TRENTON, N.J. (June 7, 2024) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) is seeking public input on amendments to the rules for the Main Street Recovery Finance Program. The Main Street Program is a suite of products created to provide financial support and technical assistance to New Jersey’s small businesses. The proposed rules clarify technical elements of the Main Street Program.

WHAT:            The document posted on the NJEDA webpage is a draft, which will be presented to the NJEDA Board, with any final edits, for its review and consideration for approval. If approved, the amendments will be published in the New Jersey Register for formal public comment as required by the Administrative Procedure Act before adoption.

WHEN:           Feedback must be submitted in writing no later than noon on Thursday, June 14, 2024. Written 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.

###

TRENTON, N.J. (June 7, 2024) – A new wave of entrepreneurial talent is ready to transform New Jersey’s cannabis industry as 48 recipients of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority’s (NJEDA) Seed Equity Grant Program proudly graduated from a rigorous nine-week Cannabis Technical Assistance Program (CTAP) at a celebration held at Hub 13 in Trenton last month. This program provided targeted education and training to help advance their businesses in New Jersey’s growing cannabis industry. In addition to receiving $150,000 grants, which will be disbursed after meeting specific benchmarks, the awardees gained valuable technical assistance to support their entrepreneurial endeavors.

“Under Governor Phil Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey is creating a strong, equitable, and inclusive cannabis industry that will create jobs and revitalize communities,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “For too long, the War on Drugs has disproportionately impacted communities of color. The Seed Equity Grant was designed to support diverse cannabis entrepreneurs who have been harmed by years of unjust policies and help unlock access to the cannabis market to ensure they reap the industry’s economic benefits. I congratulate the graduates and look forward to their success in New Jersey’s cannabis industry.”

The Seed Equity Grant Program and the CTAP are part of Phase II of the Cannabis Equity Grant Program, which the NJEDA Board approved in 2022. All of the funding for Phase II was awarded to qualifying social equity applicants as designated by the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission, including those who live in economically disadvantaged areas or have cannabis-related convictions. The combination of training, education, and financial support further catalyzes investments in historically underserved communities and those most affected by the War on Drugs.

“We are immensely proud to see NJEDA’s Seed Equity Grant recipients graduating from the Cannabis Technical Assistance Program. Congratulations to the graduates; we look forward to your continued success and positive impact in the cannabis industry,” said Wesley McWhite III, Director, Office of Diversity & Inclusion, New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission.

“It was an honor to attend and speak to the graduates of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority’s Cannabis Seed Equity Grant Program,” said State Senator Troy Singleton.  “This program, open to recreational cannabis license holders, helps to support new businesses in this industry by assisting with their operational and start-up costs. This Seed Equity will literally set these entrepreneurs up for success and I was proud to celebrate and acknowledge their efforts.”

The NJEDA selected Oaksterdam University, a pioneering institution in cannabis entrepreneurship, to develop and administer the customized technical assistance program. The CTAP delivered curriculum on converting a conditional license to an annual license, building a cannabis business team, financial management, securing investors, supply chain management, and more. The program included in-person workshops, interactive virtual classes, online learning modules, individualized coaching, and networking opportunities.

“Oaksterdam crafted an intensive Technical Assistance Program for the NJEDA with local and national experts to help mitigate risks for long-term sustainability, and the participants leaned in. These small business owners are tenacious, and will become the backbone of New Jersey’s industry,” said Dale Sky Jones, Executive Chancellor of Oaksterdam University.

“This program really is monumental and meaningful for me. For me, I’m at the tail end and close to opening my dispensary [and] being a recipient of this grant from the NJEDA makes such a big difference,” said Tahir Johnson, grant recipient and owner of Simply Pure, located in Trenton. “Having raised money myself and being in this battle for over two years to get my business open, literally this money is coming right at the time when I need it the most, and I probably couldn’t go anywhere else for it. This money from NJEDA is going be what gets me over the finish line.”

