There is no engine more critical to keeping New York’s economy up and running than the hardworking men and women who operate small businesses across our state. To put it simply, New York cannot thrive if our small businesses are struggling. Following the unprecedented challenges that local families and business owners have faced over the past year, it’s absolutely crucial that we do all that we can to help support these locally-owned ventures and help ensure Central New York bounces back stronger than before.

Earlier this year, I helped pass a state budget that includes a new $800 million COVID-19 Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program. With over 330,000 small businesses eligible for these grants, I encourage everyone who can to take full advantage of this program to address pandemic-related challenges.

As chair of the Assembly Small Business Committee and co-chair of an Assembly Working Group on New York’s economic recovery from COVID-19, I fought to include this much-needed funding in the state budget. And, as a former small-business owner myself, I also understand just how vital this sustained support will be for hardworking small-business owners who are not only fueling Central New York’s economic recovery, but also have put their livelihoods and careers on the line to follow their dreams.

Empire State Development (ESD) will begin accepting applications starting on Thursday, June 10, at 9 a.m. To review eligibility requirements and apply, visit esd.ny.gov/pandemic-small-business-recovery-grant-program.

The COVID-19 Pandemic Small Businesses Recovery Grant Program will provide grants and technical assistance to small businesses and microbusinesses that experienced hardship during the public health crisis. Economically and socially disadvantaged business owners, including veteran-owned businesses, will be prioritized by the program. Awarded grants, ranging from $5,000 to $50,000, can be used to reimburse employee wages, rent and mortgage payments, taxes, insurance, utility bills and other pandemic-related expenditures.

Hearing directly from small-business owners about the financial hardships and challenges they face is essential to crafting holistic solutions that will help advance our state’s recovery. To that end, I recently attended a press event alongside CenterState CEO President Rob Simpson and several business leaders to discuss the Assembly’s continued efforts to strengthen businesses during these trying times. I’ll continue working with fellow lawmakers and local chambers of commerce to ensure every small business can access critical support.

ESD has created a website, NYSBusinessRecovery.ny.gov, allowing small businesses to find out what grants, tax credits and technical assistance programs are available. After answering a few questions on the website, businesses can easily review what resources are available to help them recover from the unprecedented challenges we’ve faced during the pandemic.

As we turn the corner on this pandemic, I’ll continue to be a strong voice for small-business owners here in Central New York who are working to reinvigorate our economy. If you have questions about programs available for small businesses or need help getting connected to resources, please reach out to my office at 315-452-1115 or StirpeA@nyassembly.gov.