A telephonic meeting of the Commission of Science, Innovation and Technology (CSIT) Board has been scheduled for Friday, June 5, 2020 at 10:30 am.
CSIT BOARD MEETING
PARTICIPANT DIAL-IN NUMBERS: 1-888-431-3598
PARTICIPANT AUTOMATED CONFERENCE ID: 8068877
A copy of the proposed agenda can be found at www.njeda.gov/csit
Applications will be available in English and Spanish with translation services available for 10 other common languages.
TRENTON, N.J. (June 2, 2020) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) today announced that applications for the expanded Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant Program will be available at 9:00 a.m. on June 9, 2020 in both English and Spanish. The $45 million program will provide grants up to $10,000 to small businesses impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. A sample application that business owners can use to prepare is available in English, Spanish, and ten additional languages at https://cv.business.nj.gov.
To support the Governor’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, $15 million will be reserved for businesses in Opportunity Zone-eligible census tracts. The application will also be available in Spanish and the NJEDA has contracted for interpretation services to support speakers of ten additional languages – Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese), Gujarati, Hindi, Italian, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, and Tagalog. Translated versions of the application itself will be available in advance of opening.
“The coronavirus pandemic is forcing all of us to grapple with unprecedented challenges, but small business owners and their employees are undoubtedly among the most severely impacted members of our communities,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “From the start of the pandemic, the Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant Program has played a central role in supporting New Jersey’s small business community. The expanded program will allow us to serve thousands more businesses in need and our focus on equity will ensure it benefits the communities COVID-19 has hit the hardest.”
The outbreak of novel coronavirus has created a major public health crisis in New Jersey. To slow the spread of the virus, Governor Phil Murphy implemented a variety of containment measures, including restrictions on public gatherings and mandated closure of non-essential businesses. To mitigate the economic impacts of these public health policies, the NJEDA created the Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant Program. During Phase 1, the NJEDA has provided more than $8 million in grants to date to nearly 2,500 businesses across all 21 counties.
The NJEDA received $50 million from the federal Coronavirus Relief Fund established under the Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to support small businesses. The NJEDA will provide an additional $5 million to fund businesses that were waitlisted during Phase 1. The NJEDA will use $45 million to fund Phase 2, which will provide grants up to $10,000 to a significantly broader range of businesses than were previously eligible.
Eligibility changes for Phase 2 increase the employee cap for businesses from 10 full-time employees (FTEs) to 25 FTEs and remove the NAICS code restrictions that were in place for Phase 1 to allow almost all businesses as well as 501(c)(3), 501 (c)(4), and 501(c)(7) nonprofit organizations to qualify for funding. Phase 2 also makes grants available to home-based businesses and sole proprietorships, which were ineligible during Phase 1. To ensure funding goes to businesses and communities that need it most, $15 million of Phase 2 funding will be set aside to support qualified businesses located in one of the 715 census tracts that were eligible to be selected as a New Jersey Opportunity Zone. Business owners can check if their business is located in an eligible zone using the OZ Mapping Tool.
“New Jersey’s diversity is our strength. When we take extra steps to ensure equitable access to programs, we not only support a broader range of businesses and communities, but we also create more jobs and economic growth that benefits everyone,” said NJEDA Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer Michelle Bodden. “Setting aside a portion of Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant Program funding for businesses in at-risk communities and providing translation services for applicants who do not speak English are crucial steps that will increase the program’s impact and ensure relief goes where it is needed most.”
Applications for Phase 2 of the Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant Program will be available on June 9, 2020. NJEDA staff will process the applications on a first-come, first-served basis. There will be no application fee.
As part of the application, the business’s Chief Executive Officer or equivalent officer must certify that the company was in operation on February 15, 2020, has been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak, and will make a best effort not to furlough or lay off any employees. To comply with duplication of benefits provisions within the Stafford Act, all applicants will also be required to fill out an affidavit identifying all funding previously received related to COVID-19, including Small Business Administration loans and grants, forgivable portions of Payroll Protection loans, and Economic Injury Disaster grants.
Comprehensive information about New Jersey’s coronavirus response is available at https://cv.business.nj.gov.
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, and LinkedIn.
Las solicitudes estarán disponibles en inglés y español, con servicios de traducción a disposición para otros 10 idiomas comunes.
TRENTON, N.J. (2 de junio de 2020) – New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) anunció hoy que las solicitudes para el Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant Program (Programa de Subsidios para Asistencia de Emergencia a Pequeñas Empresas) ampliado estarán disponibles a las 9.00 a. m. del 9 de junio de 2020 en inglés y en español. El programa de $45 millones otorgará subsidios de hasta $10,000 a pequeñas empresas afectadas por la pandemia de coronavirus. Hay una solicitud de muestra que los propietarios de pequeñas empresas pueden usar para prepararse está disponible en inglés, español e diez idiomas adicionales en https://cv.business.nj.gov.
