FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, June 6, 2022

SBS OPENS NEW ROUND OF GRANTS FOR OPEN STREETS PROGRAM

Grant Program to Support Open Streets Operations and Programming on Neighborhood Commercial Corridors

Supports Mayor's 'Blueprint for Economic Recovery' Initiative to Fortify Commercial Corridors Impacted by the Pandemic

NEW YORK – The NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) today launched a new round of applications for the 2022 Single Neighborhood Open Streets Grant. This grant program helps community-based development organizations (CBDOs) operate and enhance the City's designated Open Street locations on commercial corridors, especially in underserved areas. Funding of up to $50,000 per organization may be used for street management, cleanliness and beautification, district marketing, and programming to engage New Yorkers in their public spaces and fuel foot traffic in commercial corridors. The previous round of Open Street grants supported 20 organizations to program 955 blocks within commercial districts during 2021.

The 2022 Open Streets Single Neighborhood Grants are open to community-based development organizations (CBDOs) currently approved as an Open Streets partner by the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) that intend to manage the Open Street between July 2022 and December 2022.

"The Open Streets program was a lifeline for so many businesses during the pandemic, and our administration is committed to deepening and strengthening it so it serves all communities equitably," said Mayor Adams. "These grants will fulfill a key plank of our 'Blueprint for New York City's Economic Recovery,' helping commercial corridors throughout the city recover and thrive."

"Our commercial corridors are the circulatory system of the city's economy, and when we open up streets to pedestrians, we give our commercial districts critical support to thrive, " said Kevin D. Kim Commissioner, NYC Department of Small Business Services. "The 2022 Single Neighborhood Open Streets Grant advances Mayor Adams's vision to invest in underserved commercial corridors and fortify our recovery through innovation. We look forward to the difference this grant program will make in our neighborhoods."

"Open Streets are bringing car-free activities and vitality across the five boroughs -- and these grants address equity issues, as they will provide even more opportunities for our partners in underserved neighborhoods," said NYC Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. "I thank Mayor Eric Adams and Small Business Services Commissioner Kim for spearheading these efforts to bring Open Streets programming, creative uses of public space and increased foot traffic to more communities Citywide."

The grant is available to CBDOs, Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), local development corporations, and merchant associations operating within the five boroughs of New York City that are:

• Designated by the NYC Department of Transportation as an Open Street partner
• Managing an Open Street on a commercial corridor
• Nonprofit organizations incorporated in New York State
• Organizations compliant with annual State and Federal filing requirements

Organizations that wish to apply should visit nyc.gov/openstreetsgrant. The application deadline is June 20.

About the Open Streets Program
NYC's Open Streets program allows communities to embrace new public space and support small businesses. Open Streets prioritize pedestrians and cyclists by transforming streets into public space and allows for a range of activities that support local businesses.

Since 2020, groups of small businesses and community-based development organizations (CBDOs) have provided a critical economic lifeline to businesses by creating new public space in commercial districts to safely serve residents and visitors.

Apply to become an official Open Street partner with DOT.

About the NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS)
SBS helps unlock economic potential and create economic security for all New Yorkers by connecting New Yorkers to good jobs, creating stronger businesses, and building vibrant neighborhoods across the five boroughs. For more information on all SBS services, go to nyc.gov/sbs, call (888) SBS-4NYC (727-4692), and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.