Small businesses within 5 miles of Exit 34, regardless of county, will now be eligible to apply

TRENTON, N.J. (May 14, 2025) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board yesterday approved an additional $500,000 to expand the Route 80 Business Assistance Grant Program, which supports small businesses that have experienced a decline in revenue due to the Route 80 detours caused by the ongoing sinkhole repairs. Originally created to support small businesses most impacted in Morris County, today’s approval expands eligibly requirements to include small businesses that are within five miles of Route 80’s Exit 34, regardless of county.

This next phase of the Route 80 Business Assistance Grant Program will provide grants ranging from $1,000 to $15,000 to small businesses located within a five-mile radius of Route 80’s Exit 34, the epicenter of the sinkhole repairs, regardless of county. Businesses located in Hopatcong, Sussex County, are within the five-mile radius, but were ineligible for the program when it first launched. Today’s board approval will now allow these small businesses in Hopatcong, which have also experienced a decline in sales due to the sinkholes, to apply.

“Small businesses along Route 80 have faced tremendous challenges due to its closure over the past couple of months for ongoing sinkhole repairs,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “The additional $500,000 approved by the NJEDA Board for the Route 80 Business Assistance Grant Program will provide urgently needed support for these businesses. We’re working quickly to get these resources out the door and into the hands of our local small business community.”

“The ongoing Route 80 detours have put a financial strain on small businesses in the area and the NJEDA remains committed to supporting the businesses that have been most impacted,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Since the program launched last month, the NJEDA has already delivered $1 million to small businesses in Morris County and we continue to make approvals daily. Under the leadership of Governor Murphy and the Legislature, we will continue to support our small business community and ensure these additional funds reach the business owners who need it most.”

Eligible applicants include small businesses and non-profits that have up to 50 full-time employees. Applicants must also certify a negative financial impact of at least $1,000 for the first quarter of 2025. Businesses that have already received funding through the program are not eligible to apply. Applications for this next phase are expected to open by the end of the month.

“With funding now available for impacted businesses in Hopatcong, the Business Assistance Grant Program is expanding its support to include more small businesses that have endured months of lost revenue due to lane closures and disruptive road work along Route I-80,” said Senator Parker Space (LD-24). “I remain fully committed to working with the NJEDA, the Governor, and the Legislature to ensure we continue delivering meaningful relief to small businesses impacted by this ongoing crisis.”

“Sinkholes don’t respect county or municipal boundaries, and neither should relief for small businesses. In speaking directly with CEO Tim Sullivan, he understood our concerns and was willing to work collaboratively with us on a helpful solution,” said Assemblyman Michael Inganamort (LD-24). “I appreciate the NJEDA’s teamwork on this important request of ours because our small businesses are still hurting as a result of the heavy traffic caused by the sinkhole. We have a lot of work ahead of us, but this is a meaningful step in the right direction.”

“I appreciate that businesses in Hopatcong within the five-mile radius are now eligible for the NJEDA grant program,” said Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia (LD-24). “I’ll continue working with NJEDA and my colleagues in the Legislature to ensure that these impacted businesses are fully considered until this crisis is behind us.”

About the NJEDA

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 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

###

New equity-focused grant program will offer $75,000 reimbursements to eligible cannabis businesses in New Jersey

TRENTON, N.J. (May 13, 2025) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board today approved the creation of the Cannabis Business Development (CBD) Grant Program, a new $5 million initiative designed to provide targeted financial support to eligible recreational cannabis entrepreneurs in New Jersey. The program will grant one-time reimbursements of $75,000 to help alleviate and manage the cost of ongoing State and local compliance, as well as operating expenses, for early-stage companies.

Funded through cannabis sales tax revenue allocated by the FY25 State Appropriations Act, this grant marks the third cannabis equity initiative launched by the NJEDA and reinforces the State’s commitment to building an inclusive, sustainable cannabis industry.

“Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey is setting the national standard for building an equitable, innovation-driven cannabis industry,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “This grant is a strategic investment in small business growth, job creation, and long-term industry success—driving capital to operators already rooted in our economy and committed to growing here.”

The CBD Grant Program follows the success of the Seed Equity and Joint Ventures Grant Programs, which have delivered nearly $14 million and supported the openings of 40 cannabis businesses across New Jersey to date. Reinforcing the state’s commitment to equity, the CBD Grant shifts focus to reimbursing costs for operating businesses — delivering critical funding after a capital-intensive startup phase.