Para respaldar el compromiso del Gobernador con la diversidad y la inclusión, se reservarán $15 millones para las empresas en los distritos censales elegibles como Zonas de Oportunidades. La solicitud también estará disponible en español y NJEDA ha contratado servicios de interpretación para ayudar a los hablantes de diez idiomas adicionales: árabe, chino (mandarín y cantonés), guyaratí, hindi, italiano, coreano, polaco, portugués y tagalo. Habrá versiones traducidas disponibles antes de que se inicie el proceso de solicitud.
“La pandemia de coronavirus nos está obligando a todos a enfrentar desafíos sin precedentes, pero los propietarios de pequeñas empresas y sus empleados están, sin dudas, entre los miembros más afectados de nuestras comunidades”, expresó Tim Sullivan, Director Ejecutivo de NJEDA. “Desde el comienzo de la pandemia, el Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant Program (Programa de Subsidios para Asistencia de Emergencia a Pequeñas Empresas) ha desempeñado un papel central para apoyar a la comunidad de pequeñas empresas de New Jersey. El programa ampliado nos permitirá ayudar a miles de empresas más que lo necesitan y nuestro enfoque en la equidad garantizará que se beneficie a las comunidades más afectadas por la COVID-19”.
El brote del nuevo coronavirus ha creado una importante crisis de salud pública en New Jersey. Para frenar la propagación del virus, el Gobernador Phil Murphy implementó una variedad de medidas de contención, incluidas restricciones a las reuniones públicas y el cierre obligatorio de negocios no esenciales. Para mitigar los impactos económicos de estas políticas de salud pública, NJEDA creó el Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant Program (Programa de Subsidios para Asistencia de Emergencia a Pequeñas Empresas). Durante la Fase 1, NJEDA ha otorgado más de $8 millones en subsidios hasta la fecha a casi 2,500 empresas en los 21 condados.
NJEDA recibió $50 millones del Coronavirus Relief Fund federal establecido conforme a la Ley Federal de Ayuda, Alivio y Seguridad Económica por Coronavirus (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security, CARES) para apoyar a las pequeñas empresas. NJEDA proporcionará $5 millones adicionales para financiar a las empresas que estaban en lista de espera durante la Fase 1. NJEDA utilizará $45 millones para financiar la Fase 2, que otorgará subsidios de hasta $10,000 a una gama de empresas elegibles significativamente más amplia que la de la fase anterior.
Los cambios en los requisitos de elegibilidad para la Fase 2 son un aumento en el límite de 10 empleados de tiempo completo (FTE) a 25 FTE para las empresas y la eliminación de las restricciones del código NAICS que estuvieron vigentes en la Fase 1 para permitir que casi todas las empresas, así como las organizaciones sin fines de lucro 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4) y 501(c)(7), puedan calificar para el financiamiento. La Fase 2 también pone a disposición subsidios para negocios en el hogar y empresas individuales, los cuales no fueron elegibles durante la Fase 1. Para garantizar que los fondos se destinen a las empresas y comunidades que más lo necesitan, se apartarán $15 millones de la Fase 2 para ayudar a las empresas calificadas ubicadas en uno de los 715 distritos censales elegibles como Zonas de Oportunidades de New Jersey. Los dueños de negocios pueden verificar si su negocio está ubicado en una zona elegible utilizando la herramienta de mapeo OZ.
“La diversidad de New Jersey es nuestra fortaleza. Cuando tomamos medidas adicionales para garantizar el acceso equitativo a los programas, no solo apoyamos a una gama más amplia de empresas y comunidades, sino que también generamos más empleos y crecimiento económico que benefician a todos”, indicó Michelle Bodden, Directora de Diversidad e Inclusión de NJEDA. “Reservar una parte de los fondos del Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant Program (Programa de Subsidios para Asistencia de Emergencia a Pequeñas Empresas) para las empresas de comunidades en riesgo y proporcionar servicios de traducción para los solicitantes que no hablan inglés son medidas cruciales que aumentarán el impacto del programa y garantizarán que la ayuda llegue donde más se necesita”.
Las solicitudes para la Fase 2 del Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant Program (Programa de Subsidios para Asistencia de Emergencia a Pequeñas Empresas) estarán disponibles el 9 de junio de 2020. El personal de NJEDA procesará las solicitudes por orden de llegada. No habrá cargos por presentar la solicitud.
