NEW YORK – Islamic Relief USA, a nonprofit humanitarian and development organization, and the New York City Department of Small Business Services (SBS) Commissioner Kenny Minaya announced $128,000 in emergency grant funding to the eight small businesses impacted by the March 19 fire in the Midwood commercial corridor, commonly known as Little Pakistan, on the eve of Eid al-Fitr.
With IRUSA’s emergency funds and technical assistance provided by SBS, eligible businesses can receive up to $16,000.
“Islamic Relief USA was deeply saddened to hear about the devastating fire that caused extensive damage to several businesses in the Little Pakistan neighborhood of Brooklyn. The timing was particularly heartbreaking, as the large fire broke out on the day before one of the most festive days in the Islamic calendar,” said Ahmed Shehata, Chief Executive Officer at Islamic Relief USA. “We are grateful that no injuries were reported. During these difficult times, it is incumbent upon us to support and assist these hardworking business owners. We hope these emergency grants will mitigate the financial hardship during the rebuilding process and help the business owners and the community return to a sense of normalcy.”
“On the eve of Eid, this fire dealt a devastating blow to the small businesses that power Little Pakistan, and we are committed to helping these entrepreneurs recover,” said SBS Commissioner Kenny Minaya. “Our team was on the ground from day one, connecting business owners to resources and guiding them toward reopening. We’re grateful to Islamic Relief USA for their partnership, to quickly deploy these emergency grants and helping businesses rebuild.”
The fire significantly damaged multiple storefronts along the Avenue H and Coney Island Avenue corridor, including restaurants, barbershops, and bakeries that serve as important anchors for the surrounding community. The incident came just one day before Eid al-Fitr, one
of the busiest times of year for many of these small businesses, further compounding the economic impact on the affected businesses.
Applications will be vetted by SBS, and grants will be distributed by IRUSA to eligible small businesses. Eligibility requirements include:
· Copy of a driver’s license or New York City identification card.
· Documentation showing ownership of the impacted business (e.g. business license, most recent tax returns, Articles of Incorporation, or operating agreement).
· Landlord acknowledgement letter and lease agreement for the previously occupied space.
· Executed lease or occupancy agreement for the new business space within New York City.
· Documentation for planned business activity and budget breakdown for the $16,000 one-time reopening grant.
MEDIA CONTACT
Syed M. Hassan
(571) 421-7032
Islamic Relief USA, based in Alexandria, Va., is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) humanitarian organization. Its mission is to provide relief and development in a dignified manner regardless of gender, race, or religion, and works to empower individuals in their communities and give them a voice in the world. Its programs benefit millions of people each year in more than 40 countries around the world, including in the United States.
Islamic Relief USA meets all of the Standards for Charity Accountability of the BBB Wise Giving Alliance, a national charity monitoring group affiliated with the Better Business Bureau system. Islamic Relief USA is on the U.S. government’s Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) charity list, and it is also a signatory to the code of conduct of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.