To be eligible for the CBD Grant Program, a business must be open and operating, or close to launching, as evidenced by a valid and current NJ Cannabis Regulatory Commission (NJCRC) annual license and digital card in one of the following categories: Class 1 (Cultivator), Class 2 (Manufacturer), Class 5 (Retailer), or Testing Laboratory. To qualify for the CBD Grant Program, applicants must hold a valid and current NJCRC annual license digital card in one of the four eligible categories.

To ensure that resources flow to small businesses that have historically lacked access to capital, Multi-State Operators (MSOs) and transitional Alternative Treatment Centers (ATCs) are not eligible to apply. Additionally, applicants must not have previously received funding through the NJEDA’s Joint Ventures or Seed Equity Grant programs.

“Centering equity in cannabis economic development means ensuring that capital flows to the local entrepreneurs who need it most,” said NJEDA Chief Community Development Officer Tai Cooper. “By excluding MSOs and ATCs, this program prioritizes small, independent operators who are investing in New Jersey’s future — creating jobs, generating local wealth, and laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and competitive industry statewide.”

Five percent of funding will be made available for businesses operating in New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (NJCRC) designated Impact Zones, which stimulate economic development in historically underserved areas. These zones are designated by the NJCRC on factors such as past cannabis arrests, law enforcement activity, unemployment, and population.

“This grant program is another tool to expand opportunity for diverse cannabis entrepreneurs and to further the vision of an equitable marketplace,” said Commissioner Dianna Houenou, Chair of the NJCRC. “We are encouraged by NJEDA’s continued collaboration and commitment to investing in cannabis businesses rooted in New Jersey’s communities.”

More information about the CBD Grant Program will be released in the coming weeks and months. Interested parties can check the NJEDA’s website and social media pages for updates.

About the NJEDA

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 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

###

Over $8.6 million in working capital loans have been approved to date

TRENTON, N.J. (May 9, 2025) – As National Small Business Week comes to a close, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) announced that 100 small businesses and nonprofits have been approved for more than $8.6 million in working capital loans under the NJ Capital Access Fund. Supported by the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) and a private capital match, the $100 million fund, administered by fund manager Calvert Impact, leverages Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and Minority Deposit Institutions (MDIs) to offer an affordable and flexible working capital loan product and technical assistance to assist small businesses and nonprofits.  

“Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey has prioritized expanding access to capital for small businesses, fueling business growth and revitalizing downtowns and commercial districts across the state,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “The NJ Capital Access Fund plays a key role in NJEDA’s comprehensive range of small business support programs, offering a streamlined pathway for entrepreneurs to secure the funding necessary for growth in the Garden State.”

Since the program launched in November 2023, 77 percent of funding from the NJ Capital Access Fund supported business owners identified as socially and economically disadvantaged individuals (SEDI), including women and people of color, reflecting the NJEDA’s commitment to supporting diverse entrepreneurs.

Through the NJ Capital Access Fund, small businesses and nonprofits can receive working capital loans of up to $250,000 to assist with rent, utilities, payroll, marketing, and other operational business expenses. The working capital loans offer flexible features, including terms from 36 to 60 months, low fees for borrowers, fixed competitive interest rates, and no specific collateral requirements. SSBCI funds are used to purchase up to 80 percent of every eligible working capital loan administered by participating community lenders, which increases lending capacity and provides more loans to underserved communities.

Calvert Impact was approved in May 2023 as the designated fund manager to administer the NJ Capital Access Fund by matching and leveraging the Authority’s $50 million investment funded by SSBCI, is a nonprofit investment firm that has supported community and economic development organizations for nearly 30 years, with a focus on financing sectors overlooked by mainstream capital markets. The organization is a proven leader in the creation of financial products that meet the specific needs of underserved and underbanked communities. 

“The Capital Access Fund provides critical, flexible financing that small businesses need to thrive,” said Joe Meginnes, Director of Calvert Impact’s Access Small Business Program. “We’re proud to partner with New Jersey to demonstrate that increasing the capacity of community lenders can be a powerful catalyst for broader economic growth and community development.”

Among the recipients of a loan supported by the NJ Capital Access Fund is Naturalvert is a food manufacturer that specializes in organic, vegan, no-allergen granola. Their products are made with wholesome ingredients that are sourced from local suppliers in order to maintain the quality and taste. Naturalvert products are manufactured, packaged, and distributed all in their facility in Hawthorne and sold nationwide through many retailers such as Whole Foods, Shop Rite, Mom’s Organic Market and many more. Naturalvert is also a recipient of the Main Street Micro Business Loan, Small Business Improvement Grant, and Small Business Lease Grant.