Como parte de la solicitud, el Director Ejecutivo o un funcionario equivalente debe certificar que la empresa estaba en funcionamiento el 15 de febrero de 2020, que se ha visto afectada negativamente por el brote de COVID-19 y que hará todo lo posible para no suspender ni despedir a ningún empleado. Para cumplir con las disposiciones de duplicación de beneficios conforme a la Ley Stafford, los solicitantes también deberán completar una declaración jurada que identifique todos los fondos recibidos anteriormente relacionados con la COVID-19, incluidos los préstamos y subsidios de la Small Business Administration, las partes condonables de los préstamos de protección de nómina y los subsidios por pérdidas económicas por desastre.
Puede encontrar la información completa sobre la respuesta ante el coronavirus de New Jersey en https://cv.business.nj.gov.
Acerca de la New Jersey Economic Development Authority
The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) funciona como la principal agencia del Estado para impulsar el crecimiento económico. La NJEDA está comprometida a hacer de New Jersey un modelo nacional de desarrollo económico inclusivo y sostenible centrándose en las estrategias fundamentales para ayudar a desarrollar comunidades más fuertes y dinámicas, generar buenos puestos de trabajos para los residentes de New Jersey y ofrecer vías para una economía más sólida y justa.
Para obtener más información sobre los recursos de la NJEDA para empresas, llame a Atención al Cliente de NJEDA al 609-858-6767 o visite https://www.njeda.gov y siga a @NewJerseyEDA en Facebook, Twitter y LinkedIn.
The Members will convene to via conference call only. Members of the public may participate in the meeting by calling in on the conference line. Members of the public will have an opportunity to speak during the public comment segment of the meeting. The following conference number is being provided:
CONFERENCE NAME: NJEDA BOARD MEETING (June 9, 2020)
PARTICIPANT DIAL-IN NUMBER: 877-692-8955
PARTICIPANT ACCESS CODE: 4204420
Members of the public are encouraged to call in prior to the time the meeting is scheduled to begin to avoid any delays.
The agenda can be found 48 hours prior to the meeting on our website: www.njeda.gov.
TRENTON, N.J. (May 29, 2020) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) today announced partnerships with three leading minority- and women-owned marketing and public relations firms to enhance the Authority’s efforts to help minority-, women-, and veteran-owned businesses impacted by the coronavirus pandemic prepare to apply for the second round of Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant Program funding.
Medina = Citi, 360 Marketing & PR, and Tara Dowdell Group will collaborate with the NJEDA to raise awareness of the $45 million grant program through public relations, webinars, teleconferences, targeted advertising, and grassroots outreach focused on targeted communities that have faced challenges accessing State and federal COVID-19 relief.
“Equity creates economic strength. Ensuring minority- and women-owned businesses have equal access to COVID-19 relief funds not only benefits these businesses and their employees, but it also helps us lay the foundation for a broad, robust economic recovery,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “The NJEDA is proud to partner with leading marketing and public relations agencies who specialize in connecting with these targeted groups to ensure we continue moving toward our goal of building a stronger, fairer economy during these trying times.”
The outbreak of novel coronavirus has created a major public health and economic crisis in New Jersey. To mitigate the economic impacts, the NJEDA created the Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant Program. During Phase 1, the NJEDA supported more than 1,500 businesses across all 21 counties with $5 million in grants.
Phase 2 expands the program using $45 million from the federal Coronavirus Relief Fund established under the Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Eligibility changes for Phase 2 significantly expand the types and size of businesses that can apply for funding. Of the $45 million available, $15 million of Phase 2 funding will be set aside to support qualified businesses located in one of the 715 census tracts that were eligible to be selected as Opportunity Zones.
To ensure minority and women business owners are aware of the funding available through Phase 2 of the Grant Program and are prepared to apply, the NJEDA has contracted with Medina = Citi, 360 Marketing and PR, and Tara Dowdell Group to coordinate strategic outreach to these targeted communities. Solicitations were sent to select firms based on relevant experience and track record of success reaching the target audiences. Firms submitted proposals and were selected based on the strength of their proposed plans and established connections to diverse communities across the state. Each contract is for $10,000, for a total NJEDA expenditure of $30,000. All three firms are minority-owned; 360 Marketing and PR and Tara Dowdell Group are women-owned.
