Assemblyman David G. McDonough (R,C,I-Merrick) is reminding small businesses about the Small Business Relief loan program being offered by Empire State Development (ESD). Empire State Development, the New York Bankers Association and the New York Business Development Corporation have set aside $10 million for loans of up to $25,000 for businesses with fewer than 100 employees in designated disaster areas.

“Getting the doors of our businesses open again and our residents back to their jobs is one of the most important things we can do to rebuild our community,” said McDonough. “Reopening our local businesses not only generates economic growth for our community but starts us moving in the right direction again. Hardworking businesses and employees remain the backbone of our society and a true recovery will not be possible without putting people back to work first.”

Business owners looking for more information on the Hurricane Sandy Business Relief program should visit http://esd.ny.gov/StormRecovery.asp. Local businesses in need of assistance recovering from the storm must complete a Business Information Form and submit it to ESD. Small-business counselors also are available for businesses that need technical assistance. Information can be found on the New York State Small Business Development Center website at http://www.nyssbdc.org/ or by calling 1-800-732-SBDC (7232).

Businesses in Nassau County also are invited to apply for a sales tax exemption on expenditures related to recovering from Sandy. Through its Local Enterprise Assistance and Development Services (LEADS) Program, the Nassau County IDA will grant businesses a sales tax exemption letter on furniture, fixtures, equipment, capital improvements and renovations as they recover from Sandy. To learn more, visit http://bit.ly/PUJf7L, call 516-571-1745 or e-mail LEADS@NassauIDA.org.