Vouchers Enable Manufacturers to Purchase Equipment to Improve Production Processes

TRENTON, N.J. (May 4, 2023) – As of today, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) has already approved over $8 million in vouchers to 69 New Jersey manufacturers under the New Jersey Manufacturing Voucher Program (MVP). Approved awardees can use the vouchers to purchase equipment to help New Jersey manufacturers upgrade their businesses. The program application window is now closed after being fully subscribed. NJEDA staff will continue to review applications with additional approvals expected in the coming month.

“New Jersey’s manufacturing sector continues to be a strategic component of our state’s economy, by creating essential products for people and businesses and creating skilled jobs,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, the New Jersey Manufacturing Voucher Program is providing manufacturers will the support they need to drive economic activity, boost our supply chain, and ensure New Jersey’s strong economic future.” 

Governor Murphy announced the New Jersey MVP in October 2022 as a pilot program. Originally funded with $20 million from the Governor’s Fiscal Year 2023 budget, the program offers vouchers valued at 30 to 50 percent of the cost of eligible equipment, including installation, up to a maximum award amount of $250,000. In March, in order to fulfill a robust pipeline of eligible applications, the NJEDA’s Board voted to increase available funding to $33.75 million. Governor Murphy’s Fiscal Year 2024 budget includes another $20 million for the program. The program focuses on manufacturers within targeted industries that will use purchased equipment to integrate innovative technologies, processes, and materials to improve the efficiency and productivity of their manufacturing business. Both for-profit and not-for-profit companies are eligible for vouchers.

In line with Governor Murphy’s vision to create the most diverse and inclusive innovation ecosystem in the nation, the New Jersey MVP offers stackable bonuses for certified woman-, minority-, or veteran-owned businesses, businesses in opportunity zones, and businesses purchasing equipment within New Jersey, as well as manufacturers that have a collective bargaining agreement in place and small companies with fewer than 100 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees.

Sullivan announced the awards at the New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program’s (NJMEP’s) 8th Annual State-of-the-State Manufacturing Summit in Trenton today. The event featured a “MADE in NJ’ product showcase and the opportunity for manufacturers to hear from, and engage with, industry leaders and policymakers.

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.

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Program expected to launch later this year

TRENTON, N.J. (April 21, 2023) – On Friday, April 28, 2023, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) will issue an expressions of interest form for the New Jersey Indoor Amusement Park Grant Program for potential program applicants. The grant program, which the NJEDA Board approved in February, will support indoor amusement parks, arcades, and entertainment facilities that were hit hard during the COVID-19 pandemic.

WHAT:            The expressions of interest form will help determine level of interest and track interested parties. Once a potential applicant submits an expression of interest form, NJEDA staff will be in contact with the entity to discuss program specifics, eligibility requirements, and the program’s next steps. The expression of interest form is not an application, nor does it require approval. Applications for the NJ Indoor Amusement Park Grant Program are expected to launch later this year.

The grant program will offer one-time grants from $5,000 up to $150,000. For eligibility, venues must have opened on or before March 9, 2020, and demonstrate a financial need by reporting at least a 50 percent loss in indoor self-reported gross revenue from the 12-month period of April 2019. Businesses must be open and operating at the date of application.

WHERE:         The expressions of interest form can be found here.

WHEN:           Friday, April 28, 2023
9:00 a.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.

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FRIDG program will provide grants to food retailers to expand food access to residents in Food Desert Communities

TRENTON, N.J. (April 13, 2023) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) will host a webinar to discuss the application process for the Food Retail Innovation in Delivery Grant (FRIDG) program on Friday, April 21 at 2:00 PM. The FRIDG program will provide grants to food retailers to purchase and install self-contained, temperature-controlled lockers within NJEDA-designated Food Desert Communities (FDCs) to expand grocery delivery options, improving food access for FDC residents. The application for the program is expected to open later this month.

