Mayor Michael Bloomberg was in the Bronx Thursday to announce the first five recipients of the more than $4 million being made available through the city's Center for Economic Opportunity.

The businesses were awarded more than $700,000 to be used to hire more employees, offer job training and increase salaries.

"We have to invest in the people, but we also look for the longevity of those careers for people to help us grow," said employer Lisa Hendrickson, pictured above.

"We're part of the investment of the company, so it makes sense for them to invest their time in making sure that we produce at a nice rate for them," said employee Brandon Taylor.

An additional $1 million is still available to businesses that apply by October 15.

Call 311 and ask for "Training Funds" or visit nyc.govfor more information.