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. (June 5, 2024) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) is extending the deadline of its Request for Information (RFI) seeking insight from film and digital media production industry stakeholders on best practices for sector workforce program design, parameters, and details for the development of a future $5 million NJEDA film and digital media production workforce training program. The deadline to submit questions will be extended to Wednesday, June 12, 2024, and the deadline for responses will be extended to Friday, June 28, 2024. The RFI can be found here.

WHAT:            The NJEDA is seeking information from respondents on the scope and characteristics of effective workforce training programs in anticipation of creating or supporting programs and initiatives to support workforce development for film and digital media production occupations such as production assistants, production accountants, studio managers, carpenters, grips, electricians, set-dressers, wardrobe assistants, and script supervisors.

The information gathered through this RFI will help the NJEDA:

  • better understand the film and digital media workforce in New Jersey and any existing workforce gaps;
  • gain insight into the industry’s recruitment and training processes;
  • gather information on teaching programs that include instructors who are currently employed in film and digital media production that create teaching plans focused on imparting on-set best techniques and practices;
  • collect information on best practices and approaches to support training and development needs; and
  • learn about existing successful national and international models that prepare workers for careers in film and digital media production.

In line with Governor Phil Murphy’s mission to strengthen economic opportunity for every New Jerseyan, the NJEDA will also seek information on how underserved populations can be supported through the film and digital media industry and on best methods for encouraging the inclusion of minorities, women, and veterans in future film and digital media workforce training programs.

WHO:              The RFI seeks responses from interested stakeholders in the film and digital media production industry. Respondents do not need to be located within New Jersey to provide input.

WHEN:           All questions must be submitted in writing no later than 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, via e-mail to workforceinnovation@njeda.gov. The subject line of the e-mail should read: “Questions-2024-RFI-214”. Answers to questions submitted will be posted on the NJEDA’s website: Bidding Opportunities – NJEDA as Addendum.

All RFI responses must be submitted in writing no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, June 28, 2024, via e-mail to workforceinnovation@njeda.gov. The subject line of the e-mail should state: “RFI Response-2024-RFI-214”.

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. (June 04, 2024) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), along with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, and the New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development, will be hosting a series of open house events designed to educate and engage the public about the state’s offshore wind initiatives. Throughout June, the NJEDA will host three meet and greet events in North, Central, and South Jersey to inform residents on the key aspects of offshore wind energy and its importance to New Jersey’s clean energy future.

These informative sessions will give the public and key stakeholders access to factual information that matters most to the community, such as workforce development programs, environmental monitoring, details on port infrastructure, transmission projects, and lease areas, offering insights into the projects being developed and the benefits they bring to the state. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with representatives from state agencies and offshore wind developers, ask questions, and gain a comprehensive understanding of what is happening with offshore wind in New Jersey.

Attending developers will include Leading Light Wind, Attentive Energy 2, Atlantic Shores, Jersey Central Power & Light, and Mid-Atlantic Offshore Development.

“These open houses are a tremendous opportunity for New Jersey residents to learn about the exciting advancements in offshore wind energy and how they will contribute to our state’s sustainable future,” said Tim Sullivan, CEO of NJEDA. “Under Governor Phil Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey is leading the way in offshore wind development, and we are committed to ensuring everyone has access to the information they need to be part of this transformative journey to a clean energy future.”

Open houses will take place:

      Central Jersey Region

o  Date: Wednesday, June 5, 2024

o  Time: 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. EDT.

o  Location: Mercer County Community College, 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor

·      North Jersey Region

o  Date: Wednesday, June 12, 2024

o  Time: 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. EDT.

o  Location: New Jersey Institute of Technology, 355 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Newark

·      South Jersey Region

o  Date: Wednesday, June 26, 2024

o  Time: 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. EDT.

o  Location: Atlantic Cape Community College, 1535 Bacharach Blvd., Atlantic City

These events are open to the public and free of charge. Click here for more information.

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.

###

2024 applications are open until June 30th

TRENTON, N.J. (June 3, 2024) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) today announced that 34 technology and life sciences companies were awarded more than $68 million through the 2023 Technology Business Tax Certificate Transfer Program, commonly known as the Net Operating Loss (NOL) program. The NOL program allows early-stage technology and life sciences companies in New Jersey to sell a percentage of their net operating losses and unused research and development (R&D) tax credits to unrelated profitable corporations for cash.