Medina = Citi is a visual and multi-media design haus based in the Greater Newark Area that specializes in branding campaigns, website development, video production, and social media management. Creative Director Medina also founded EQUAL SPACE, the largest Black/Brown-owned co-working space in Newark and helped establish the NJ LGBT Chamber of Commerce. The firm will support the NJEDA’s outreach efforts with targeted message development, outreach to strategic partners in North Jersey, direct calls and emails to eligible small business owners, and webinars and other publicly accessible teleconferences for businesses in Opportunity Zones.
“This initiative is indicative of the commitment and leadership of the NJEDA to support multi-cultural small business owners who have been overlooked for support,” said Medina, Medina = Citi Creative Director. “Phase Two has been substantially expanded budget-wise to be more inclusive for business owners who are sole proprietors and home-based. I am incredibly proud to be a part of these endeavors which will expand the reach of the program and provide greater support for business owners in our state.”
Camden-based 360 Marketing and PR is a full-service agency providing services such as multi-media design, community outreach & engagement, multichannel marketing, public relations, consulting, and brand development & management. The team will focus on raising awareness about the NJEDA’s expanded Grant Program through social media, paid advertising, and a grassroots community outreach push focused on South Jersey.
“As a minority microbusiness ourselves, we’re extremely excited to see the NJEDA roll out an additional grant for minority businesses, especially for those in Opportunity Zones,” said Vania Abdul-Badee, CMO at 360 Marketing and PR. “During this pandemic, we’ve seen time and time again a litany of minority businesses left out of receiving funding. In New Jersey, thousands applied and were denied, and for those who didn’t, it was because of barriers of accessibility. We look forward to assisting the NJEDA with awareness and addressing these issues so more businesses in our communities will apply and receive financial assistance.”
Tara Dowdell Group is a Jersey City-based strategic communications and marketing agency with deep experience in developing and promoting outreach programs aimed at small business owners for an array of public and private organizations. In addition to supporting the NJEDA’s outreach efforts with national, regional, and hyperlocal media, TDG will curate a grassroots campaign including a virtual town hall to discuss the next round of grants and other programs and resources that are available.
“The COVID-19 pandemic is exposing and exacerbating the long-standing inequity of historic barriers for small, minority, and women-owned businesses in accessing capital. This issue not only impacts the sustainability of these businesses, but it also impacts their workers and the communities where they are based,” explained Tara Dowdell, President of Tara Dowdell Group. “The full recovery of the state of New Jersey is contingent on the full recovery of these businesses. I’m honored that my agency has been selected to help ensure that the entities that contribute so much to our state’s economy and stability are being prioritized and afforded equal access to the funding and resources that are being made available. I commend Governor Murphy, Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver, and NJEDA CEO Tim Sullivan for making an investment of this magnitude into the survival of small businesses, and in particular, those from disinvested communities.”
Applications for Phase 2 of the Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant Program will be available soon. Comprehensive information about New Jersey’s coronavirus response is available at https://cv.business.nj.gov.
To read Governor Murphy's full economic plan, please visit: https://nj.gov/economicplan
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, and LinkedIn.
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TRENTON, N.J. (May 28, 2020) – With the COVID-19 outbreak impacting New Jersey’s smallest businesses especially hard, Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) are instrumental in connecting micro and small businesses with the funding they need to survive the economic impact of the pandemic. Since launching its COVID-19 Crisis Relief Loan Program in March, Union County-based UCEDC, a non-profit economic development corporation, has dispersed over $1 million in loans to small and microbusinesses in New Jersey.
What distinguishes non-profit CDFI lenders from other financial institutions is their community development mission and flexibility to determine the best use of limited federal resources in their community. To be classified as a CDFI, a financial institution must certify that at least 60 percent of its financing activities are targeted to low- and moderate-income (LMI) populations or underserved communities.
UCEDC is one of six CDFIs that partnered with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) shortly after Governor Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency in March. Together, these partnerships will leverage New Jersey-based CDFIs to provide between $20 million and $30 million in low-cost financing to small and microbusinesses and nonprofits impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak.
“Small businesses, and particularly those in underserved communities, are bearing the brunt of the economic crisis caused by the Coronavirus pandemic,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “CDFIs are a lifeline for so many small business owners during this time and our partnership with them will serve to bolster the impact that they have on the local levels as we seek to begin to recover and re-open from this global health crisis.”
Through the newly-created CDFI Emergency Assistance Grant Program, the NJEDA is providing $250,000 in grant funding to UCEDC to help the CDFI scale its operations due to the high demand for assistance from business owners. The funding also enables UCEDC to buy down interest rates on its loans to offer borrowers more flexible loan terms at lower rates to help small and micro businesses survive during this COVID-19 outbreak.
