Our small business community is the backbone to our upstate, that’s why it’s so crucial to ensure they have a voice in our state’s recovery plan.

Recently my team and I toured a local Amsterdam based, family owned supplies provider. It was great to see the facility up and running and to speak about the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on their statewide operations, both the challenges and the triumphs.

On April 15th I was joined by some of the hardworking business owners from right here in our area at my virtual small business roundtable, co-hosted with the Capital Region Chamber of Commerce. During our discussions, we highlighted the financial hardships still being faced and the hurdles still left to achieve short term and long term success.

I'm also happy to announce the creation of a new Small Business Recovery Grant Program that was included in this year's state budget. This $800 million program will provide direct relief to struggling businesses to put them on the fast track to recovery.

In addition to this:

• $50 million COVID-19 Recovery Workforce Initiative;
• $25 million for NY Restaurant Resiliency Grant

These new programs will go a long way towards restarting our economy and open for business. As we move forward, you can be sure I’ll keep fighting to make sure our small businesses have all the support they need to rebuild stronger than ever.

Need COVID-19 related assistance for your business? My team and I are here to help you. Feel free to contact my office by phone or email.