On Small Business Week, PSEG Long Island Adds $50,000 to Boost Local Economy

Company is expanding popular grants that help commercial districts adapt and thrive

(UNIONDALE, N.Y. – Sept. 13, 2021) – PSEG Long Island is proud to announce that an additional $50,000 has been allocated to the Main Street Chamber of Commerce program for the remainder of 2021. As the country comes together to celebrate National Small Business Week, beginning today, Sept 13, PSEG Long Island is committed to helping small businesses and the local economy thrive.

“We have created programs to help businesses across Long Island and the Rockaways attract customers and keep them shopping locally,” said John Keating, manager of Economic and Community Development at PSEG Long Island. “These programs provide funding for the enhancements that might not otherwise be in the budget, putting businesses in a position to succeed in these unprecedented times and into the future.”

In 2020, the company began offering grants to local chambers of commerce and business improvement districts (BID) to help transform sidewalk areas and plazas with the seating, lighting, planters and protective barriers needed to keep customers safely dining and shopping locally amid new public health measures. The funding for this grant program was renewed for 2021 on a first come, first served basis. The program offers up to $5,000 to a chamber of commerce or BID. Applications will be accepted until Dec. 31, 2021. In honor of Small Business Week 2021, PSEG Long Island has added $50,000 in funding to this grant program.

In addition, PSEG Long Island offers a “Beautification” grant to local chambers of commerce for decorative items such as hanging planters, flowerbeds, murals and welcome signs. This program offers funding of up to $2,000 to a chamber of commerce or business improvement district. Applications will be accepted until Dec. 31, 2021.

To date, more than $2 million in grants and discounts have been provided to help thousands of local businesses and organizations continue to thrive and meet the ever-evolving challenges of COVID-19.

“The Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce is pleased to join PSEG Long Island in recognition of Small Business Week,” said Julie Marchesella past president, Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce. “With the help of PSEG Long Island and government grants, along with our community members remembering to ‘Shop Local,’ we hope for a complete economic recovery and a bright future for our small business owners.”
PSEG Long Island continues to offer Main Street Revitalization grants and Vacant Space Revival discounts to businesses. Here is a breakdown of PSEG Long Island’s support of local businesses, since 2020.

Main Street Chamber of Commerce/Outdoor Spaces Grants

• PSEG Long Island approved 38 applications, representing a total of more than $190,000.
• These have been awarded to chambers of commerce and BIDs in municipalities all across the service area, including Wantagh, Port Jefferson, Lindenhurst, Kings Park, Huntington, Amityville, Babylon, Oyster Bay, Glen Cove, Port Washington, Sag Harbor, Nesconset, Smithtown, Syosset-Woodbury, Gordon Heights, Westhampton Beach, Massapequa Park and more.

Beautification Grant Program

• 9 applications pre-approved to date, representing approximately $18,000.

Main Street Revitalization Grant

• More than $980,000 was provided to businesses and organizations through standard Main Street Revitalization grants, supporting upgrades and projects at restaurants, arts centers, breweries and more since 2018.
• These projects are estimated to create approximately 800 permanent jobs in the community and bring more vitality to business districts.

To learn more about all the programs PSEG Long Island offers to support local businesses, please visit https://www.psegliny.com/inthecommunity/revitalization.

To view photos of today’s announcement visit: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmWDafeT

About National Small Business Week
For more than 50 years, the U.S. Small Business Administration has celebrated National Small Business Week (NSBW), which recognizes the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners. This year is one unlike the half-century that has come before. We are facing unique challenges together. However, American small businesses continue to play a central role in building a strong country, prepared for any obstacles in the future.

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PSEG Long Island operates the Long Island Power Authority’s transmission and distribution system under a long-term contract. PSEG Long Island is a subsidiary of Public Service Enterprise Group Inc. (PSEG) (NYSE:PEG), a publicly traded diversified energy company.