City Pumps $565K Into Small Biz

Five Queens businesses will be receiving grants from the New York City Department of Small Business Services (SBS) and New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) in order to increase training programs for their employees, helping the companies remain competitive in an ever-changing economy.
The five grants given to Queens businesses were part of 14 grants dispersed throughout the city totaling $565,000.
“Mayor Bloomberg has led the way for making New York City more business-friendly, and these grants are another great resource for the city’s businesses and workers,” said SBS Commissioner Robert Walsh. “Today, new technology can cause industries to change overnight. In order to stay competitive, businesses need highly-trained employees with a flexible skill set.”
Showman Fabricators Inc., a set manufacturer for theatre productions and television shows based in Long Island City received nearly $37,500 in a “Building Skills in New York State” (BUSINYS) grant, which goes toward offering training for employees that leads to potential career growth and increased wages.
After debating whether or not to move from their current location to New Jersey three years ago, the company decided to stay and is grateful for the help it has received.
“New York State and New York City came together and helped finance the purchase of our building and now they are both coming together to help train our people,” said Co-President of Showman Fabricators, Michael Cioffi.
In addition to Showman Fabricators, Padilla and Company LLP, a public accounting firm in Jamaica Estates received a $50,000 BUSINYS grant and Liberty Brass Turning Co. Inc., in Long Island City received nearly $16,000 in a SMART grant, which will go towards training 39 of its workers in process improvement.