underemployment; and/or increase business or economic activity in a community or Region.
Eligible applicants include for-profit businesses; not-for-profit corporations; business improvement districts; local development corporations; public benefit corporations (including industrial development agencies); economic development organizations; research and academic institutions; incubators; technology parks; municipalities; counties; regional planning councils; tourist attractions; and community facilities.
Funds may be used for:
Acquisition or leasing of land, buildings, machinery and/or equipment
Acquisition of existing business and/or assets
Demolition and environmental remediation
New construction, renovation or leasehold improvements
Acquisition of furniture and fixtures
Soft costs up to twenty-five (25%) of total project costs
Planning and feasibility studies related to a capital project
Trellus Same-Day Local Delivery is paying it forward with the launch of the Trellus Local Delivery Grant, empowering small businesses to reach more customers and grow their revenue. The grant is made possible by Trellus’ recent Grand Prize victory in 1010 WINS Small Business $10K Challenge, sponsored by Dime Community Bank.
Launched in January 2021, Trellus is a Long Beach-based on-demand, same-day delivery service and marketplace which helps small local businesses from Queens to Montauk save time and money - bringing to life the often-repeated mantra, Shop Local.
Trellus is opening an application process to select 20 small businesses in need of delivery services. Each eligible small business will receive $500 to cover their Trellus subscription and delivery costs.
Trellus currently works with over 300 small businesses and 80+ gig drivers who deliver all across Long Island seven days a week.
JR Jensen, co-founder and chief technology officer at Trellus, explains, “Small businesses deserve a win against the likes of Amazon, Walmart, and other e-commerce giants. Trellus is breaking down barriers to help independently owned businesses survive. We’re thrilled to share this $10,000 with independent businesses on Long Island that are driving local economic growth and breathing life into our downtowns.”
Winning a Business Leadership Award at the 2022 Long Island Smart Growth Awards, co-founder and CEO Adam Haber stated, “Our communities are home to so many great small businesses that have been here for generations. Unfortunately, many of these businesses have struggled to retain customers as shopping online has become more and more popular.”
The Trellus Local Delivery Grant program will accept applications from brick-and-mortar retailers, professional services, and home-based businesses. Trellus encourages businesses with a strong community focus to apply, particularly those owned by women, BIPOC, and military veterans.
Eligible small businesses should submit their application as soon as possible. The Trellus team will begin contacting applicants at the beginning of February, with the application window remaining open until Febuary 14, 2023.
Long Island Coalition for the Homeless (LICH) was founded in 1985 as a grassroots local advocacy effort to bring non-profits and other community partners together to unite around the cause of homelessness, seeking to expand and enhance services to meet local needs. Its mission is “To end homelessness on Long Island, and alleviate the issues associated with homelessness and poverty for homeless and at-risk persons in Nassau and Suffolk Counties.” LICH has expanded services to continually align with local community needs and approaches that evidence shows to be most effective in addressing homelessness.
Right now, LICH has two calls to action:
1. Veterans Community Garden – Starting on April 5th, community service hours are available to help with the organic vegetable garden located on the north side of Amityville Community Resource Center, 600 Albany Avenue, Amityville. The Garden Club meets Wednesdays, 4 PM to 7 PM from April through November. Email Bailey at Briekkinen@addressthehomeless.org for more information or to RSVP.
2. The Scott Martella Supply Our School Drive, May through July 26, 2023. Items needed include backpacks, folders, notebooks, pens, lunchboxes, glue sticks, binders, index cards, scissors, calculators, highlighters, hand sanitizer and more. For more information visit www.addressthehomeless.org or Facebook/backpackpirates.
Times are tough, let’s all extend a helping hand.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) continues offering informational webinars in 2023. The following webinars are currently being offered:
Sat. 4/1/2023 1:30pm-3:30pm
(SBA and Taiwanese American Association NY)
In Mandarin “Certifications for Getting Government Contracts”
For more information, please contact Ms. Man-Li Lin, Economic Development Specialist, New York District Office, U.S. Small Business Administration at Man-li.lin@sba.gov.
Come network as Blank Slate Media honors the Top Business Leaders of Nassau County on Thursday, April 20th, at Leonard's Palazzo in Great Neck.
The evening will include a cocktail hour, followed by an awards ceremony, hosted by Antoinette Biordi, the Emmy-winning News 12 Long Island anchor and reporter, and will feature keynote speaker Jim McCann, the founder and executive chairman of 1-800-Flowers.COM Inc.
For more information or to advertise in the special pull-out section, featuring write ups of all honorees, contact Renee Giordani, Account Executive, Blank Slate Media, at (516) 307-1045. The deadline for appearing in the section is Friday, April 7th.
KiDS NEED M♥RE Charity Drive-In Movie will be held on Saturday, April 29, 2023 8:30 PM at Costello's Ace Hardware & Garden Center of Copiague, 705 Montauk Highway, Copiague.
The movie will be Featuring Minions The Rise of Gru.
The helpful hardware folks at Costello’s Ace Hardware of Copiague will be grilling up hot dogs and popping fresh hot popcorn! There will be soda, water, iced tea, chips, pretzels, candy, ice pops and more. All concession-stand items only $1.
Order from the wonderful folks at Joe's Pizza, 631-789-8020, and it will be delivered it to you so you can enjoy the show. All money from your orders benefits kids coping with life-threatening illnesses.
KiDS NEED M♥RE is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of children, families & young adults coping with cancer and life-threatening illness.
For 17 years, the Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (LIHCC) honors women who are exceptional business leaders, community advocates, as well as inspirational role models. This event celebrates women in the workforce and recognizes their contribution to the Hispanic and minority communities they serve.
The 17th Annual Latina Hat Luncheon will be held on May 31st at the Crescent Beach Club in Bayville, from 11 AM to 3 PM.
To support this event and to celebrate its distinguished honorees, payment for Individual Member, Non-Member tickets and event journal advertisements are secured via credit card by calling the office at (516) 333-0105. Please RSVP by May 19, 2023.
Please join us for a special interview with Steve Englebright...........Check it out!!
Join us for a interview with special guest Phil Eng.......Check it out!!
Please join us for a special interview with the Founder and Director of Green Inside And Out Beth Fiteni. We will be discussing different ways to help our environment.....check it out!!!
Please join us for a special interview with Bill Florio, The President of Valley Stream Historical Society. Check it Out!!!
Please join us with a special guest, PSEG Manager Of Economic and Community Development John Keating.
Long Island Main Street News
Contributors:
Eric Alexander, Director; Tawaun Weber, Assistant Director; Elissa Kyle, Placemaking Director;
Linda Henninger, Outreach Coordinator; Jen Makaw, Communications Consultant
We strive to provide continued quality publications like this every week. If you have any news or events that you would like to add to our newsletter, submit them to ea@visionlongisland.org for consideration.
If you are interested in becoming a Long Island Main Street News sponsor,
please call or text 631-804-9128 for rates and opportunities.
