City announces $128,000 in emergency funding for small businesses after Midwood fire
The city’s department of Small Business Services in partnership with Islamic Relief USA announced the funds after the fire tore through the strip of stores on March 19.
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Multiple small businesses in Midwood are trying to get back on their feet after a fire ripped through multiple shops, and now the city is stepping in to help them on their road to recovery.
Boarded-up windows and evidence signs line the storefronts along Coney Island Avenue. It's a strip normally bustling with foot traffic, now stark and empty.
The fire tore through the stores on March 19, including the candy store that’s been a corner staple for the past 25 years.
“I’m inside the store, and I see the roof, the fire," said Mohammad Farooq, the owner of H & F Candy Store. "Within 10 minutes, everything is a mess."
RELATED: Midwood fire destroys at least six businesses
The city’s Department of Small Business Services, in partnership with Islamic Relief USA, announced $128,000 in emergency funds for the impacted businesses.
The fire also broke out on the eve of the Muslim holiday of Eid al -Fitr, a holiday that brings high traffic to the area, known as Little Pakistan.
“It’s a festive holiday. Everybody’s out shopping and that’s a big economic boost to these businesses that they missed out on," said Kenny Minaya, the commissioner of the Department of Small Business Services. "We want to make sure we can do what we can to help them get back on their feet as quickly as they can.”
Each small business is eligible for up to about $18,200.
The business owners can apply for the funds once the FDNY finishes its investigation.
FDNY tells New 12 the cause of the fire is still being looked into.
