File Photo
The City Department of Small Business Services encouraged entrepreneurs to visit nyc.gov/businessprep or call 311 for more information and to apply.
By Michael V. Cusenza
The City Department of Small Business Services is now offering a risk assessment and grant program for small businesses impacted by Superstorm Sandy in October 2012.
The Business Preparedness and Resiliency Program Risk Assessment and Grant Program helps small business owners impacted by Sandy prepare for emergencies. Participating businesses will receive a visit from a team of emergency planning and insurance experts who will review the business’ physical space, operations, and insurance coverage. The team will make recommendations to the business owner on how to reduce their risk of in the event of a disaster or disruption. Businesses that receive an assessment can get a grant of up to $3,000 to buy resiliency items such as moveable flood barriers, fireproof storage containers, and portable generators.
Business PREP has received $7.1 million through the Community Development Block Grant Disaster
Recovery Program to provide resiliency services to small businesses in the city. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development allocated $3 million directly to the City, and $4.1 million has been funded by the Governor’s Office of Storm Recovery NY Rising Community Reconstruction Program. The program offers business continuity workshops and webinars, on-site resiliency assessments and post-assessment grants to small businesses impacted by Sandy, and online for resources business owners.
How do you know if you’re eligible for an on-site risk assessment and preparedness grant?
• You are a for-profit, taxpaying, Small Business Administration-defined small business operating in NYC
• Your business experienced loss, damage, and/or interruption as a result of Superstorm Sandy through flooding or power outage
• Your business is still located in the Sandy inundation (flood) or power outage zone
• You, your business, all principal owners, and affiliate businesses cannot be barred from receiving federal funding
• Your business has not already received a similar assessment or preparedness grant
“It’s aimed to offer additional assistance to businesses. While it may not help all or even be needed by all of our businesses, it does offer an opportunity to address some needs and offers a way for business owners to get a free risk assessment which may help them plan for better resiliency,” Community Board 10 Chairwoman Betty Braton told The Forum.
According to SBS, the program is first-come, first-served within specific geographic boundaries. The agency indicated that it will continue to process applications and distribute grants until the funding has been exhausted.
Visit nyc.gov/businessprep or call 311 for more information and to apply.
