Empire Air Space LLC

 

Mike Bellenir has spent a career in the skies  as a professional pilot, airplane mechanic, and lifelong aviation enthusiast. When he learned that the owner of a general aviation aircraft repair business at Islip MacArthur Airport on Long Island was planning to sell, he saw an opportunity he could not pass up.

Mike turned to his longtime friend Amer Jan  himself a pilot, aviation enthusiast, and seasoned finance professional  and the two decided to form a partnership to purchase the repair shop. Amer reached out to a former colleague, Eileen Vazquez-Thornton, a Vice President at Flushing Bank, to discuss the acquisition and obtain financing.

Comprehensive financial projections were among the items required for the financing. Eileen referred Amer to the Pace University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for assistance. Working closely with SBDC Business Advisors Rawle Brown and Eeshani Juthani, Amer was able to complete the financial forecasts and convince the underwriters at Flushing Bank that this was a viable business transaction.

In May 2026, Mike and Amer closed on the acquisition through their entity, Empire Air Space LLC, financed through a $500,000 loan from Flushing Bank (SBA loan guaranty)  backed by SBA 7(a) funds at 75%. The financing covered the purchase of business assets, working capital, and closing costs.

Mike and Amer now look ahead to growing the repair shop and continuing to serve the aviation community of Long Island.

"We would not have been able to do this without the assistance of the Pace SBDC."  Amer Jan, Co-Founder, Empire Air Space LLC

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To make an appointment with a certified business advisor, contact us via our website or email us directly at sbdc@pace.edu.