In addition to the funding from the NJEDA, support UCEDC received from Investors Bank and the Tory Burch Foundation has enabled the CDFI to reduce its loan interest rates to zero-percent for small businesses impacted by COVID-19. Companies that have been in operation for more than two years are eligible to apply for loans of up to $15,000, while those in business for one to two years can apply for up to $10,000.
“Investors Bank is dedicated to supporting small businesses in New Jersey and looks forward to partnering with UCEDC to ensure resources are deployed to underserved markets,” said John Nietzel, Investors Bank Senior Vice President, Government Banking & Advisory Boards.
Investors Bank was the first to offer UCEDC assistance for small businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic, just as they were in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy. The Tory Burch Foundation works with community lenders to ensure that female business owners and entrepreneurs have access to the capital they need to succeed. Since launching in March, UCEDC’s COVID-19 Crisis Relief Loan Program has provided over $1 million to 71 small businesses throughout the state.
UCEDC has over 40 years of experience in helping historically underrepresented business owners access the resources they need to succeed. In addition to providing low-cost loans, UCEDC also offers its customers training services and technical assistance in procuring government contracts.
“As one of only 10 CDFIs in the nation to offer this trifecta of support, we’re in a unique position to offer our customers a complete suite of resources,” said UCEDC President Adam Farrah. “Our training sessions help small business owners learn everything they need to get started – guiding them from their dream of owning their own small businesses through developing a business plan, opening their doors, and beyond.”
In 2019, UCEDC held 117 training workshops, which had a combined 1,242 attendees. The CDFI also facilitated the mentoring of 514 clients for a total of 2,506 hours. UCEDC helped clients secure a total of 1,604 government contracts in excess of $76 million.
Farrah noted that COVID-19 has brought an increase in business owners benefiting from UCEDC’s workshops, which are now offered online.
UCEDC works with its customers to find specific solutions that fit their individual borrowing needs, offering loans from $500 to $5.5 million. Last year, UCEDC provided 76 loans, totaling $5.1 million to businesses throughout New Jersey and parts of Pennsylvania and New York. Nearly 65 percent of businesses and startups receiving funding were women-owned and 59 percent were minority-owned. Through its various U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loan programs, UCEDC is able to approve loans that would not otherwise be eligible for funding from traditional commercial lenders.
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, and LinkedIn.
Funding now available for home-based businesses and sole proprietorships; some funds reserved for businesses in low-income communities.
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TRENTON, N.J. (May 22, 2020) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) today announced a $50 million expansion of its Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant Program, which provides funding to small businesses facing financial challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The expanded program will provide grants up to $10,000 to qualified businesses and relaxes eligibility criteria to include a broader variety of businesses as well as home-based businesses and sole proprietorships. To ensure equity, $15 million will be reserved for businesses in Opportunity Zone-eligible census tracts.
Funding for the expansion of the Grant Program will come from the federal Coronavirus Relief Fund established under the Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
“COVID-19 has created an unprecedented crisis for New Jersey’s small businesses. From the start, the NJEDA has worked tirelessly to support business owners and their employees, but it quickly became clear that the scope of the challenges this virus presents went far beyond what we could address with our resources alone,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “This much-needed federal assistance will allow us to support thousands of additional businesses that were not eligible for the first round of grants with a particular focus on firms in the most at-risk communities.”
The outbreak of novel coronavirus has created a major public health crisis in New Jersey. To slow the spread of the virus, Governor Phil Murphy implemented a variety of containment measures, including restrictions on public gatherings and mandated closure of non-essential businesses. To mitigate the economic impacts of these public health policies, the NJEDA created the Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant Program. In addition to the $5 million the NJEDA dedicated to this program, the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) donated $2 million to support businesses in Atlantic County. More than 34,000 businesses applied for funding through the program. As of May 22, 2020, the NJEDA has provided more than $5.5 million in grants to more than 1,600 businesses across all 21 counties.
During Phase 2 of the Grant Program, $5 million will be used to fund businesses that were waitlisted during Phase 1, and $45 million in CARES Act funding will be used to provide grants up to $10,000 to a significantly broader range of businesses than were previously eligible. Those applicants on the oversubscribed list for Phase 1 will be encouraged to apply for the expanded second round program.
“From the very beginning of the pandemic, we have focused on providing small business owners with the financial resources they need to weather the COVID-19 outbreak,” said U.S. Senator Robert Menendez. “Working with the NJEDA to use CARES Act funding to expand the Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant Program will make it possible for a much broader range of small businesses to access the support they need to overcome this unprecedented challenge and prepare for a strong recovery.”
