State grants to LI agencies will help minority and women entrepreneurs
Two local groups will share $120,000 in state grants to help small businesses and minority or female entrepreneurs to secure financing.
La Fuerza Unida Community Development Corp. plans to use $70,000 in grant funds for technical assistance programs designed to help minority- and women-owned businesses that are competing for government contracts, and for small companies that are trying to win bank loans.
Officials at the East Norwich-based organization said it would offer training in QuickBooks accounting software and computer literacy.
The group also will establish a sewing cooperative where participants can learn how to sew and then use that skill in business.
La Fuerza has operated a revolving loan fund for qualified companies since 2003.
The Long Island Small Business Assistance Corp. will use its $50,000 grant for workshops and one-on-one counseling for aspiring entrepreneurs.
The Westbury-based corporation also offers qualified companies micro loans of up to $25,000.
Empire State Development, the state's primary business-aid agency, awarded the grants last week.
Since 1998, the agency has given more than $480,000 each to La Fuerza and Long Island Small Business Assistance.
Long Island Small Business Assistance is part of the Long Island Development Corp., also based in Westbury.
Sarra Sounds Off: Suffolk Hall of Fame Class of 2026 On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," the Suffolk Hall of Fame class of 2026, former NFL Quarterback Mike Buck and Jared Valluzzi has the plays of the week. Credit: Newsday
Sarra Sounds Off: Suffolk Hall of Fame Class of 2026 On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," the Suffolk Hall of Fame class of 2026, former NFL Quarterback Mike Buck and Jared Valluzzi has the plays of the week. Credit: Newsday