“Since taking office, Governor Murphy has prioritized programs and initiatives that provide critically necessary support to New Jersey’s early-stage, innovative companies, of which, the NOL Program has been hailed for decades as a lifeline for emerging companies that have yet to reach profitability,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Since its inception over 25 years ago, over 580 companies have been approved to sell their net operating losses, totaling more than $1.95 billion in awards. As start-ups continue to grow in the Garden State, the NOL Program ensures emerging companies have access to the capital they need to succeed, furthering New Jersey’s legacy as a leader in innovation.”

Up to $75 million in funding is available annually under the NOL program, with $15 million set aside for businesses located in the state’s three Innovation Zones of Newark, Camden, and the Greater New Brunswick area, businesses within Opportunity Zones, or certified minority or woman-owned businesses. Participants can use the capital raised through the NOL Program to help cover allowable costs incurred in connection with operating their businesses such as salaries, R&D, and other working capital expenditures.

The NJEDA opened applications for the 2024 NOL program on May 1st, and the application will close at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, June 30th. For more information on program eligibility and application requirements, visit http://www.njeda.gov/nol.

Among the companies approved for awards under the program in 2023 include:

Imunon, a life sciences company based in Lawrence Township, Mercer County, creates proprietary immunology and DNA-based technology for difficult-to-treat conditions, creating medicines that harness the building blocks of life to work in harmony with the body’s immune system. The company has utilized support from the NOL program every year since 2018.

“This program offered by the NJEDA provides Imunon with investor-friendly ways to finance its clinical development programs,” said IMUNON’s executive vice president and CFO Jeffrey W. Church. “The sale of more than $19 million of unused New Jersey NOLs over the past six years reflects the balance between the high cost of research and drug development and a focus on our shareholders. We extend thanks to the NJEDA for their efforts to foster continued investment and growth for businesses in New Jersey.”

Clinical stage pharmaceutical company Lisata Therapeutics, based in Basking Ridge, Somerset County, is dedicated to the discovery, development, and commercialization of innovative therapies for the treatment of advanced solid tumors and other major diseases. In addition to receiving support from the NOL program since 2019, the company also received the NJEDA’s Small Business Improvement Grant in 2023.  

“Lisata is thrilled to leverage the benefits of the NJ NOL program, which has provided the Company with critical non-dilutive funding for several years,” said President and Chief Executive Officer of Lisata David J. Mazzo, PhD. “It has allowed us to translate net operating losses into strategic investments for our pipeline, without diluting ownership for our shareholders. This is a significant financial boost that fuels our ability to deliver potentially life-saving treatments to patients more quickly. We’re grateful to the NJEDA for recognizing the potential of New Jersey’s life science companies and for fostering innovation through programs like the NOL.”

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 31, 2024) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) will host an in-person information session at Kean University on Wednesday, June 5th to introduce the newly established $20 million Emerging Developers Grant pilot program.

The Program will help developers gain access to capital and build additional capacity to expand their existing portfolio by providing grants of up to $250,000 for pre-development soft costs. Applications are expected to launch on June 24, 2024.

WHAT:             The Emerging Developers Grant Program aims to address various difficulties that continue to be a constant burden to emerging developers, which limit opportunities to expand their portfolios. Specifically, this includes access to capital due to barriers caused by predatory lending, excessive carrying costs, and predevelopment expenses that result in projects being stalled, and in some cases underutilized. These deterrents in the development industry have created financial setbacks and limited portfolios for emerging development entities that lack the required capital to cover soft costs.

WHO:            The program will support small-scale developers that have completed at least two – but no more than five – commercial, residential and/or mixed-use properties of similar scope.

WHEN/WHERE:         The information session will be held at Kean University’s North Avenue Academic Building on Wednesday, June 5th, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. To register, click here.

Applications for the Emerging Developers Grant Program are expected to launch on June 24, 2024     

For More Information:

                       Visit: www.njeda.gov/emerging-developers/

                       Email:  emergingdevelopers@njeda.gov

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.