“Accessing the NJ Capital Access Fund was a turning point for Naturalvert. The working capital loan provided the crucial funding we needed to expand production, improve our packaging processes, and meet growing demand from national retailers such as Walmart, Whole Foods, and more,” said Vetchay Vilvert, Founder of Naturalvert. “More importantly, the flexibility and support offered through the program empowered us as a minority-owned business to scale sustainably without compromising our values. Thanks to the NJ Capital Access Fund, Naturalvert has not only grown but has also created jobs and contributed to a healthier, more inclusive local economy.”

NJ Capital Access Fund is one of the many resourceful financing tools that the NJEDA has to offer small businesses and nonprofits. For decades, NJEDA has deployed a range of loan products, including participations, guarantees, and direct loans, to help New Jersey-based businesses grow and thrive.

The Small Business Fund provides flexible, low-cost financial assistance of up to $500,000 to small businesses and nonprofits. To date, the program has supported over 60 loans totaling more than $17 million.

The Direct Loan Program is designed to expand access to capital and fuel business growth through direct NJEDA financing. The program has provided over 680 loans, delivering more than $273 million in support to small businesses across the state.

Through its Premier Lender Program, NJEDA partners with financial institutions to offer loan participations and guarantees of up to $2 million, enabling businesses and nonprofits to overcome barriers to expansion. This program has facilitated more than 1,200 participations and guarantees, totaling over $306 million

In April 2025, the NJEDA approved a new loan program known as the New Jersey Loan Expansion and Network Development (NJ LEND) program, designed to support the evolving needs of New Jersey businesses. NJ LEND is modeled after the NJEDA’s Premier Lender and Direct Loan programs but offers higher lending limits for financing to small businesses with no more than 750 employees.

The new program will offer fixed asset loans of up to $5 million for the purchase or refinance of owner occupied commercial real estate or new equipment. The program will also offer working capital loans of up to $1 million. Additionally, NJ LEND will offer flexible lending options in the form of loan participations and line of credit guarantees in partnership with NJEDA Premier Lender financial institutions.

For more information on eligibility requirements for the NJ Capital Access Fund, and to pre-apply, visit here. More information and eligibility requirements for the Small Business Fund, Direct Loan, Premier Lender, and NJ LEND programs can be found here.

About the NJEDA

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 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

###

TRENTON, N.J. (May 7, 2025) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) will host a virtual listening session to present key legislative changes and rules updates for the Aspire Program. The Aspire Program is a gap financing tool to support commercial, mixed use, and residential real estate development projects.

WHAT:          The listening session will provide an overview of changes and updates for the Aspire Program. Following the listening session, feedback will be able to be submitted online.

WHEN:          The listening session will be held on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Click here for more information.

Following the listening session, the public can submit feedback until Tuesday, May 13, 2025. Feedback can be submitted here.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

###

More than $185M invested into nearly 8,000 businesses through Main Street Recovery Program

TRENTON, N.J. (May 5, 2025) – In celebration of National Small Business Week, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) is highlighting its various grant, loan, and technical assistance programs aimed to support small businesses across the state. Since the Main Street Recovery Program launched in 2021, the NJEDA has awarded more than $185 million in grants, loans, and technical assistance to nearly 8,000 small businesses across the state. More than 2,000 approvals under the program have been awarded to women-, minority, veteran-, LGBTQ-, and/or disabled-owned small businesses.

The Main Street Recovery Program, a comprehensive suite of programs, was originally designed to support small businesses impacted by the pandemic but has since grown to support the growth and expansion of small businesses. Including the $700 million in pandemic relief that the NJEDA provided to small businesses before the Main Street Recovery Program launched, the Authority has distributed a total of nearly $1 billion to bolster small businesses throughout New Jersey.

“From North Jersey to South Jersey, and everywhere in between, small businesses are fueling local economies and revitalizing key commercial corridors,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey has invested millions of dollars to ensure small business owners have the resources and tools to grow their business and continue serving their communities. Through our robust loan and grant programs, the NJEDA is helping expand opportunities and increate vitality along main streets throughout New Jersey.”

