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Read the press release here.

Forum to Help LES Small Businesses Recover from Hurricane Sandy

By Serena Solomon | November 8, 2012 9:58am

LOWER EAST SIDE — A small-business forum to spearhead recovery efforts for local entrepreneurs in the wake of Hurricane Sandy is being hosted Friday by government agencies and elected officials.

The U.S. Small Business Administration will present information on how to access relief from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), including both short- and long-term loan assistance.

The forum will be held from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Houston Street Center at 273 Bowery, at the corner of Houston Street.

Many Downtown businesses experienced major disruptions due to flooding from the storm last Monday night and power outages that stretched for days after. 

"We think it's really important that all businesses that were impacted — not just those that experienced exterior damage, but those that suffered business interruption as well — can become educated on the government programs that are available to help these businesses get back on their feet," said Bob Zuckerman, the executive director of the Lower East Side Business Improvement District, which helped organize the event.

Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez and State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver will co-host the forum.

Aside from pointers on how to navigate government loan and grant opportunities, the forum will also address legal assistance and insurance claims, Zuckerman said.

The Emergency Relief Forum for Small Businesses will be held on Friday Nov. 9 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Houston Street Center, 273 Bowery.