State Senator Tony Avella presented a $125,000 check to the Queens Chamber of Commerce to assist with the group's outreach and business education initiatives in the borough.

“We need to make it easier for small businesses and startups not only to start their businesses here, but to remain here,” said Avella at a check presentation at Chamber headquarters in Jackson Heights last Friday afternoon.

“This ongoing funding is crucial seed capital that will allow the Queens Chamber and our partners to accelerate the growth of our businesses,” said chamber president and CEO Thomas Grech.