PSEG Long Island, along with government leaders, National Grid and community leaders today celebrated the grand opening and ribbon-cutting of Long Island MMA Center in West Babylon. The new business received a PSEG Long Island Main Street Revitalization grant of $74,625. National Grid provided a $50,000 grant.
“PSEG Long Island is proud to support Long Island MMA Center as it officially opens,” said David Lyons, interim president and COO of PSEG Long Island. “Our economic development grants help small business owners like Gregg, Ryan and Brian realize their entrepreneurial dreams, and we are so glad to be part of their success by providing grant funding and bill credits to them. We wish them continued success both in and out of the octagon.”
Since 2018, PSEG Long Island has been providing small and medium-sized businesses with grants and bill credits to support their success. PSEG Long Island’s Main Street Revitalization grants are available for businesses that complete projects to help improve the economic stability and growth of a municipality. The grants have supported renovation projects for 100 local businesses with more than $1.3 million. These new businesses have created more than 850 jobs, further enhancing the local economy.
Long Island MMA also qualified for another PSEG Long Island small business incentive because they moved into a building that had been vacant for more than a year. The building was unused for five years and had become an eyesore in the community. PSEG Long Island’s Vacant Space Revival program provides up to $10,000 in electric bill discounts for a new business’ first year, which is often financially difficult. Since 2018, more than 100 businesses have collectively saved more than $275,000 under this program.
“We’re grateful for the support of the community, town, PSEG Long Island and National Grid,” said Gregg DePasquale, co-owner of Long Island MMA Center. “Turning this old warehouse into our state-of-the-art MMA gym has been a labor of love for my partners and me. The funding from the utility companies and bill credits from PSEG Long Island will go a long way in helping us achieve future success.”
“I am thrilled to celebrate the grand opening of our new MMA gym here in our vibrant community,” said Rich Schaffer, Babylon Town Supervisor. “This state-of-the-art facility is not just a testament to the growing popularity of martial arts, but also the spirit of collaboration and support of that defines our town. I extend my deepest gratitude to PSEG Long Island for its generous support and commitment to fostering healthy, active lifestyles in West Babylon and our community. Together, we are building a stronger, more connected town for all.”
“Congratulations to Long Island MMA Center for making this dream a reality and to Richard Schaffer and the Town of Babylon for making this project a priority,” said Niles French, National Grid senior representative of Economic Development. “National Grid is dedicated to supporting small businesses who have shown a strong commitment to their community. As someone who practices MMA, I know how impactful a facility like this can be. They have transformed this building into a beautiful new space, provided jobs and now Gregg and his team are training kids by providing them with skills and confidence. Together we are building a cleaner, stronger, and healthier community for Long Island.”
Small businesses are the backbone of our community. According to a recent Long Island Association study, they make up 90% of Long Island’s companies and they contribute to the economy and workforce. PSEG Long Island has provided, and continues to create programs to help local entrepreneurs thrive in these difficult economic times.
To learn more about the small business support offered by PSEG Long Island, visit https://www.psegliny.com/inthecommunity/revitalization.
About PSEG Long Island
PSEG Long Island operates the Long Island Power Authority’s transmission and distribution system under a long-term contract. PSEG Long Island is a subsidiary of Public Service Enterprise Group Inc. (PSEG) (NYSE:PEG), a publicly traded diversified energy company.