New York Small Business Development Center Announces National Award

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Stephen & Maryann Piazza of Majestic Vending and Services
Albany – The New York Small Business Development Center (SBDC) today announced that one of its clients, Majestic Vending and Services, Inc. of Staten Island, is the winner of the National Phoenix Award for Small Business Disaster Recovery by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The Phoenix Award for Small Business Disaster Recovery is given to the business owner whose efforts and contributions have enabled their business to recover successfully and thrive following a disaster. Businesses that suffered a physical disaster loss and received an SBA disaster loan during fiscal years 2014 or 2015 were eligible for nomination. During this period, there were 163 federally-declared disasters throughout the nation.

Majestic Vending and Services is co-owned by Maryann and Stephen Piazza. From its beginnings as a simple gumball machine at a construction site, the company has grown to serve the entire NYC area with vending, coffee and bottled water delivery for offices, and safety gear.

Majestic was victim to significant wind damage suffered during Hurricane Sandy. Losses surpassed $75,000 in damages. The Piazzas received SBDC assistance to apply for an SBA Disaster Loan, which they received for expenses not covered by insurance and grants.

Despite the hardships experienced by Majestic, the Piazzas have been able to continue their business and even expand and diversify. In 2014, Majestic was chosen by the NY/NJ Super Bowl Host Committee Business Connect as an Official Participant to prepare and distribute several products and services for the Super Bowl.


“We are extremely proud that our client was recognized from the thousands of small businesses eligible to be the National Phoenix award winner by SBA,” said NY SBDC State Director James King. “Following a natural disaster such as Hurricane Sandy, it’s often impossible for small businesses to recover and rare to see them emerge as stronger businesses. This recognition displays the commitment and dedication so many small business owners across New York State and the entire storm track have to succeed, even under the most adverse circumstances. Our SBDC staff is committed to help businesses in need under any conditions, but especially following a disaster. When a community begins the process of rebuilding, the local small businesses are often at the forefront of recovery, and we appreciate the trust they place in the SBDC to turn to us during these times.”

For more than 50 years, SBA has recognized the outstanding achievements of America’s small businesses for their contributions in their local communities, and to our nation’s economy.

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