Just because a business is small doesn’t mean it isn’t important. The small businesses on our island make up 50% of our economy. These businesses are part of the fabric of our communities. They’re vital. We’ve been proudly supporting our small businesses since 2014 through our Business First Program, a suite of services and incentives tailored to small businesses on Long Island and in The Rockaways.
Here are three businesses that have received support from economic development programs available through PSEG Long Island’s Business First offerings:
Twisted Cow Distillery
Infusing local ingredients into distilled spirits. This has been John Pawluk’s dream since he opened Twisted Cow Distillery in East Northport.
But John knew he didn’t have the resources to fully realize his dream without some help. So, he turned to PSEG Long Island. Because he was taking over a space in a struggling business district, John qualified for a $25,000 Main Street Revitalization grant.* And, because that space had been unoccupied for more than 12 months, he also received incentives from our Vacant Space Revival Program, which provides on-bill energy credits for up to one year, saving him more than $2,000.*
He used those incentives to design and finish out his space to truly bring his vision to life. And to save energy, he took advantage of our energy efficiency rebates and installed LED lighting and a super-efficient blast chiller. Both of which continue to reduce his electric costs over time.
In addition to directly benefiting John’s business, these programs also help the local economy. By offering financial incentives for businesses to breathe new life into empty spaces, we’re improving struggling business districts across Long Island and bolstering the economic stability and growth of our communities. A win-win.
“I couldn’t have afforded to open my distillery without this help. It’s a great opportunity for businesses to take advantage of,” John says.
James Cress Florist
When George Karatzas took ownership of James Cress Florist, he wanted to open a new location in Smithtown. And being downtown was a priority for George, but the cost of available properties put them just out of his reach.
Then George heard about our Vacant Space Revival Program. Much like John Pawluk at Twisted Cow Distillery, George found the perfect location that had been sitting empty for longer than a year. His application for the program was approved, and PSEG Long Island provided more than $2,400 in bill credits to help offset his overhead.*
“The Vacant Space Revival Program was a godsend,” George says. “The on-bill credits really helped me manage operational costs that first year.”
George’s Smithtown location brings warmth and charm to the area—unlike the unoccupied space it had been. All of which is a beautiful thing to see come together—just like George’s floral arrangements.
Baking Coach in Bellport
Lisa Basini, owner of Baking Coach, started cooking when she was just five years old. She loved being with her grandmother in the kitchen, and baking gave her a sense of accomplishment.
To reduce kitchen cleanup, Lisa altered her recipes to be as simple as possible. As an adult, Lisa began teaching children how to bake the way she had when she was young. She even created and sold prepackaged baking “kits.” The business was a hit.
In 2023, Lisa took her passion to the next level. “I opened a store with help from PSEG Long Island’s Vacant Space Program,” she says.
Lisa qualified for the Vacant Space Program. The program provided Lisa with more than $1,600 in on-bill energy credits during her first year.*
“The bill credits continue to pay off,” she says. “And I feel such a part of my community as we have grown and been so well supported. What a blessing to have found this space!”
Lisa has since opened a nonprofit to help kids of all abilities create their own simple recipes and sell prepackaged ingredient kits. “It’s a dream come true to take my love of baking and connect with kids who get to learn they have gifts to share through cooking.”
PSEG Long Island understands the importance of small businesses to our island. Our commitment and approach to supporting business owners has led to a better economic future for our communities. It’s not enough to talk about doing something, we are walking the walk. Every day. Teaching and guiding businesses on how to reduce energy use, making these businesses good stewards and saving them money they can put back into their business. This cycle of impact lifts everyone, and that matters.
The PSEG Long Island Business First Program offers many ways to help small businesses on our island, including:
- Free energy assessments
- Rebates for energy-saving improvements
- Incentives for renovating commercial spaces in struggling business districts
- Bill credits for occupying vacant downtown spaces
- Grants for outdoor beautification in downtown areas
- Business Customer Advocates
- Business Solutions Center hotline (800-966-4818)
- Business planning and customized solutions
PSEG Long Island’s Business First Program is open to all small businesses on Long Island or in The Rockaways. You can find out more at psegliny.com/businessfirst.
*Incentives, grants, and savings will vary with every project.