Through FRIDG, food retailers can receive up to $250,000 in funding to purchase and install self-contained, temperature-controlled lockers in one of the state’s 50 designated FDCs, where residents can then have their online grocery orders delivered. For those lacking a reliable delivery location due to housing insecurity or unpredictable work schedules, the FRIDG lockers will provide FDC residents with a safe, convenient location where their grocery orders – including produce, meat, and dairy – will stay fresh until retrieved. Bonuses are available to food retailers that place their lockers in one of the FDCs ranked in the top 10 statewide, partner with a community-based organization to locate their locker onsite, and/or waive some or all delivery fees to the locker.

The webinar is scheduled 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on April 21. Those interested can register for the webinar 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.

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$240M program and tax credit sale aims to attract & strengthen supermarkets in food desert communities; enables NJEDA to establish innovative programs to combat food insecurity

TRENTON, N.J. (April 12, 2023) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board today approved proposed rules for the $240 million Food Desert Relief Tax Credit Program, which will help address food access challenges by attracting and retaining new supermarkets in the 50 Food Desert Communities (FDCs) designated by the NJEDA last year. Additionally, the Board approved the sale of up to $50 million of the $240 million in tax credits in 2023, the proceeds of which will fund future grant, loan, and technical assistance programs under the Food Desert Relief Act (FDRA). These programs will help increase availability of nutritious foods and develop new approaches to alleviate food insecurity.

The FDRA was established by the New Jersey Economic Recovery Act (ERA) of 2020 and signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy in January 2021. As authorized by the ERA, the Board approved proposed rules that will allow the NJEDA to launch the Food Desert Relief Tax Credit Program this year.

“Food insecurity is a widespread and longstanding issue that has been exacerbated by the pandemic, and New Jersey is taking innovative steps to ensure no resident goes hungry,” said Governor Murphy. “By expanding grocery options in an intentional manner, more families across our state’s food desert communities will be able to put affordable and healthy food on their tables. Fighting food insecurity fosters greater wellbeing for countless communities and families, advancing our vision for a truly stronger, fairer New Jersey economy.”

“Every New Jersey resident deserves equitable access to fresh and healthy food options, no matter their zip code. The NJEDA is committed to fighting food insecurity and the Food Desert Relief Tax Credit program will help bring new grocery options to food deserts across the state,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Under Governor Murphy’s leadership and in partnership with Speaker Craig Coughlin and the legislature, New Jersey is working to ensure nutritious foods are accessible and affordable in every community, and this program will further advance the ERA’s goals of fighting food insecurity, creating jobs, and uplifting neighborhoods.”

“I am thrilled to see this program moving forward as we prioritize addressing the problem of food insecurity in New Jersey. This program will help those communities build and sustain healthy, affordable options and grow local business. This is good health and economic policy, in addition to meeting our moral obligations,” said Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin. “This is among my proudest moments in public life. Fighting hunger and food insecurity in our state has been close to my heart for decades. I thank all the partners who have worked together to make this program a reality.”

The Food Desert Relief Tax Credit program establishes two types of tax credits that encourage resiliency of supermarkets for a lasting impact on communities. Both are available to new and rehabilitated supermarkets within the areas designated as FDCs, which span all 21 New Jersey counties and are home to over 1.5 million residents. The Financing Gap Tax Credit will provide up to 40 percent of project’s costs for development of the first new supermarket located in any one FDC, and up to 20 percent for the second new supermarket. The Initial Operating Cost Tax Credit will be available to supermarket operators to help fill a shortfall in initial operating income.

To be eligible, stores must be located within the boundaries of NJEDA-designated FDCs. Applicants must demonstrate that the project would not be feasible without the tax credit award and demonstrate that the supermarket will remain open for business for at least seven years. Applicants must also commit that the supermarket will accept federal benefits such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program from Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Additionally, supermarkets must devote at least 10 percent of retail space to fresh and/or frozen fruits and vegetables and host a community listening session in the FDC at least once a year. A complete overview of the rules and more information on the Food Desert Relief Tax Credit program can be found here.

