By Juan Soto
María Contreras, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration, did not resist the temptation and bought some sweets on Bell Boulevard during her first official visit to Queens.
“Probably, Michelle Obama would want me just to get the apples,” said the federal administrator as she was leaving Bayside Milk Farm, one of the small businesses she toured in the main commercial strip in Bayside.
The high-ranking official bought apples, but also bagged chocolate chip cookies. “I had to buy them,” she said.
Contreras’ visit to Bayside was arranged by U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Flushing) in an effort to promote small businesses in the borough at a time when competition from big commercial malls is driving small shops out of business.
“I want to thank (Contreras) for coming to Queens and for being a true advocate for small businesses,” said Meng during the visit at Bayside Milk Farm, a family-owned operation which opened its doors on Bell Boulevard in 1976.
“We know everyone’s name here,” Pat Perulli, one of the owners of the establishment, told Contreras.
The administrator asked Peruli, Bayside Milk Farm’s co-owner Patrick Perulli, and Papazzio restaurant owner Dominick Bruccoleri, what are the main challenges small businesses face these days. Among them, they said, are strong competition from big brand names and limited access to loans and grants.
“I tried to get a loan last year (through the Small Business Administration) and it was impossible,” Bruccoleri said.
“Try it again and tell them you’ve met with me,” Contreras responded.
Contreras said the SBA implemented this year no fee for loans under $150,000 to help small business.
“Being able to visit communities across the country such as Bayside … lets me see and hear firsthand how we can continue to grow entrepreneurship across the nation,” Contreras said.
The visit included a stop at Teaspoon Bake Shop, where Contreras bought pumpkin bread, and at Karma Boutique.
“This is such a beautiful store,” Contreras told Karma’s owner Margaret Papacostas.
“I am very happy, the community is great here,” said Papacostas, who opened the Bell Boulevard boutique 11 years ago.
Also joining the visit were Assemblyman Ed Braunstein (D-Bayside) and representatives form the Bayside Business Association and the Bayside Village Business Improvement District.
“These are the leaders of the community,” Braunstein said. “I am glad you (Contreras) volunteer time to improve business climate here.”
The group walked several blocks on Bell Boulevard.
“Small businesses are the backbone of the Queens economy,” Meng said. “We must ensure they get the tools they need to succeed.”
Reach reporter Juan Soto by e-mail at jsoto@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 260–4564.
