Hudson Bonds now available to help small businesses

HUDSON – The Hudson Business Coalition (HBCi) has announced the launch of Hudson Bonds, a way to support the city’s shops, restaurants, galleries, entertainment venues and more. Most have been shuttered or heavily affected by the Covid-19 shutdown, are struggling to survive until the PAUSE is lifted, and are then expected to confront new challenges.

Hudson Bonds support local small businesses in two ways. They provide much-needed grants to help businesses make ends meet during the shutdown and create a base of sales for the businesses once it is safe to resume.

A donor purchases a Bond for two times the face amount. Half of the purchase is a tax-deductible contribution to the Hudson Business Coalition’s Small Business Relief Fund. The other half (in the form of a Hudson Bond) is theirs to spend at participating businesses. This helps to create a base of sales as businesses find their footing again. Read more…

HEALTH: How about some dust with that burger?

The New York State Department of Transportation decided to scrub the highway and kicked up a bunch of dust and dirt along Fairview Avenue (State Route 9) in Greenport May 14 just in time for the lunch crowd at Burger King and McDonald’s. At least one passerby found the timing unappetizing. Photo by Chip Moon

G’town recovery grant program invests in small businesses

GERMANTOWN — The Germantown Town Board and its Economic Development Advisory Committee have awarded a total of 11 grants to local businesses through the Germantown Business Recovery grant program.

This effort was launched on April 24, with fiscal sponsorship and administrative support from Columbia Economic Development Corporation (CEDC), to raise additional resources for businesses located in Germantown that have been impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.

A volunteer committee reviewed and rated each application based on these criteria. The businesses that received grants are spread out across Germantown and met the grant making criteria, including, being an independently owned small business located in the town, 20 or fewer full-time employees, less than $1,500,000 in annual sales, adversely impacted by COVID-19, and in need of funds to continue to retain and pay their employees, and/or stay current on rent, and cover other fixed costs related to their operations. Read more…

Hannaford plans to hire new associates

SCARBOROUGH, ME – Hannaford Supermarkets has announced plans to hire approximately 2,000 associates at stores throughout its five-state territory, including New York.

The hiring effort is designed to support stores, existing associates and customers during a period of increased demand related to the global health pandemic, as well as providing additional capacity for Hannaford To Go curbside pickup service.

“We are actively growing the Hannaford team and expediting our efforts to hire and train new associates. Expanding our team will allow us to better serve our customers while continuing to maintain a safe and healthy environment for our shoppers and associates,” Hannaford Supermarkets Director of Talent Development Scott LeClair said in a press release. Read more…