Assemblymember Didi Barrett (D-Hudson) wants to remind small business owners that grants are still available for you if your business was impacted by Hurricane Irene through New York’s Small Business Storm Recovery Program. Qualifying small businesses – with less than 100 employees – are eligible for grants of $50,000 or more to help replace items such as machinery, moveable equipment, inventory, furniture and fixtures, as well as help with the day to day operating expenses.

This program will also reimburse businesses that have already purchased items they needed in order to get their business back up and running. These grants would cover “uncompensated costs” above and beyond those covered by insurance proceeds, grant programs and other government resources, noted Assemblymember Barrett.

“Even though it has been over two years since the flooding caused by Hurricane Irene devastated the Hudson Valley, the fact remains that several of our small businesses are still struggling to get back on their feet,” said Assemblymember Barrett. “These grants will give small businesses – the backbone of our local economy – the tools they need to overcome their obstacles and move forward.”

To get the ball rolling, businesses should contact their local Small Business Development Center (SBDC) office at 518-380-5077 for Columbia County and 845-339-0025 for Dutchess County where an SBDC business advisor will be able to answer questions and provide assistance with completing the application process.