Applications for NJEDA Small Business Lease Grant Open Wednesday

TRENTON, N.J. (October 18, 2021) – Applications for the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Small Business Lease Grant open Wednesday, October 20^th, at 9:00 a.m.

The Small Business Lease Grant provides grants up to 20 percent of annual lease payments to small businesses and nonprofits entering new or amended market-rate leases for at least 250 square feet of street-level space. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until all funds are awarded.

More information and the application are available at https://www.njeda.gov/small-business-lease-grant/.

Please Note: This announcement is for the Small Business Lease Grant only, which is a separate program from the Small Business Improvement Grant. Applications for the Small Business Improvement Grant will launch at a later date, which the NJEDA will communicate to the public on its website and through social media accounts prior to application launch.

Program Details

The Small Business Lease Grant is a $10 million program designed to revitalize downtowns and main streets by offsetting a portion of the cost associated with businesses and nonprofits leasing street-level space.

Through the program, eligible businesses and nonprofits that are entering new or amended market rate leases can receive two grants totaling up to 20 percent of annual lease payments. The first grant will be paid to entities immediately after they are approved for the program and execute the grant agreement, and the second grant will be paid after the first year of the lease.

To qualify, businesses and nonprofits must enter a new lease, lease amendment, or lease extension that includes at least 250 square feet of street-level office, commercial, or retail space. The applicant must also commit to remaining in the leased space for at least five years. Complete eligibility criteria are available at https://www.njeda.gov/small-business-lease-grant/.

In line with Governor Phil Murphy’s commitment to a stronger, fairer recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, 40 percent of the $10 million allocated to the Small Business Lease Grant will be targeted to businesses and nonprofits in census tracts that were eligible to be designated as Opportunity Zones. This targeting will help to ensure resources are available to minority- and women-owned entities and communities that have faced disproportionate burdens as a result of COVID-19.

The Small Business Lease Grant is the first of several programs the NJEDA will launch in the coming months under the Main Street Recovery Program. Created under the New Jersey Economic Recovery Act of 2020, the Main Street Recovery Program is a $100 million small business support program that will fund multiple financial assistance products aimed at supporting the growth and success of small businesses in New Jersey. More information about the Main Street Recovery Program is available at https://www.njeda.gov/main-street-recovery-fund/.

About the New Jersey Economic Development Authority

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses call NJEDA Customer Care at 609-858-6767 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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