COVID Pandemic Relief Fund Still Available for Struggling Small Businesses

Lindenhurst, New York — Tens of millions of dollars in state aid allocated to small business owners expires in just a few days.

As CBS2’s Jennifer McLogan reports, COVID Pandemic Relief Funds are still available and the deadline to fill out the application is fast approaching.

Talk to the pizza maker, trade library books, sweep the sidewalks – along Lindenhurst’s Main Street, you’ll find proud merchants struggling to keep their small businesses alive.

“Rising food prices have been very painful here. COVID has taken two weeks,” said Dean Roynes, owner of Pita Bowl.

Leunes said he had to lay off workers and slowly rehire them as downtown tried to thrive.

Bad Monkey Garage’s Marvin Mejias said:

Now, the likes of Bad Monkey Garage have found a new sense of security.

“New York State has two funds called grant programs that people can apply for. Deadlines are approaching,” said Eric Alexander of the Main Street Alliance.

The Seed Funding Grant Program and the COVID-19 Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program still have funds left to contribute $200 million and $800 million, respectively, by 11:59 p.m. on September 30.

Companies can qualify for $5,000 at the base level, and $25,000 to $50,000 depending on the program, Alexander said.

Esther Acosta, owner of Esther’s Salon, said, “It’s really hard because you have to pay the rent every month.

Grants can be used for rent, mortgages, salaries, utilities, and personal protective equipment.

Matthew Gaudio, co-founder of Holy Black Barbershop, said, “We have very close contacts, especially in this industry.

Gaudio says COVID fears are pushing some customers away.

So far, 90% of the grants have gone to small businesses with 10 or fewer employees. The majority are minorities and female entrepreneurs.

Jason Kontakis of Lindenhurst Business Improvement District said:

“Everybody should jump at the opportunity,” said Leunes.

Small business owners are pressed for time.

For more information, see: nysmallbusinessrecovery.com When nyseedgrant.com.