Small Businesses Can Apply For $800M In Pandemic Relief Grants

LONG ISLAND, NY — Small businesses hit hard by the pandemic can now apply for up to $50,000 through an $800 million recovery grant program, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said.

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The program reimburses New York small businesses with grants of up to $50,000 for COVID-related expenses incurred between March 1, 2020 and April 1, 2021. Those expenses can include payroll costs, commercial rent or mortgage payments for property in New York, payment of local property or school taxes, insurance, utility, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and personal protective equipment costs, and supplies to comply with COVID-19 safety protocols.

In addition, grants will be awarded to small and micro businesses and small for-profit independent arts and cultural organizations, with priority being given to socially and economically disadvantaged business owners, including minority- and women-owned businesses, service-disabled veteran-owned businesses, and veteran-owned businesses, and businesses in economically distressed communities, Cuomo said.

"Small businesses are one of the most critical components of New York's economy and were disproportionately impacted by the economic devastation resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic," Cuomo said.

Grants will be for a minimum award of $5,000 and a maximum award of $50,000 and will be calculated based on a New York State business' annual gross receipts for 2019.

Cuomo also proposed legislation this week that would waive taxes on the grants.

The Empire State Development board of directors approved $10 million in technical assistance grants for New York's statewide entrepreneurship assistance centers, small business development centers, and 26 additional community organizations and chambers of commerce to help small businesses and for-profit independent arts and cultural organizations secure COVID-related financial assistance and grants available through existing state and federal programs, a release said.

Providers will help small businesses through the application process and also help to overcome language barriers and offer one-on-one counseling.