Back to Business Grant Application Now Available for Lower Manhattan Small Businesses in Flood Zone A

Following the Downtown Alliance’s announcement of the Lower Manhattan: Back to Business Small Business Grant Program, Lower Manhattan small business proprietors affected by Hurricane Sandy may now submit completed applications to the Downtown Alliance’s recovery grant program.

The Downtown Alliance contributed the first $1 million to the Back to Business Small Business Grant Program, under which grants will be awarded to qualifying small businesses that are located within Flood Zone A below Chambers Street, and is asking others to contribute to match – or exceed – that amount. The Downtown Alliance is proud to announce that AT&T New York and Deutsche Bank Americas Foundation are the most recent contributors to this critical grant program. Other contributors include: Goldman Sachs, Trinity Church, Citibank, The Durst Organization, The Howard Hughes Corporation, the FiDi Association, and other Lower Manhattan business leaders.

“Our small businesses have been instrumental in making Lower Manhattan a premier place to work, live and visit,” said Elizabeth H. Berger, President of the Downtown Alliance. “Now is the time for us to come together as a business community to help local businesses in need, to the benefit of all. The challenge ahead is great, and I encourage anyone who believes in Lower Manhattan’s future to meet – and exceed – our contribution.”

“This contribution will help ensure that Lower Manhattan businesses receive the support they need to get back on their feet so they can continue to help drive New York City's tech revolution,” said Marissa Shorenstein, President of AT&T New York. “With the help of the Downtown Alliance, businesses across the city are coming together to help one another – and AT&T couldn't be prouder to be a part of this effort.”

“We applaud the leadership of the Downtown Alliance for organizing a relief effort for the smallest and most vulnerable businesses affected by the recent hurricane. We are pleased to be a donor, along with our other Lower Manhattan neighbors, to get these business back on their feet as soon as possible,” said, Gary Hattem, President of Deutsche Bank Americas Foundation.

Lower Manhattan: Back to Business Small Business Grants will offer support of up to $20,000 to small businesses meeting the eligibility requirements detailed in the program guidelines. Completed applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served appointment basis, for as long as funds are available.

Proprietors can obtain applications, guidelines and directions online at https://downtownny.com/businessrecovery, by calling 212-835-2755, by mail to our offices or in person at our offices. Once applications and attachments are complete, they may be mailed back to “Back to Business Grant Program, Alliance for Downtown New York, 120 Broadway, Suite 3340, New York, NY 10271” or submitted in person at the visitors desk at 120 Broadway, main floor, Nassau Street side of the building.

Any visit to Downtown Alliance headquarters, whether to pick up an application or for a scheduled appointment requires preregistration with building security. Please call 212-835-2755 to be preregistered with building security. The guest entrance to 120 Broadway is located on Nassau Street side on the block, between Pine and Cedar Streets and a picture id is required.