Eligibility changes for Phase 2 increase the employee cap for businesses from 10 full-time employees (FTEs) to 25 FTEs and remove the NAICS code restrictions that were in place for Phase 1 to allow almost all businesses as well as 501(c)(3), 501 (c)(4), and 501(c)(7) nonprofit organizations to qualify for funding. Phase 2 also makes grants available to home-based businesses and sole proprietorships, which were ineligible during Phase 1. To ensure funding goes to businesses and communities that need it most, $15 million of Phase 2 funding will be set aside to support qualified businesses located in one of the 715 census tracts that were eligible to be selected as a New Jersey Opportunity Zone.
“It is becoming increasingly clear that while the coronavirus pandemic is creating tremendous challenges for everyone, it is having a particularly tragic impact on our most at-risk communities. The NJEDA’s Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant Program has been a vital resource for business owners going through extreme hardship, and I am glad to see the Authority making equity a centerpiece of the program’s second phase,” said Senator Cory Booker. “Setting aside resources for businesses in high-poverty communities will help ensure support goes to those who need it while protecting the most vulnerable New Jerseyans and setting us up for a faster and fairer recovery.”
As part of the application, the business’s Chief Executive Officer or equivalent officer must certify that the company was in operation on February 15, 2020, has been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak, and will make a best effort not to furlough or lay off any employees. To comply with duplication of benefits provisions within the Stafford Act, all applicants will also be required to fill out an affidavit identifying all funding previously received related to COVID-19, including Small Business Administration loans and grants, forgivable portions of Payroll Protection loans, and Economic Injury Disaster grants.
“Businesses everywhere are seeking assistance to get back on their feet, but nowhere is the challenge greater than in communities of color. The structure of the NJEDA’s approach to this new wave of grants will lead to greater equity and a more consistent recovery across all parts of the state,” said African American Chamber of Commerce President and CEO John Harmon.
“The expanded eligibility criteria built into this second round of support from the NJEDA will help to address the disproportionate impact the coronavirus outbreak is having on diverse and small businesses,” said Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Officer Carlos Medina. “We look forward to partnering with the NJEDA to ensure all business owners are aware of available resources and have the support they need to secure much needed capital.”
Applications for Phase 2 of the Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant Program will be available soon. NJEDA staff will process the applications on a first-come, first-served basis. There will be no application fee. More information about New Jersey’s COVID-19 response is available at https://cv.business.nj.gov.
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, and LinkedIn.
TRENTON – New Jersey recently launched the PPE Supplier Registry to connect suppliers of personal protective equipment (PPE) that can prevent the spread of COVID-19 with potential buyers. Wholesale vendors with PPE inventory such as surgical or other protective masks, hospital gowns, hand sanitizer, or COVID-19 test kits can submit details on supplies they have available and hospitals, medical organizations, and private businesses can purchase.
The registry is a joint effort by the Office of Governor Murphy, the New Jersey Department of the Treasury, the Office of Emergency Management (OEM), the Office of Innovation, and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority’s (NJEDA) Office of Economic Transformation.
“One of the most distressing challenges related to the coronavirus outbreak has been ensuring healthcare and other essential workers have the protective gear they need to safeguard their own health and that of their loved ones while caring for others,” said State Treasurer Elizabeth Maher Muoio. “Connecting organizations that need to protect their employees with companies producing and selling PPE is vital to protecting our state’s essential workers and paving the way to recovery.”
To date, more than 1,000 businesses have registered on the database, providing more than 2,500 products. The database is updated several times per week, and is easily filtered and sorted by product type, size, payment terms, location of supplier, and several other criteria. Suppliers who wish to be included in the Registry should fill out the PPE Supplier Registry intake form.
“The PPE Supplier Registry is another example of how technology and innovative thinking can enable solutions to complex challenges,” said Chief Innovation Officer Beth Simone Noveck. “We are excited to advance this initiative that will help both suppliers and those in need of essential safety items navigate this crisis.”
“The lack of speedy and reliable access to PPE has been one of the most persistent challenges we have faced in responding to the COVID-19 outbreak,” said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police and Director of the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management. “Establishing a centralized clearinghouse where organizations and businesses that need PPE can connect directly with suppliers is critical to speeding up our efforts to get protective equipment to workers who need it most.”
“The coronavirus outbreak is first and foremost a public health crisis. Restarting our economy hinges largely on whether businesses have the ability to protect their employees and customers,” said NJEDA CEO Tim Sullivan. “The PPE Supplier Registry provides access to resources that will enable more New Jerseyans to return to work without putting themselves or their communities at risk.”
