A proposed Save-A-Lot deep discount grocery store in the village of Holley has received a boost by securing a U.S. Small Business Administration loan.
The $581,250 loan was granted by the SBA after a lobbying effort by Rep. Kathy Hochul. New York state has also agreed to supply a $171,167 grant under its regional economic development package announced last month Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
Hochul said the SBA loan covers approximately 75 percent of a $775,000 bank loan secured by the store's owner, Albion businessman Jerome Pawlak.
Hochul said she learned of the need for the SBA assistance during a "Congress on Your Corner" meeting she held in August in Orleans County. Holley Mayor John Kenney talked to Hochul at the meeting about the need for the loan.
"The people of Holley should have access to a quality grocery store that provides local farm fresh products at affordable prices," Hochul said.
The store is planned for a recently closed Jubilee Foods supermarket on Geddes Street in Holley. It is expected to employ 22 people on a full- and part-time basis when it opens in late February.
