Grants available for flood-damaged businesses

A Chicago-based company gave $50,000 to the Somerset County Business Partnership as part of its "Rebuilding America" program, to be used to aid small businesses in Manville and Bound Brook.

By: Audrey Levine
   Local businesses impacted by the April nor’easter can apply for a grant sponsored by the Chicago-based W.W. Grainger, company officials announced at a press conference Tuesday.
   The company gave $50,000 to the Somerset County Business Partnership as part of its "Rebuilding America" program, to be used to aid small businesses in Manville and Bound Brook.
   The conference, which was held at the site of the former ScrapBooking store on Main Street in Bound Brook, featured representatives from Grainger, as well as Bound Brook Mayor Frank Ryan, officials of the Somerset County Business Partnership and small business owners who were looking to learn more about the grants being offered.
   "The effects of the 1999 flooding on small business people in these two communities was still being felt when the rains of April 15 and 16 occurred," said Donna LoStocco, chairwoman of the Somerset County Business Partnership, as she opened the conference. "Many business owners are still paying loans that helped them get back into business after Hurricane Floyd over seven years ago. It is the generosity of companies like W.W. Grainger and their ‘Rebuilding America’ program that allows business owners to take a giant step toward reopening their businesses in a timely manner."
   The "Rebuilding America" program was started in 2003 to help small businesses affected by natural disasters, according to Mike Hade, regional branch services vice president for Grainger.
   "The community is suffering, and that where we should invest and help out," he said after the conference.
   Michael McGrew, spokesman for Grainger, said the program is designed to aid small business communities, such as Manville, that have been severely damaged by floods, ice storms, tornadoes or other disasters.
   Owners can fill out an application to receive money to rebuild their businesses, according to Jeffrey Horn, president of the Somerset County Business Partnership. Once all applications are received, he said, the $50,000 will be divided among them.
   "We had heard about the ‘Rebuilding America’ program," Mr. Horn said after the conference. "We approached Grainger about it and they were very receptive."
   Mr. Horn said there are three criteria that determine eligibility for the grant. He said the businesses must have had major damage as defined by FEMA, they have to remain in business for at least a year after the money is received and a team of bankers must ensure that the business was viable prior to the storm.
   "It is a very simple form to fill out," he said.
   Gregory Bennett, owner of the West Brook Inn on Talmage Avenue, attended the conference and picked up an application because he is trying to fix a great deal of structural damage to his property.
   "Any amount of money will help," he said.
   Fred Llaverias, owner of the Spice of Life Café on Main Street, also came for an application, as he is dealing with total damage to his restaurant, including 6 feet of water and the destruction of about $7,000 worth of supplies.
   "I want to express my gratitude and thanks to Grainger," he said. "This is an example of what people can do when they want to help and I hope others follow their lead."
   Bob Zaborowski, county freeholder director, expressed his hope during the conference that other companies would look to help the businesses of Manville and Bound Brook as well.
   "I hope that some other companies look at ‘Rebuilding America’ and start their own programs," he said.
   For more information or to get an application, call the Somerset County Business Partnership at 908-218-4300.