Politics & Government

Ortley Salon Receives Small Business Recovery Grant; Others Urged to Apply

Crystal's Beach Salon second Ortley Beach business to receive state funds

After being ravaged by more than six feet of Superstorm Sandy’s flood waters, an Ortley Beach salon is poised to rebound with the help of a state business grant program.

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority’s Stronger NJ Grant Program aims to help small businesses and non-profit organizations with grants of up to $50,000. Crystal’s Beach Salon is the second Ortley business awarded the grant in as many weeks, receiving $48,999.

“I’m relieved,” said owner Crystal Tenore-Cosentino. “It’s really going to be nice to put some money back and start paying off the debt.”

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The six-and-a-half feet of Sandy flood waters came just months after the 1901 Route 35 N. business was renovated. All of the new equipment and furnishings were replaced.

“We had to replace every wire. Every wall. Everything,” Tenore-Cosentino said.

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Repairing the business meant dipping into her personal savings, delaying the purchase of a new home. Tenore-Cosentino was married just two days before Sandy struck.

“It’s very much appreciated,” Tenore-Cosentino said.

The businesswoman teared up as EDA CEO Michele Brown presented her with a series of checks this week at the salon. Brown encouraged all businesses that have sustained at least $5,000 in physical damage from Sandy to apply for a grant.

“Just give us a call. You’ll speak with a live human being who can help navigate the program,” she said.

Business owners interested in applying for grant money can call 1-855-SANDY-BZ for assistance, or visit the NJEDA online. Applications must be submitted by Oct. 31.

Toms River Mayor Thomas Kelaher applauded Tenore-Cosentino for her getting the business up and running again, just as 75 others in Ortley have done since Sandy.

“This young lady did it all without knowing she would get the grant,” he said. “It just proves small businesses are the backbone of our society.”

In addition to Crystal’s Beach Salon and Rossi’s Rent-A-Rama—where Gov. Chris Christie visited last week to promote the grant program—three other Ortley Beach businesses have completed applications for the EDA grant, according to Communications Officer Virginia Pellerin.

Business has been slower than usual since the salon reopened on Memorial Day, Tenore-Cosentino said, as Ortley continues to recover from Sandy’s devastation.

“This town definitely took a beating,” she said. “Hopefully business will pick up this summer.”

So far, the EDA has received 200 completed applications under the grant program, and 26 businesses have been awarded $1.4 million in grants, officials said. Once approved, businesses have up to one year to submit receipts and invoices for eligible expenses. A loan program offering up to $5 million is also available to businesses.

“We think it’s a great program,” Kelaher said. “The more businesses that open, the more it revitalizes the economy.”


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