The FDRA allocates $40 million per year for six years, totaling $240 million, in tax credits and enables NJEDA to sell a portion of the tax credits to support future grant, loan, and technical assistance programs. Today, the Board approved the sale of up to $50 million in tax credits. Proceeds from the sale will be used to support programs that will advance the priorities established by the FDRA and be available to a wide array of organizations, companies, and retailers to strengthen food security in FDCs. These programs will support costs associated with equipment and technology to make nutritious foods more accessible and affordable, as well as other initiatives to ensure food security of FDC residents.

“This is another critical step in Governor Murphy’s comprehensive plan to address food insecurity and bring nutritious foods to every community,” said NJEDA Executive Vice President for Economic Security Tara Colton. “New supermarkets in food deserts will help ensure every resident has access to groceries regardless of their address and income. Furthermore, the sale of tax credits will expand NJEDA’s toolkit to eliminate barriers to nutritious foods by creating innovative programs that will improve the lives of families, kids, and seniors – empowering the transformation of entire communities.”

In line with the Murphy Administration’s Executive Order 63 and the NJEDA’s commitment to transparency and accountability, and in anticipation of today’s vote, the NJEDA publicly posted a summary the Food Desert Relief Tax Credit program proposed rules at the end of 2022 and actively sought public feedback. This process included two public listening sessions and opportunities to submit written feedback.

The NJEDA, in collaboration with the Departments of Community Affairs and Agriculture, previously designated 50 FDCs across the state, approved by the NJEDA Board in February 2022. These FDCs will be served by a variety of programs to increase access to affordable, nutritious food through funding for supermarkets, small- and mid-size retailers, and other entities that support food security initiatives.

The Food Desert Relief Tax Credit Program is part of NJEDA’s broader portfolio of work focused on food security, including the Food Security Planning Grant, Sustain & Serve NJ, and Food Retail Innovation in Delivery Grant (FRIDG). More information on the Food Desert Relief Act and Food Desert Community designations can be found here.

In addition to the FDRA, the ERA creates a suite of programs that includes tax credits to incentivize job creation, new construction, and revitalization of brownfields; financial resources for small businesses; new funding opportunities for early-stage companies in New Jersey; and support for the growing film and digital media industry. Additional information on these programs is available here.

The NJEDA Board’s approval of the proposed regulations are subject to the Governor’s veto period and Office of Administrative Law review prior to becoming effective.

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.

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PUBLIC INPUT INVITED AT UPCOMING SESSIONS ON POSSIBLE INVESTMENTS FOR NEXT RGGI FUNDING CYCLE

(March 30, 2023) TRENTON — Following through on the Murphy Administration’s recent outline of six pillars that will serve as the foundation for a cleaner, greener, and more resilient New Jersey, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU), and New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) today announced $70 million in Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) auction proceed awards to help reduce the upfront costs of electric trucks, buses, and equipment in overburdened communities. The state agencies also announced a series of sessions in April for the public to comment on possible future investments with RGGI funds.

The $70 million investment will fund the purchase of 156 electric vehicles, including 114 school buses, eight garbage and dump trucks, 26 shuttle and transit buses, and four forklifts, all operating in approximately 20 overburdened communities across the state. The auction proceeds will also fund four projects, led by Via, Blink, Envoy and Zipcar, to bring electric ride-sharing options to communities that lack access to reliable transportation.

Today’s announcement builds on more than $240 million awarded statewide since 2019 for nearly 3,000 electric vehicle charging stations, 700 electric trucks and buses, and 12,000 electric passenger vehicles.

Drawing on the success of RGGI proceeds spent to date, New Jersey also announced the release of the 2023-2025 RGGI Auction Proceeds Scoping Document to outline potential initiatives that NJDEP, NJBPU, and NJEDA could each sponsor during the 2023-2025 funding cycle. The three state agencies are seeking feedback from the public on the prospective initiatives described in the scoping document and for other possible investments with RGGI proceeds. A series of interactive public workshops will be held on April 4, 11, 13 and 18 to collect input that will be considered in finalizing the RGGI Strategic Funding Plan for years 2023-2025.

