Flushing Commercial District To Receive $1.55M For Small Business Improvement

FLUSHING, QUEENS — NYC's Department of Small Business Services is awarding two of Flushing's community-based organizations a sum of $1.55 million for commercial improvements in the neighborhood.

The two recipients of the award were Asian Americans for Equality and Downtown Flushing Transit Hub Business Improvement District.

AAFE provides affordable housing within their community and has created more than 800 housing units by preserving 86 buildings and disbursed over $44 million to more than 1000 small businesses. “The forces of gentrification are putting incredible pressure on small businesses in minority and immigrant communities like Flushing,” Christopher Kui, executive director of AAFE, told QNS. “The survival of these local businesses is critical to a sustainable neighborhood, where mixed-use businesses provide a vital economic and cultural role.”

Flushing BID is a non-profit organization that oversees and funds the maintenance and improvement of commercial districts in the neighborhood. "Kudos to the government for realizing that the small businesses are the backbone of our economy, creating jobs and generating billions of tax dollars in revenue. Flushing Bid is excited to be part of this Neighborhood 360 Grant that will provide the necessary help that can truly impact small businesses," Dian Yu, executive director of Flushing BID, told Patch.

The funding is part of the Neighborhood 360° program, a broader initiative by Department of Small Business Services, which seeks to develop commercial revitalization projects around NYC. After the needs for such projects were identified last year through surveys, observations and interviews, 11 community-based organizations across the five boroughs were awarded a total of $9M. Awards were granted based on projects proposed by organizations, their experience with specific communities and their ability to partner with other organizations.

“Working with community partners, we are responding to local needs to support small business growth and build more vibrant neighborhoods for all New Yorkers," said Gregg Bishop, Commissioner of the NYC Department of Small Business Services.

Lead image via Google Maps