The New Bronx Chamber of Commerce announced the ten winners of its first small business relief grant series, with each receiving a $500 grant toward COVID-19 pandemic recovery: Chamber member Lightpath (formerly known as Altice Business) provided funding for eight businesses to receive these grants: Claudy’s Kitchen; DC Villanueva restaurant; Little Italy Cigar; Kredit Koncepts Financial Services; Taqueria Guerrero; Focal Point Gallery; Downtown Bronx Juice Bar; and Nieves Dance Studio. Chamber member Ponce Bank sponsored Illusion Photo Studio and the restaurant, South of France.
“Even prior to the pandemic, many Bronx small businesses were surviving on razor-thin margins,” said Chamber president Lisa Sorin. “COVID presented a new set of challenges that many could not withstand. We are so grateful to Lightpath and Ponce Bank for their sponsorships, which have made these grants possible.”
Through opportunities for its members to sponsor initiatives such as these, the Bronx Chamber hopes to provide a vital boost to struggling small businesses so they may navigate the ongoing challenges of the pandemic, while creating pathways to membership that will support long-term development and growth in the Bronx business community at large. All grant winners will be featured in upcoming Chamber digital communications including social media, e-news & more.
“We are honored that we are able to help some of the great small businesses of the Bronx which are the heart and soul of the borough,” said John McEvoy, Strategic Accounts Manager with Lightpath. “It has certainly been a challenge, but our hope is that we will all come out of this pandemic stronger than ever.”
“At Ponce Bank we believe that small businesses are the beating heart of our community and we are doing everything we can to help those in our neighborhoods get through the pandemic,” stated Carlos Naudon, president and CEO of Ponce Bank. “The resilience and creativity exhibited by small business owners during the pandemic humbles us daily. The New Bronx Chamber of Commerce is providing a great service to our community and we’re proud to partner with them as they provide assistance to those that struggle.”
Businesses interested in sponsoring a small business relief grant series through the Chamber are invited to email membership@bronxchamber.org.
The New Bronx Chamber of Commerce is one of the most influential voices for business in Bronx County, known for its commitment to legislative advocacy. The Chamber hosts a wide range of programs, events, and services for its members, ranging from large corporations to cultural institutions, universities and colleges, hospitals and medical centers, and small to mid-sized businesses.
Follow the Bronx Chamber on social media, visit bronxchamber.org, or call 718.828.3900 for information on our events, programs, membership benefits, and more
