Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, in partnership with Asian Americans for Equality and the Renaissance Economic Development Corporation on Tuesday handed out $2,000 microgrants to 13 small businesses to modernize their digital marketing strategies.
As a company's digital presence becomes increasingly essential for survival and growth, the initiative aims to help neighborhood entrepreneurs strengthen their online visibility and better compete in a marketplace dominated by large corporations, according to a press release.
“Small businesses are the backbone of Brooklyn’s economy, and in times of economic uncertainty, we must provide the infrastructure they need to succeed,” Reynoso said.
The funding stems from Reynoso’s 2024 State of the Borough address, in which he pledged $30,000 in Fiscal Year 2025 to AAFE to administer the program and provide multilingual support services for participating businesses.
The announcement was made at Lady Chow Kitchen in Bensonhurst, one of the 13 businesses selected to receive the grant.
"When our small businesses succeed, jobs are created and retained, communities are safer and stronger and our communities thrive," said Thomas Yu, executive director of AAFE.
Additional recipients include:
- J&Y Dak Inc, Korean Restaurant, 676 Manhattan Ave.
- Y2 Nail Inc, Nail Salon, 670 Manhattan Ave.
- Bon Voyage USA Inc., Luggage Wholesaler, 220 Ingraham St.
- Emerly Custom Bridal Corp, Custom Clothes Tailor, 1274 50 St.
- Metalmania Sheet Metal Works, Inc., Steelwork/ Construction Materials, 228 47th St.
- SoGo Home USA Inc, Home Retail Goods, 2025 86th St.
- Art to Ware Fashion LLC, Fashion Designer/Retailer, 442 Lorimer St.
- Kang Li Trading Inc, Wholesale Health Supplements, 6226 20 Ave.
- R&D&B Goods, LLC dba R&D Goods, Gourmet Grocery Store, 600 Vanderbilt Ave.
- Karepango, LLC, Clothing Retailer, 153 Chauncey St.
- 512 Nostrand Ave Inc, Deli Grocery Store, 512 Nostrand Ave.
- Hayoung Corp dba Michelle Beauty, Beauty Supply Store, 7918 Flatlands Ave.
