#Newsflash | QEDC Receives Grant from NYC Department of Business Services to Spark Retail Revitalization in Astoria
BY QEDC It's In Queens
The NYC Department of Small Business Services recently awarded a three-year grant to the Queens Economic Development Corporation to develop and carry out revitalization projects in Astoria.
With the largesse, QEDC hired Victor Prado, a former digital marketing specialist who is fluent in Portuguese. He’ll analyze the commercial corridor on Astoria Boulevard between 31st Street to the East River. Then, the Sunnyside resident will develop a Commercial District Needs Assessment and a plan to help the local merchants.
As the prime contractor, QEDC will coordinate the efforts and provide business support and technical assistance services ─ i.e. training webinars, counseling, and COVID-related resources ─ to the targeted merchants. The agency is running a similar program in Corona right now.
QEDC is one of 24 community-based development organizations around New York City that received a total of $3.8 million in Avenue NYC and Neighborhood 360 grants from the NYC Department of Small Business Services.
“Our nonprofits play a vital role in ensuring the vitality of our small business sector, and these grants will help them better deliver on that mission,” stated Mayor Eric Adams. “Strengthening our commercial corridors is a key component of our ‘Renew, Rebuild, Reinvent’ economic blueprint released earlier this year, and we will continue to work in close partnership with those on the ground to ensure an equitable recovery.”
“Our city’s commitment to an equitable economic recovery is steadfast. These funds will go directly to helping communities most in need and put into practice promises made in our Economic Blueprint,” said Maria Torres-Springer, Deputy Mayor for Economic and Workforce Development. “The Avenue NYC and Neighborhood 360° grants will help local nonprofits revitalize commercial corridors and continue to champion our small businesses.”
“As we all collaborate on spurring New York City’s economic recovery, SBS is proud to support community-based development organizations throughout the five boroughs,” said Kevin D. Kim, Commissioner of the Department of Small Business Services. “The Avenue NYC and Neighborhood 360° investments will bolster the ability of our nonprofit partners to assist local small businesses in neighborhoods that need the most help.”
Image: Victor Prado