The NJDEP, NJBPU, and the NJEDA jointly released the first RGGI Strategic Funding Plan in April 2020, detailing how auction proceeds would be invested in climate change, clean energy, and environmental justice projects for the years 2020-2022. More than $100 million from auction proceeds was dedicated across the state during that time. The Strategic Funding Plan is reviewed every three years and updated to ensure that investments are aligned across agencies to meet the Murphy Administration’s clean energy and greenhouse gas reduction goals.  

To further those efforts, New Jersey recently accepted the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s offer to participate in the historic Climate Pollution Reduction Planning Grant Program, through which the state will receive $3 million for green initiatives. Specifically, the federal funds may be used to accelerate climate pollutant emissions reduction programs that will improve air quality and public health and better serve communities.

New Jersey is also committed to decarbonizing residential and commercial buildings to improve indoor air quality and public health, while leveraging federal rebates and grants through the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to reduce costs to ratepayers.

New Jersey is especially vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change, many of which are already familiar to residents due to increasingly mild winters, hotter summers, more extreme precipitation, increasing inland flooding across the state’s watersheds, and sea-level rise resulting in more “sunny day” tidal flooding along the Atlantic coast.

RGGI is a cap-and-trade pact among 11 northeastern states dedicated to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the electricity generating sector. New Jersey invests its RGGI auction proceeds in programs that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, drive forward projects that boost clean energy and create jobs, protect the health of residents in environmental justice communities, and increase the resiliency of coastal communities. 

For a list of projects to be funded with the $70 million in RGGI auction proceeds, visit NJ DEP- StopTheSoot.org

For more information on New Jersey’s vehicle electrification goals and strategies, visit www.drivegreen.nj.gov

For more information on New Jersey’s RGGI Strategic Funding Plan, visit NJDEP | Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) | Strategic Funding Plan | Air Quality, Energy and Sustainability (AQES)

To sign up to attend RGGI Scoping Document Stakeholder Events, visit https://www.nj.gov/rggi/engage.html

If you are interested in receiving updates from NJBPU on RGGI funded programs, visit https://www.nj.gov/bpu/about/contact/subscribe.html.

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Webinar will Help Potential Applicants Secure Funding of up to $175,000 for Zero-Emission Vehicles

TRENTON, N.J. (March 17, 2023) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) will host a webinar to offer details of the expanded New Jersey Zero-Emission Incentive Program (NJ ZIP) on Thursday, March 23. Specifically, the webinar will provide business owners with important information on expanded eligibility, updated application processes, and technical assistance services in advance of the opening for Phase 2 of NJ ZIP. The application for NJ ZIP – Phase 2 will open to businesses and institutions statewide on April 18 and will be available at http://www.njeda.gov/njzip.      

NJ ZIP provides vouchers of $20,000 to $175,000, based on vehicle class, to business and institution owners to support the purchase of new, zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. Additional bonuses will also be available. The $45 million enlargement of the program for Phase 2 includes expanding eligibility statewide and the purchase of heavy-duty in addition to medium-duty vehicles.

NJ ZIP first launched in 2021 as a pilot program available only to businesses and institutions in the greater Newark and Camden areas, and subsequently expanded to the greater New Brunswick and greater Jersey Shore areas. Phase 1 of the program only supported medium-duty vehicles. More than $39 million in vouchers has been approved through Phase 1 of the program to date.

In line with Governor Phil Murphy’s recent pledge to convert to 100 percent zero-emission vehicles statewide by 2035, NJ ZIP aims to expedite the adoption and use of clean-energy vehicles for business owners to reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions and bolster the state’s clean energy economy.

Complete program eligibility and details can be found at https://www.njeda.gov/njzip/

The webinar is scheduled from noon to 1:30 p.m. on March 23. Those interested can find out more about the program and register for the webinar at https://njeda.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_lJ8tDiYyRmS8IQIO74sfRg. A recorded version of the event will be posted at https://www.njeda.gov/njzip/ following the webinar.

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.

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