###

Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy Program will support clean energy projects, invest in green economy

TRENTON, N.J. (May 29, 2024) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) has issued guidelines for the Garden State Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) Program, which are open for public comment. The guidelines are available here and public comment, which can be submitted by email to gardenstatecpace@njeda.gov, will be accepted through June 5th, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. The C-PACE guidelines include eligibility criteria, responsibilities of participants, the application process, technical standards, fees, and local program requirements.

WHAT:            The C-PACE Program will provide a new form of financing to New Jersey commercial property owners for renewable energy, energy efficiency, water conservation, and certain types of resiliency-related improvements. The program will enable eligible commercial, industrial, agricultural, and certain multi-family residential real property owners to access financing to undertake improvements on their properties and repay the financing through the payment of an additional assessment to their municipality, similar to a property tax, sewer, or water bill. Over the past decade, C-PACE programs in more than two dozen states around the country have proven an effective tool to attract private capital into the renewable energy, energy efficiency, and resiliency markets.

The NJEDA held a virtual information session on the C-PACE program in April 2023. A recording of the webinar can be found here. Interested stakeholders with questions on the new program can contact gardenstatecpace@njeda.gov for more information. 

WHEN:           Interested parties can submit feedback by email to gardenstatecpace@njeda.gov through June 5, 2024 at 11:59 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.com and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

###

TRENTON, N.J. (May 28, 2024) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) issued a Request for Information (RFI) today seeking insight from film and digital media production industry stakeholders on best practices for sector workforce program design, parameters, and details for the development of a future $5 million NJEDA film and digital media production workforce training program. The deadline to submit responses is Wednesday, June 19th, 2024.

WHAT:            The NJEDA is seeking information from respondents on the scope and characteristics of effective workforce training programs in anticipation of creating or supporting programs and initiatives to support workforce development for film and digital media production occupations such as production assistants, production accountants, studio managers, carpenters, grips, electricians, set-dressers, wardrobe assistants, and script supervisors.

The information gathered through this RFI will help the NJEDA:

  • better understand the film and digital media workforce in New Jersey and any existing workforce gaps;
  • gain insight into the industry’s recruitment and training processes;
  • gather information on teaching programs that include instructors who are currently employed in film and digital media production that create teaching plans focused on imparting on-set best techniques and practices;
  • collect information on best practices and approaches to support training and development needs; and
  • learn about existing successful national and international models that prepare workers for careers in film and digital media production.

In line with Governor Phil Murphy’s mission to strengthen economic opportunity for every New Jerseyan, the NJEDA will also seek information on how underserved populations can be supported through the film and digital media industry and on best methods for encouraging the inclusion of minorities, women, and veterans in future film and digital media workforce training programs.

WHO:              The RFI seeks responses from interested stakeholders in the film and digital media production industry. Respondents do not need to be located within New Jersey to provide input.

WHEN:           All questions must be submitted in writing no later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday, June 3rd, 2024, via e-mail to workforceinnovation@njeda.gov. The subject line of the e-mail should read: “Questions-2024-RFI-214”. Answers to questions submitted will be posted on the NJEDA’s website: Bidding Opportunities – NJEDA as Addendum.

All RFI responses must be submitted in writing no later than 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 19th, 2024, via e-mail to workforceinnovation@njeda.gov. The subject line of the e-mail should state: “RFI Response-2024-RFI-214”

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.

###

Atlantic City, N.J. (May 23, 2024) – Yesterday, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) hosted a Maritime Roundtable forum to convene leading figures from the maritime service industry and maritime-related businesses to address pressing opportunities and challenges in offshore wind. Held in Atlantic City on National Maritime Day, discussions focused on the development of training programs for qualified mariners, maritime career pathways including the importance of considering veterans for positions, and the necessity of building networks and dialogue among various stakeholders.

