East Buffalo Small Businesses Offered Grants to Recover from Mass Shooting Tragedy
Grant Program Offers Lifeline to Black-Owned Businesses in East Buffalo After Tragic Shooting
In East Buffalo, New York, small businesses owned by Black individuals are getting a chance to recover from a tragic event that happened nearly two years ago. A mass shooting at a local supermarket left the community deeply affected. Now, the Empire State Development (ESD) is offering grants ranging from $5,000 and up to help these businesses bounce back. The program funded with $3 million aims to support minority owned firms that have been struggling due to the social and economic impacts of the shooting.
Since the supermarket tragedy the community has been facing challenges, especially in accessing financial support. Black entrepreneurs often find it difficult to secure funding for their businesses. This grant program is part of the efforts to address this issue. Small Businesses in East Buffalo can apply for the grants until May 10 with eligibility criteria including being located in a designated area and meeting certain requirements. The program is administered by the Local Initiatives Support Corporation- New York on behalf of ESD.
$50,000 Grants for Small Businesses and Black-Owned Recovery after East Buffalo Mass Shooting (PHOTO: Forbes Advisor)
Officials Rally Behind Grant Program to Rebuild East Buffalo Community and Bridge Racial Wealth Gap
Officials emphasize the importance of this support in helping the East Buffalo community recover. Hope Knight, President, CEO & Commissioner of Empire State Development, encourages business owners to seize this opportunity. Valerie White senior executive director at LISC NY acknowledges the devastating impact of the shooting on the community and expresses pride in collaborating with partners to provide targeted support. The aim is not only to help businesses recover but also to invest in historically underserved areas and address the racial wealth gap.