The following programs are part of the Main Street Recovery suite:  

  • Small Business Lease Grant: supports the growth and success of small businesses and non-profits by providing grant funding to cover a portion of lease payments for businesses and non-profits leasing new or additional space.
  • Small Business Improvement Grant: offers reimbursement for costs associated with making building improvements or purchasing new furniture, fixtures, and equipment.
  • Main Street Lenders Grant: provides grants to eligible micro business lenders, which the lenders can use to create new micro business loan products or supplement existing micro business loan products. Lenders can also qualify for additional grant funding to provide technical assistance to micro businesses, to better prepare these businesses to qualify for loan products.
  • Main Street Acquisition Support Grant: offers a grant of up to $50,000 to reimburse an eligible New Jersey small business for closing costs related to a New Jersey commercial property that the business purchased to operate from.
  • Small Business E-Commerce Support Program: provides free e-commerce and digital marketing consulting services to New Jersey small businesses in the restaurant, retail, and personal care industries that operate from a commercial location. The NJEDA has partnered with consultants to assist eligible small businesses with e-commerce services.
  • Main Street Micro Business Loan: provided financing of up to $50,000 to eligible micro businesses in New Jersey with 10 or fewer full-time employees and no greater than $1.5 million in annual revenues.  

“As a small business owner, there are often inherent risks associated with opening a new business. To get support from the NJEDA to mitigate those risks is an enormous help and the only words that come to mind is simply ‘thank you.’ The funds from the NJEDA go directly back into the business in hopes to stimulate the local economy,” said James Park, owner of SuperSudz Laundry in Ewing, which received a Small Business Lease Grant. “I cannot express enough thanks to those within the NJEDA supporting us as a small business. We are hiring locally and the grant gives us a chance to continue to service the community we very much love.”

“As a new business owner every dollar counts,” said Angelo Masino, owner of FastSigns in Secaucus, which received a Main Street Acquisition Grant. “Being awarded this grant helped to put my mind at ease while I continue to build my business and allowed me to focus on other aspects which were equally important.”

“I have paid a lot of money in the past for services similar to the Small Business E-Commerce Program, and have received much less without the additional training,” said Trina Stroman, owner of Cammie’s Spectacular Salon in Wrightstown, which received technical assistance through the E-Commerce Support Program. “Everyone was very patient and efficient, and provided me the assistance to move on independently, and still offer support up to 12 months. I really appreciate this.”

Throughout National Small Business Week, the NJEDA is hosting several resource fairs to highlight programs offered by the Authority. An in-person “Show Me the Resources” fair will take place on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. at The College of New Jersey. A virtual “Show Me the Resources” fair will be hosted on Thursday, May 8, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.

About the NJEDA

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 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

###

TRENTON, N.J. (May 5, 2025) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) will open applications for the NJ Film Works Grant Program on Monday, May 12, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. The grant program will help prepare New Jersey residents to enter the state’s booming film industry, strengthening and diversifying the statewide economy.

WHAT:          The NJ Film Works Grant Program is a competitive funding opportunity that will award grants to entities that provide residents with access to workforce development and skills training programs focused on strengthening and diversifying New Jersey’s film and digital media talent pipeline. A total of $3 million will be available through this program, with individual awards ranging from a minimum of $250,000 to a maximum of $750,000.

Among other factors, the scoring criteria will evaluate applications that propose initiatives supporting training and job access for residents of New Jersey’s Overburdened Communities, as well as providing near-term paid position placement for trainees within the industry.

WHO:            The Grant Program will be open to entities who can deliver workforce development training, internship, apprenticeship, and learning opportunities in film and digital media. Eligible applicants can include, but are not limited to, non-profit organizations, private workforce training organizations, labor unions, community-based organizations, educational institutions, for-profit film and digital media companies or consortium/associations of private film and digital media companies.

WHEN:         Applications for the NJ Film Works Grant Program will open on Monday, May 12,

2025 at 10:00 a.m. A webinar to learn more about the Grant Program will be held on Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. To register for the webinar, please click here. Applications must be submitted by Friday, July 11, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.

Questions regarding the Grant Program may be submitted via email to njfilmworks@njeda.gov by Thursday, June 12, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. with the subject line “Questions – NJ Film Works”. Answers will be posted on a rolling basis on the NJ Film Works website by Thursday, June 26, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

###

TRENTON, N.J. (May 5, 2025) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) today opened applications for the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Assistance Program. The program, which was approved by the NJEDA Board in April, aims to increase employee ownership models in the state, which can provide employees with opportunities to have a greater stake in a business, generate sustainable and equitable wealth, and ensure greater financial security, while supporting business owners in transition planning.

