Christine Bryson and Alex Nyilas of PSEG Long Island; Steve Edelson, Smusht owner; Bobbie Polay, Port Washington Chamber of Commerce; Jennifer DeSena, Town of North Hempstead supervisor; Mariann Dalimonte, Town of North Hempstead councilwoman; Holly Byrne and Nadine Delmonte, Port Washington Business Improvement District; and Debbie Greco Cohen, Port Washington Chamber of Commerce. (Photo: PSEG Long Island)

Smusht ice cream shop gets $25K Main Street grant

July 17, 2023 Trade Winds

Smusht, a homemade ice cream and cookie shop in Port Washington, has been awarded a $25,000 Main Street Revitalization Grant from PSEG Long Island.

Smusht, located at 158 Main St., also qualified for another PSEG Long Island small business incentive because its owner renovated a commercial space that had been vacant for more than a year. PSEG Long Island’s Vacant Space Revival program provides up to $10,000 in electric bill discounts for a new business’ first year. Since 2018, more than $225,000 has been provided to 110 new businesses under this program.

“We congratulate Smusht on its grand opening and are proud to support Steve’s ice cream dreams,” Michael Presti, director of Customer Experience and Marketing for PSEG Long Island, said in a company statement. “We created these economic development programs to help the owners of small and medium-sized businesses save money, while also revitalizing and reviving vacant spaces and creating places for the community to enjoy. That’s a sweet win for everyone.”

Smusht owner Steve Edelson said he always seemed to be over budget when he was designing the new store.

“The grant from PSEG Long Island allowed me to put the aesthetic finishes on the store that I wanted,” Edelson said in the statement. “The bill credits will allow me to reinvest in my business in its infancy and help it grow. I’m grateful for the support and proud to provide sweet treats to our community and put smiles on my neighbors’ faces. Everyone loves ice cream and cookies.”

PSEG Long Island has been providing small and medium-sized businesses with grants and bill credits over the last five years. Its Main Street Revitalization grants are available for businesses that complete projects to help improve the economic stability and growth of a municipality. Since 2018, the grants have supported renovation projects for nearly 50 local businesses with more than $1 million given out. These new businesses have also created more than 900 jobs, according to the company.

For additional information on how PSEG Long Island helps local businesses, visit: psegliny.com/inthecommunity/revitalization.

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