The information about the vendors and products in this database is provided by the vendors and compiled by the State for the express purpose of assisting private businesses and organizations in New Jersey access potential suppliers for PPE and other COVID-related goods and services. Any other use of this information is prohibited. All parties are strongly advised to exercise due diligence when selecting vendors and are responsible for ensuring the quality and regulatory compliance of all good/services purchased. Please ensure you are following your organization’s policies and practices concerning vendor capability and responsibility to ensure that you are making a safe purchase.
Information for COVID-19-impacted business is available on the State’s business portal: https://cv.business.nj.gov.
Comprehensive information about New Jersey’s response to the novel coronavirus outbreak is available here: https://covid19.nj.gov/.
Ahora hay financiamiento disponible para negocios en el hogar y empresas individuales; algunos fondos están reservados para empresas en comunidades de bajos ingresos.
TRENTON, N.J. (22 de mayo de 2020) – La New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) anunció hoy una expansión de $50 millones para su Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant Program (Programa de Subsidios para Asistencia de Emergencia a Pequeñas Empresas), que proporciona fondos a pequeñas empresas que enfrentan desafíos financieros como resultado de la pandemia de COVID-19. El programa ampliado proporcionará subsidios de hasta $10,000 a empresas calificadas y flexibiliza los criterios de elegibilidad para incluir a una variedad más amplia de empresas, así como también negocios en el hogar y empresas individuales. Para garantizar la equidad, se reservarán $15 millones para las empresas en los distritos censales elegibles como Zonas de Oportunidades.
Los fondos para la expansión del programa de subsidios provendrán del Fondo de Ayuda por Coronavirus federal establecido conforme a la Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
“La COVID-19 ha creado una crisis sin precedentes para las pequeñas empresas de New Jersey. Desde el principio, NJEDA ha trabajado incansablemente para ayudar a los propietarios de empresas y sus empleados, pero rápidamente se hizo evidente que el alcance de los desafíos que presenta este virus se extendió mucho más allá de lo que podríamos abordar solo con nuestros recursos”, declaró el Director Ejecutivo de NJEDA, Tim Sullivan. “Esta asistencia federal tan necesaria nos permitirá ayudar a miles de empresas adicionales que no fueron elegibles para la primera ronda de subsidios, con un enfoque particular en las empresas de las comunidades más vulnerables”.
El brote del nuevo coronavirus ha creado una importante crisis de salud pública en New Jersey. Para frenar la propagación del virus, el gobernador Phil Murphy implementó una variedad de medidas de contención, incluidas restricciones a las reuniones públicas y el cierre obligatorio de negocios no esenciales. Para mitigar el impacto económico de estas políticas de salud pública, NJEDA creó el Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant Program (Programa de Subsidios para Asistencia de Emergencia a Pequeñas Empresas). Además de los $5 millones que NJEDA destinó a este programa, la Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) donó $2 millones para ayudar a las empresas en el condado de Atlantic. Más de 34,000 empresas solicitaron fondos a través del programa. Al 22 de mayo de 2020, NJEDA ha otorgado más de $5.5 millones en subsidios a más de 1,600 empresas en los 21 condados.
Durante la Fase 2 del programa de subsidios, se usarán $5 millones para financiar a empresas que fueron incluidas en la lista de espera durante la Fase 1 y $45 millones de los fondos de la CARES Act se usarán para proporcionar subsidios de hasta $10,000 a una gama de empresas elegibles significativamente más amplia que la de la fase anterior. Se recomienda a los solicitantes que no alcanzaron a incluirse en la Fase 1 que presenten sus solicitudes para la segunda fase del programa expandido.
"Desde el comienzo de la pandemia, nos hemos centrado en proporcionar a los propietarios de pequeñas empresas los recursos financieros que necesitan para resistir el brote de COVID-19", dijo el senador estadounidense Robert Menéndez. "Trabajar con NJEDA para utilizar los fondos de el CARES Act para expandir el Programa de Subsidios de Asistencia de Emergencia para Pequeñas Empresas hará posible que una gama mucho más amplia de pequeñas empresas acceda al apoyo que necesitan para superar este desafío sin precedentes y prepararse para una fuerte recuperación".
Los cambios en los requisitos de elegibilidad para la Fase 2 son un aumento en el límite de 10 empleados de tiempo completo (FTE) a 25 FTE para las empresas y la eliminación de las restricciones del código NAICS que estuvieron vigentes en la Fase 1 para permitir que casi todas las empresas, así como las organizaciones sin fines de lucro 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4) y 501(c)(7), puedan calificar para el financiamiento. La Fase 2 también pone a disposición subsidios para negocios en el hogar y empresas individuales, los cuales no fueron elegibles durante la Fase 1. Para garantizar que los fondos se destinen a las empresas y comunidades que más lo necesitan, se apartarán $15 millones de la Fase 2 para ayudar a las empresas calificadas ubicadas en uno de los 715 distritos censales elegibles como Zonas de Oportunidades de New Jersey.
