(COLORADO SPRINGS) — Small businesses on the Southeast side are asking the city for $1.5 million in emergency grant funding. They say it'd equal about $10,000 dollars per business. The Southeast Business Coalition says it's needed, after what was supposed to be a three-month construction project, is still going on over a year later. Felipe Velasquez, owner and operator of Felipe's 109 on South Academy Boulevard, says because of the construction he's gone into debt, lost the ability to pay himself, and lost employees. Velasquez spoke to city council on Tuesday, asking for help to keep his doors open. He's one of about 150 businesses asking the city for support through the Southeast Business Coalition. The mayor's chief of staff says it's not in the budget, although two council members spoke up saying they'd like to try and help. "You can't take a left on an Airport Road. You can't get into those businesses. (What's) very important to know, is that I'm not the (only) one suffering. 150 other businesses are suffering. It's important that we figure out how to help them," said Velasquez at the city council meeting. The city council president ended the discussion by asking for it to be taken off-line. Velasquez says he'll continue to work with the city, and fight for help for the Southeast Side businesses impacted by construction. Tune in to FOX21 news at 6:30 on October 9th, to hear what city officials had to say about it