City Announces Emergency Grant Program for Small Businesses Impacted by Brooklyn Fire on Eve of Eid Al-Fitr

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, April 9, 2026

CITY ANNOUNCES EMERGENCY GRANT PROGRAM FOR SMALL BUSINESSES IMPACTED BY BROOKLYN FIRE ON EVE OF EID AL-FITR

$18,285 in Grant Funding Available to Each Storefront Affected by Fire in Midwood Neighborhood Known as Little Pakistan

NEW YORK - Today, New York City Department of Small Business Services (SBS) Commissioner Kenny Minaya and Islamic Relief USA's Chief Executive Officer Ahmed Shehata announced $128,000 in emergency grant funding to the seven small businesses impacted by the March 19, 2026, fire in the Midwood commercial corridor, commonly known as Little Pakistan, on the eve of Eid al-Fitr. With funding from Islamic Relief USA and technical assistance provided by SBS, eligible businesses can receive up to $18,285.

"On the eve of Eid, this fire dealt a devastating blow to the small businesses that power Little Pakistan, and we are committed to helping these entrepreneurs recover," said SBS Commissioner Kenny Minaya. "Our team was on the ground from day one, connecting business owners to resources and guiding them toward reopening. We're grateful to Islamic Relief USA for their partnership, to quickly deploy these emergency grants and helping businesses rebuild."

"Islamic Relief USA was deeply saddened to hear about the devastating fire that caused extensive damage to several businesses in the Little Pakistan neighborhood of Brooklyn. The timing was particularly heartbreaking, as the large fire broke out on the day before one of the most festive days in the Islamic calendar," said Ahmed Shehata, Chief Executive Officer at Islamic Relief USA. "We are grateful that no injuries were reported. During these difficult times, it is incumbent upon us to support and assist these hardworking business owners. We hope these emergency grants will mitigate the financial hardship during the rebuilding process and help the business owners and the community return to a sense of normalcy."

The fire significantly damaged multiple storefronts along the Avenue H and Coney Island Avenue corridor, including restaurants, barbershops, and bakeries that serve as important anchors for the surrounding community. The incident came just one day before Eid al-Fitr, one of the busiest times of year for many of these small businesses, further compounding the economic impact on the affected businesses.

Applications will be vetted by SBS, and grants will be distributed by Islamic Relief USA to eligible small businesses. Eligibility requirements include:

• Copy of a driver's license or New York City identification card.
• Documentation showing ownership of the impacted business (e.g. business license, most recent tax returns, Articles of Incorporation, or operating agreement).
• Landlord acknowledgement letter and lease agreement for the previously occupied space.
• Executed lease or occupancy agreement for the new business space within New York City.
• Documentation for planned business activity and budget breakdown for the $18,285 one-time reopening grant.

Within hours of the incident, SBS deployed its Emergency Response Unit alongside FDNY, the Department of Buildings, NYC Emergency Management, and other city agencies. SBS teams met directly with impacted business owners, assisted with the insurance process, financial navigation, and pro-bono legal services. SBS continues to work closely with affected businesses, providing ongoing support with insurance claims, permitting, financing resources, and other regulatory requirements to help them recover and reopen as quickly as possible.

This emergency funding builds on SBS's broader investment in the corridor, including a $100,000 Merchant Organizing Grant awarded to the Council of Peoples Organization to engage merchants to develop relationships, foster partnerships, and support local businesses.

SBS will continue to help the affected small businesses through their recovery process including referrals to SBS's Business Express Service Team (NYC BEST), which assists business owners in navigating city government permitting and licensing processes, and inspections required to operate in compliance with city code.

"This devastating fire struck at the heart of Brooklyn's Little Pakistan on the eve of Eid, a time that should have been filled with celebration, not hardship," said Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke. "I commend the New York City Department of Small Business Services and Islamic Relief USA for stepping up swiftly to provide critical relief to these small business owners, whose resilience anchors this vibrant community. These emergency grants will help ensure they can rebuild, reopen, and continue serving as cultural and economic foundations for generations to come."

"I want to thank the Mayor and the Department of Small Business Services for offering emergency grant funding to help businesses affected by last month's fire in Midwood, Brooklyn," said State Senator Kevin Parker. "This unfortunate incident has left a significant mark on our community, affecting livelihoods and the local economy. The swift response and assistance from these leaders are crucial in helping our businesses recover and rebuild during this challenging time."

"The fire on the eve of Eid al-Fitr created devastating damage to several small businesses in Little Pakistan in my district," said Assemblymember Robert Carroll. "I commend NYC SBS, who has been on the ground since the day of the fire and Islamic Relief USA for stepping up to support these small business owners in this time of need. I am committed to doing all that I can to support these efforts and will work to support these businesses, local organizations, and the surrounding community."

"Economic growth and support for our small businesses is paramount to the success of New York City's economy and the livelihood of our communities," said New York City Council Member Rita Joseph. "I commend the New York City Department of Small Business Services for investing over $18,000 in emergency grant funding to support seven small businesses in Little Pakistan, Brooklyn. Holistic partnership with trusted community-based organizations such as Islamic Relief USA and SBS, prove that we can better serve our communities by working together. I remain committed to ensuring that our small businesses thrive and have access to crucial resources that will aid in their progression, sustainability and long-term development."

"Last month's devastating fire along our Little Pakistan corridor disrupted the livelihoods of several hardworking small business owners and threatened the economic stability of one of Brooklyn's most vibrant commercial districts. I commend Commissioner Kenny Minaya, Ahmed Shehata of Islamic Relief USA, and the Department of Small Business Services for moving swiftly to provide emergency relief and direct support to the businesses impacted by this tragedy," said New York City Council Member Farah N. Louis. "These storefronts are more than places of commerce, they are pillars of our neighborhood economy, cultural anchors, and gathering spaces for families across our community. Ensuring their recovery is essential to preserving economic continuity, protecting jobs, and restoring the vitality of our district. I remain committed to working alongside city agencies, community partners, and our local merchants to ensure every impacted business has the resources necessary to rebuild stronger than before."

"I have served this community for over twenty years, and my store is a place where neighbors come together every day," said Mohammad Farooq, owner of H&F Candy Store. "This grant is not just financial support, it is an opportunity to rebuild, reopen, and continue serving my community. I am grateful to SBS and Islamic Relief USA for standing with NYC small businesses in times of crisis."

"This fire - especially coming right before Eid - was an incredibly difficult setback for my business and my family, as my shop serves as a pillar of this neighborhood," said Muhammad Raimkulov, co-owner of Yangi Bazaar. "This grant is a major step forward and will help me recover and reopen my doors. I am deeply grateful to SBS and Islamic Relief USA for their continued support of small businesses every day."

About Islamic Relief USA
Islamic Relief USA (IRUSA) is a U.S.-based, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to delivering critical humanitarian aid and development to vulnerable communities both at home and abroad. Established in 1993, IRUSA has worked in over 40 countries and promoted domestic and international programming designed to eliminate poverty and create sustainable solutions to the most challenging humanitarian crises. Driven by our core values, IRUSA provides immediate and long-term health, food security, education, economic empowerment assistance to those who need it most in a dignified and non-discriminatory manner. Through world-class programming, IRUSA strives to promote lasting change and positively transform the lives of those we serve. For more information, visit irusa.org or follow us on X at @IslamicRelief.

About the 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, visit nyc.gov/sbs, call 311, and follow us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, and LinkedIn.