NEW YORK, NY July 30, 2008 —Help is available for Mom and Pop businesses displaced by the contentious rezoning of 125th Street.

REPORTER: The Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone today announced a $750,000 fund to aid small businesses. Hope Knight, CEO of the Empowerment Zone explained why the loans are being offered.

KNIGHT: Essentially what businesses need to do is they need to have to relocate because of the action with respect to the rezoning.

REPORTER: Retail and commercial business that are independent and locally owned can apply for the forgivable loans through the Empowerment Zone and its partners. Information is available at umez.org.