As soon as COVID-19 slowed down the economy in Westchester and across the Hudson Valley, nonprofit lender, Community Capital New York, recognized that small businesses needed immediate support. They immediately stepped up to the plate and designed an Emergency Express Loan up to $10,000 as a quick cash infusion. In just a few days, they received over a hundred applications.

Three months and hundreds of hours of hard work and dedication later, the Community Capital New York Team proudly served over 81 small businesses across eight counties—including 34 women-owned businesses-- with their Emergency Express Loan. To date, the small businesses reported that 62 jobs were retained because of the emergency funding and that they plan to either add or rehire an additional 73 jobs in the next 12 months.

Community Capital New York also helped many businesses consider how to quickly pivot and develop new revenue streams. Latreece Miller, for example, adapted his cleaning business to include disinfection and sanitation services and within days secured new contracts.

“I knew that when the financial hardship hit, I wasn’t alone. I could count on Community Capital New York to have my back,” says Latreece Miller, Founder, and CEO of Miller’s Touch Cleaning Services. “It’s so important to have a community of people you can count on right now.”

Jennifer Ann Safara Perry, Founder and CEO of Sacred Seeds Enterprise moved her health and wellness business online and developed her e-commerce platform.

“Community Capital New York is really interested in the success of your business. Plus, the application process was seamless,” says Jennifer Ann Safara Perry.

Community Capital New York lending options remain available for small businesses in Westchester and the Hudson Valley. Clients of Community Capital New York also have access to free training, one-on-one guidance, and other entrepreneurial resources as they work toward recovery.

Learn more Community Capital New York and their 30 years of impact at www.communitycapitalny.org. Read Latreece Miller and Jennifer Ann Safara Perry’s stories. Follow them on Facebook or LinkedIn.