Nassau announces small business recovery aid

Nassau County has established a center where small- and medium-sized businesses affected by superstorm Sandy can find recovery assistance, the county has announced.

 The Nassau County Industrial Development Agency will operate the center, which will provide help and guidance for business owners as well as financial assistance for eligible businesses through its Local Enterprise Assistance and Development Services program or LEADS.

 Enterprises with a 100 or fewer employees --  which the county says account for 60 percent of Nassau County’s workforce --  could be eligible for up to $99,000 of aid through a sales tax exemption on any furniture, fixtures, equipment and material purchased for repair and reconstruction.

 In addition, businesses can get help navigating state and federal business recovery programs.

 "Getting Nassau County businesses reopened is an absolute priority," said Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano.

Businesses can call 516-571-1745 or email LEADS@NassauIDA.org for help. An economic development professional will respond within 24 hours.