“Cada vez es más claro que la pandemia de coronavirus está creando enormes desafíos para todos, está teniendo un impacto particularmente trágico en nuestras comunidades que estan en la categoria de mas riesgo. El Programa de Subsidios de Asistencia de Emergencia para Pequeñas Empresas de NJEDA ha sido un recurso vital para los dueños de negocios que estan pasando los momentos más difíciles que hayan experimentado, y me alegra ver que la Autoridad hace la equidad una pieza central de la segunda fase del programa ", dijo el senador Cory Booker. "Reservar recursos para empresas en comunidades de alta pobreza ayudará a garantizar el apoyo a aquellos que lo necesitan al tiempo que protege a los habitantes de Nueva Jersey más vulnerables y nos prepara para una recuperación más rápida y más justa".
Como parte de la solicitud, el Director Ejecutivo o un funcionario equivalente debe certificar que la empresa estaba en funcionamiento el 15 de febrero de 2020, que se ha visto afectada negativamente por el brote de COVID-19 y que hará todo lo posible para no suspender ni despedir a ningún empleado. Para cumplir con las disposiciones de duplicación de beneficios conforme a la Ley Stafford, los solicitantes también deberán completar una declaración jurada que identifique todos los fondos recibidos anteriormente relacionados con la COVID-19, incluidos los préstamos y subsidios de la Small Business Administration, las partes condonables de los préstamos de protección de nómina y los subsidios por pérdidas económicas por desastre.
“Las empresas están buscan ayuda para recuperarse, pero en ninguna parte el desafío es mayor que en las comunidades de color. La estructura del enfoque de NJEDA a esta nueva ola de subvenciones conducirá a una mayor equidad y una recuperación más consistente en todas las partes del estado ", dijo el presidente y CEO de la Cámara de Comercio Afroamericana, John Harmon.
"Los criterios de elegibilidad ampliados incorporados en esta segunda ronda de apoyo de NJEDA ayudarán a abordar el impacto desproporcionado que el brote de coronavirus está teniendo en diversas y pequeñas empresas", dijo el Director Ejecutivo de la Cámara de Comercio Hispana del Estado, Carlos Medina. "Esperamos asociarnos con NJEDA para garantizar que todos los propietarios de negocios conozcan los recursos disponibles y tengan el apoyo que necesitan para asegurar el capital que tanto necesitan".
Las solicitudes para la Fase 2 del Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant Program (Programa de Subsidios para Asistencia de Emergencia a Pequeñas Empresas) estarán disponibles pronto. El personal de NJEDA procesará las solicitudes por orden de llegada. No habrá cargos por presentar la solicitud. Puede encontrar más información sobre la respuesta ante la COVID-19 de New Jersey en https://cv.business.nj.gov.
Acerca de la New Jersey Economic Development Authority
The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) funciona como la principal agencia del Estado para impulsar el crecimiento económico. La NJEDA está comprometida a hacer de New Jersey un modelo nacional de desarrollo económico inclusivo y sostenible centrándose en las estrategias fundamentales para ayudar a desarrollar comunidades más fuertes y dinámicas, generar buenos puestos de trabajos para los residentes de New Jersey y ofrecer vías para una economía más sólida y justa.
Para obtener más información sobre los recursos de la NJEDA para empresas, llame a Atención al Cliente de NJEDA al 609-858-6767 o visite https://www.njeda.gov y siga a @NewJerseyEDA en Facebook, Twitter y LinkedIn.
A Special Telephonic meeting of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority is scheduled for 10:00 am, Friday, May 22, 2020.
The Members will convene to via conference call only to discuss and vote upon measures to address the Public Health Emergency and State of Emergency related to the Coronavirus pandemic, which may include, but is not limited to, funding for new and existing small business grant programs and delegated authority to implement such programs.
Members of the public may participate in the meeting by calling in on the conference line. Members of the public will have an opportunity to speak during the public comment segment of the meeting. The following conference number is being provided:
PROGRAM TITLE: NJEDA BOARD MEETING (May 22, 2020)
PARTICIPANT DIAL-IN NUMBER: 877-692-8955
PARTICIPANT ACCESS CODE: 4204420
Members of the public are encouraged to call in prior to the time the meeting is scheduled to begin to avoid any delays.
The agenda can be found 48 hours prior to the meeting at our website: www.njeda.gov.