Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and members of the Town Board recently announced more than a half million dollars in grant funding to help support local Chambers of Commerce and Business Associations that were negatively impacted by the COVID pandemic. The funding, which will be distributed to up to 12 chambers of commerce and business associations through the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce, is being provided through the American Rescue Plan Act and at no cost to Town taxpayers. The Farmingdale and Massapequa Chambers of Commerce were the first to receive the funding from the Town.

 

“We recognize the crucial role that local Chambers of Commerce and Business Associations play in supporting small businesses, fostering commerce and establishing connections with potential customers. Unfortunately, so many of these organizations were significantly impacted by the COVID pandemic, leading to financial hardships,” said Supervisor Saladino. “As part of the Town’s commitment to supporting our local communities and aiding in the economic recovery of our Town, we are pleased to offer this grant opportunity.”

 

Grant funding will be administered by the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce to chambers and business associations in the Town of Oyster Bay. Entities are eligible to receive up to $50,000, which can be used for a variety of purposes, including operations and maintenance expenses and community investments. Additionally, individual businesses and non-profits who have not yet applied for the Town’s $5,000 ‘Oyster Bay Forward’ grant program can still receive funding. The program is available to businesses that employ up to 50 full-time equivalent W-2 employees as well as sole proprietors. Additional eligibility criteria and application information can be found at TOBforward.com.

 

“As a small business owner and chamber member, I know firsthand how the pandemic took its toll on local businesses,” said Councilwoman Maier. “Local businesses are the heart of our communities, and we want them to thrive as they keep local dollars on the economy, provide local jobs, build a strong tax base and invest in the local community. We stand by our small businesses, and we thank all of our Chambers of Commerce for their assistance in helping local businesses through the good times and the bad.”