WHAT:            The ESOP Assistance Program will connect applicants with an approved contractor to perform feasibility study services and provide technical assistance in the creation of an ESOP, an employee ownership model in which employees retain interest in shares of a company through holding corporate stock in a trust. ESOPs are successful nationwide and around the state, creating and sustaining wealth for employee owners. New Jersey is home to close to 90 ESOPs, nearly $65 billion in plan assets covering over 423,000 current employees and retirees, with an average stock account for eligible current employees of close to $190,000. 

In February, Onyx Partners Group and Lazear Capital Partners were approved by the NJEDA Board as contractors for the ESOP Assistance Program. Both firms are experienced in ESOP transitions, including the design and development of feasibility studies and valuations.

WHO:               Eligible businesses must be located in New Jersey, have at least 20 full-time employees, and be in good standing with the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. For more information on eligibility, click here.

WHEN:            Applications for the ESOP Assistance Program are open and will be accepted on a rolling basis. For any questions regarding the program, please contact ESOPAssistanceSupport@njeda.gov.

An informational webinar on the ESOP Assistance Program will be held Wednesday, May 28, at 1:00 P.M. in collaboration with the Rutgers School of Management and Labor Relations. To register, click here.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

###

A virtual information session will also be held during the first week of May

TRENTON, N.J. (April 29, 2025) – In celebration of National Small Business Week, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) will host an in-person “Show Me the Resources” fair to highlight key state resources available for small business owners and entrepreneurs. A virtual webinar option is also available for interested parties unable to attend in-person.

WHAT:            NJEDA representatives will be available at the in-person “Show Me the Resources” fair to provide information about the Authority’s programs and products aimed to support small businesses, as well as businesses in the clean energy, arts and culture, and film sectors. The in-person event is hosted in conjunction with the New Jersey Business Action Center, the New Jersey Department of Treasury, the New Jersey Small Business Development Centers, and the Small Business Administration.

WHO:              Small business owners, entrepreneurs, economic development professionals, local government representatives, non-profit organizations, and community partners are welcome to attend the in-person and virtual events. Both events are free to attend.

WHEN:           In-person Session:
Tuesday, May 6, 2025 – 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
The College of New Jersey
Brower Student Center
2000 Pennington Rd.
Ewing, N.J.
*Parking available in lots 5, 6, and 7.
Click here to register.

Virtual Session:
Thursday, May 8, 2025 – 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Click here to register.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

###

NJ Green Workforce Training Grants support Governor Murphy’s clean energy and climate goals

TRENTON, N.J. (April 28, 2025) – In celebration of Earth Month, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) announced it recently approved four applications under the NJ Green Workforce Training Grant Challenge, totaling over $4.3 million in funding. The awardees will develop training programs to prepare New Jersey residents for green economy careers, with a particular focus on serving overburdened communities.

“These four approvals through the Green Workforce Training Grant Challenge will provide long-lasting solutions that will protect our environment while creating opportunities for New Jersey’s most vulnerable workforce,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “This grant challenge is a unique chance for entities across New Jersey to train residents for jobs in clean energy and other vital green sectors, which will help support a stronger and more diverse economy.”

The Grant Challenge was a competitive funding opportunity and applicants had to submit proposals outlining their plans to develop and implement workforce supports to bolster the green economy, with a focus on New Jersey’s overburdened communities. Grants from $250,000 up to $1.5 million were available. Awardees may use funds to cover design, planning, capital, and implementation costs to offer training programs in green economy industries.

“Guided by the recommendations of the New Jersey Green Economy Task Force, New Jersey is preparing its residents for a cleaner, more environmentally friendly and resilient economy,” said First Lady Tammy Murphy. “The organizations that received funding through the Green Workforce Training Grant Challenge are addressing climate change head on by both building out our talent pipeline and also providing necessary support to ensure equitable access to trainings and certifications.”

“The Murphy Administration remains dedicated to building a clean energy future, and through initiatives like the Green Workforce Training Grant, the NJEDA is leading efforts to expand access to essential workforce training and development opportunities in emerging green sectors,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “The Grant Challenge highlights the State’s continued commitment to ensuring New Jersey residents are at the forefront of the green economy and that those in overburdened communities are prepared to take on the good-paying jobs of the future.”