Participants from the local maritime sector, businesses with offshore wind expertise, training providers and other key stakeholders came together to discuss collaborative opportunities, innovative approaches and lessons learned from the first offshore wind projects on the East Coast. Featured speakers included Stephen Lyman of the Maritime Association of the Port of New York New Jersey, Julie Shebroe of NorthStar Marine, Sloane Perras of FOSS Offshore Wind, John Berry of Crowley Maritime Corporation, and Peter Knorr from the New Jersey Wind Port.

Lyman, who delivered a keynote address at the event, commented on the opportunity ahead.

“The rapidly growing offshore wind industry will play a huge role in the region’s transition to clean energy and carbon neutrality, while doing so will create thousands of jobs,” Lyman said. “This transition will require partnerships between the commercial maritime sector and the energy sector.”

Industry leaders at the event shared their experiences and strategies for recruiting and training personnel. The forum provided a platform to explore solutions aimed at strengthening existing career paths, thereby supporting the growth of the maritime workforce in New Jersey. Specific topics covered during the event included:

  • Required services e.g., survey, research, bunkering, fuel, engineering, procurement, and construction, etc;
  • Gaps and challenges in growing the workforce and enhancing existing services;  
  • Training, upskilling, apprenticeships, and career pathways; and
  • Innovative workforce and business solutions.

“New Jersey is home to one of the most highly skilled and educated workforces in the nation,” said Tim Sullivan, CEO of the NJEDA. “Under Governor Phil Murphy’s leadership, we are committed to ensuring New Jerseyans are poised for careers in emerging sectors. We are excited to partner with community colleges, labor unions, and other workforce development organizations to meet the needs of the offshore wind sector, as well as others in maritime services.”

As the offshore wind industry continues to evolve, the Maritime Roundtable event builds a foundation for fostering future collaboration, innovation and creating necessary pathways to ensure a robust maritime workforce equipped to meet the demands of the sector.

“The Wind Institute for Innovation and Training is committed to developing workforce programs to help our maritime industry thrive alongside the growth in offshore wind,” said Jen Becker, Executive Vice President, Clean Energy and Workforce Innovation Partnerships at the NJEDA. “Bringing industry, academic, and other stakeholders together for this roundtable is an important part of those efforts.”

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

###

$15M program will support public space and art projects along commercial corridors

TRENTON, N.J. (May 16, 2024) – At the Annual Conference of Mayors Luncheon in Atlantic City today, Governor Murphy announced a second round of strategic investments in commuter hub cities to spur economic growth in the wake of the pandemic by invigorating arts and culture. Under Phase II of the Activation, Revitalization, and Transformation (A.R.T.) program, recently approved by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board, grants aimed at making new and impactful investments are being provided for projects located in 31 commercial corridor municipalities spanning 12 counties throughout the state. For a complete list of eligible municipalities and other eligibility requirements, click here.

“Piloted in Newark and Atlantic City, the A.R.T program provides necessary grant funding to local arts and cultural organizations for initiatives that increase foot-traffic, spur small business growth, and ensure the economic resiliency of municipalities most impacted by the pandemic,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey continues to make major investments in our downtowns and main streets. Through the A.R.T expansion, neighborhoods and communities across the state will be able to access funding to support activations and events that promote their long-term growth and success.” 

The A.R.T. Phase II program aims to catalyze community placemaking efforts by leveraging New Jersey’s arts and cultural sector as a creative force for change and supporting non-profit organizations focused on creating placemaking projects, public art installations, and arts-based activities and initiatives. With $15 million in funding, the NJEDA will award grants from $100,000 to $500,000.

Non-profit organizations with a 501(c)(3), 501(c)(6), or 501(c)(19) status are eligible to apply. Projects eligible for funding include placemaking projects, public art installations, arts-based projects, art exhibitions, performances, festivals, parades, concerts or concert series, film and video screenings, and cultural programming. Projects must take place within 1.5 miles of an eligible municipality’s passenger rail station.

Applications for the A.R.T. program are expected to open later this summer. The NJEDA is planning both virtual and in-person information sessions for parties interested in learning more about the program. The first virtual session will be held on Tuesday, June 18th, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. Click here to register for the webinar. Click here to view upcoming events.

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

###