“These awards will continue to empower our residents to get trained in cutting edge jobs that support the clean economy,” said Eric Miller, Executive Director of Council on the Green Economy. “The clean energy sector is one of the fastest growing sectors of our economy, and preparing our citizens to benefit from that growth is exactly what these awards accomplish.”

The following four applicants will receive grant funding through the NJ Green Workforce Training Grant Challenge:

  1. Elizabeth Development Company of New Jersey ($500,000): The Elizabeth Development Company of New Jersey, in collaboration with Dimension Energy, will provide hands-on solar energy training with graduates earning North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) Photovoltaic Associate certification and OSHA 30-hour certification. The course will take place in Elizabeth and Jersey City. Supportive services for participants will include stipends, job readiness training, and support with accessing public benefits.
  2. Ideal Education, A NJ Nonprofit Corporation ($1,500,000): Ideal Education will be training individuals to become certified NJ Clean Energy Program Installers and Weatherization and Energy Auditors in collaboration with Coalition for a Safe Community and Community Strategies and Solutions. The training will take place in-person in Pleasantville and will also utilize a mobile hands-on training unit and a virtual platform. Supportive services for participants will include transportation assistance, childcare services, counseling and mentorship, and job placement support.
  3. New Jersey Environmental Justice Alliance, Inc. (NJEJA) ($1,373,000): NJEJA will provide training in collaboration with Soulful Synergy and Green Tech Leaders on building systems, thermal systems, weatherization, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), leading to multiple industry-recognized certifications. The training will be hybrid with the in-person portion taking place in Newark. Supportive services for participants will include stipends, mentorship, transportation, childcare, and other health services support.
  4. Hugo Neu Realty Management, LLC ($976,987): Hugo Neu will conduct training modules for graduates to obtain the Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) Certification and the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP) Certification, with the EV program recruiting those who have already received their Electrical Assistant training. The training will be hybrid with the in-person portion taking place in Kearny. Hugo Neu Realty Management will collaborate with the New Jersey Reentry Corporation, and will offer supportive services such as stipends, assistance accessing public benefits programs, health support, housing assistance, job placement support, and access to legal services for record expungement.

About the NJEDA

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 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

###

Apprenticeship Training Centers Construction Grant Program will support the development of USDOL Apprenticeship facilities in Overburdened Communities

TRENTON, N.J. (April 24, 2025) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board approved the creation of a $9.7 million grant program to support the construction of workforce training facilities in New Jersey’s Overburdened Communities. The Apprenticeship Training Centers Construction Grant Program aims to support the establishment of facilities that will help enable access to low- or no-cost training and eliminate transportation barriers, preparing local residents for high-paying jobs and creating positive economic benefits for communities.

“Under Governor Phil Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey has continued to invest in innovative apprenticeship and workforce development programs, with a particular focus on expanding equity and diversity in a range of career paths,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “This new initiative builds on the NJEDA’s existing efforts to expand workforce development programs across the state, preparing New Jersey residents for good-paying, family-sustaining careers and strengthening efforts to promote equitable economic opportunity.”

The new program will award grants between $500,000 and $6.5 million to sponsors of a Registered Apprenticeship Program as defined by the United States Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship. Applicants will be required to be in and conduct training for the building and construction trades in the funded facility. Grants will cover up to 70 percent of all eligible project costs, and up to 80 percent of eligible project costs in a Government Restricted Municipality. More information on the application process will be available soon on the NJEDA’s website.

An eligible project location must be within an Overburdened Community as defined by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP). The NJDEP maintains a list and visualizations of Overburdened Communities throughout the state at https://dep.nj.gov/ej/communities/.

Funding for the Apprenticeship Training Centers Construction Grant Program will be utilized from the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development’s (NJDOL) Workforce Development Partnership Fund. In February 2024, the NJEDA Board approved an MOU with the NJDOL that permits disbursement from the fund for the NJEDA to create and sustain workforce development programs and projects. Since 2018, New Jersey has invested nearly $100 million in grant funding to support registered apprenticeship programs and has experienced a 138 percent increase in earn-while-you-learn opportunities.

“This grant program amplifies the Murphy Administration’s record-setting commitment to apprenticeship, and we are taking decisive steps to ensure every resident has the opportunity to succeed in high-demand trades, fueling both personal advancement and regional progress,” said Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo. “This initiative exemplifies New Jersey’s dedication to building an economy where everyone has the chance to thrive, demonstrating that when we empower workers, we uplift entire communities.” 

About the NJEDA

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 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

###