Award Will Provide Gap Financing for Future World-Class Hub of Innovation

TRENTON, N.J. (February 9, 2023) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board yesterday approved the first award under the Aspire program to support the development of the New Jersey Health + Life Sciences Exchange (HELIX) in downtown New Brunswick. The HELIX will bring together New Jersey’s public, private, and academic sectors to create a world-class hub of innovation and a strong base of support and talent pipeline for innovative companies. The award was provided to NJ Innovation Associates Urban Renewal, LLC, a special purpose entity, of which New Brunswick Development Corporation (Devco) – the developer of the HELIX – is the sole member.

Created under the New Jersey Economic Recovery Act of 2020, Aspire is New Jersey’s new gap financing program designed to support commercial, industrial, mixed-use, and residential real estate development projects, with an emphasis on underserved communities.

“Yesterday’s Board approval represents an important step in our efforts to create jobs and revenue-generating assets in the innovation economy, with a particular focus on high-growth, high-wage strategic sectors,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “The HELIX will bring the state’s corporate, innovation, and higher education communities together and will provide the dual benefit of spurring the growth of startups and attracting global companies looking to benefit from a New Jersey location.”

The award approved yesterday is specific to the first phase of the HELIX, known as H-1. H-1, with estimated capital investments of $750 million, entails the construction and development of a 12-story, 573,400-square-foot building in downtown New Brunswick, consisting of three major components: the New Jersey Innovation HUB, which will offer space for innovation and startups, new research laboratories for Rutgers – the State University of New Jersey’s translational research effort, and a new medical education facility for the Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. In addition, the following entities will be anchor tenants at the HUB: Rutgers – the State University of New Jersey, Hackensack Meridian Health, RWJ Barnabas Health, and Middlesex County. Princeton University and DEVCO also plan to have a presence onsite. The project also includes public space connecting the Rutgers campus, the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital District, the New Brunswick Train Station, and the Government and Arts District in the City’s downtown. Governor Murphy first announced plans for an innovation hub in New Brunswick in 2018.

“The Aspire Program was specifically created to support projects that revitalize our downtowns into premier destinations, enabling communities to better serve residents and help attract successful companies and top-notch talent,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tim Sullivan. “The HELIX, a signature part of Governor Murphy’s economic plan to recapture New Jersey’s role as a leader in innovation, will foster the growth of startups and new technologies in a range of industries and will benefit entrepreneurs for decades to come.”

Sullivan noted that the project leverages the state’s leadership position by targeting the high growth life sciences industry and builds on the competitive advantages that the State’s mass transit, world-class universities, and other economic development assets offer. 

The project represents the largest capital investment in translational research in the state’s history and Rutgers has committed to investing $270 million to recruit and retain clinical researchers to further advance these translational research efforts. Additionally, the significant expansion of the state’s leading medical school will greatly increase clinical opportunities for students.

“The HELIX will be transformative for Rutgers, for New Brunswick and for the entire state,” said Rutgers President Jonathan Holloway. “This visionary project brings together academics, researchers and innovators under a single banner, it will create thousands of good-paying union jobs and will supercharge the innovation economy.  Simply put, the HELIX will put New Jersey on the cutting edge of global innovation.”

The NJEDA Board approved NJ Innovation Associates Urban Renewal, LLC for an award of up to 40 percent of total eligible project costs, not to exceed $271.19 million in Aspire tax credits over 10 years. According to the NJEDA’s calculations, the present value of the economic benefit of this project to the State is $340.4 million, which is 187 percent of the present value of the tax credit award.

Devco was established in 1976 as a nonprofit development company to initiate redevelopment projects and to serve as the vehicle for public and private investment in the City of New Brunswick. Since that time, Devco has overseen and managed over $3.5 billion of redevelopment activity including the development of residential, commercial, office, and other projects in order to aid in the city’s economic revitalization.

“The creation of H-1 at the HELIX represents a singular opportunity to create a first in class ecosystem to fuel New Jersey’s innovation economy, allowing the state to reclaim its leadership of the American innovation economy,” said Devco President Christopher Paladino. “This ecosystem will allow academic translational research to expand its connection to the innovation economy, state of the art medical education to lay the groundwork for a healthier New Jersey, the attraction of more National Institute of Health (NIH) research funding, and the NJ Innovation HUB’s establishment of a collaborative platform where companies will accelerate innovation and commercialization.”

“This is another step forward in the transformation of New Brunswick as a world-class center for innovation in the modern economy,” said Senator Bob Smith. “The HELIX initiative will help create jobs and spur economic activity as New Brunswick becomes a prime center for health and life sciences. Combining the resources of higher education, research and medical care will allow us to capitalize on the talent and abilities of our most valuable assets as we continue to move forward.”

“We continue to see the fruits of the Economic Recovery Act of 2020 as we cement New Jersey’s leadership on innovation and economic opportunity,” said Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin. “The first transformative project under the law to be approved in Central Jersey, this is a historic day. It’s this type of vision for collaboration and strategic cross-sector partnership, all converging under one roof, that serves as the foundation for getting big things done. I thank all those, at every level, involved in taking this momentous step forward into our state’s bright future.”

“Today’s exciting investment into the HELIX will bring the public, private, and academic sectors together in New Brunswick to create opportunity and grow our innovation economy,” said Assemblymen Joseph Egan and Joe Danielsen. “This project will bring our state forward by establishing New Jersey as a leader in innovation and attracting business to our state.”

“The HELIX is directly aligned with the County’s strategic plan for economic growth, Destination 2040,” said Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios. “Our future-forward vision is aimed at fostering emergent opportunities and established industries from Autonomous Technology, Food Innovation, and Life Sciences. We’re poised to become an economic powerhouse in Central Jersey – attracting industry giants to new entrepreneurs as well as top talent to our region. The County’s key investment in the HELIX development and our long-standing partnerships will have a reverberating, positive impact to our business eco-system and the residents for decades to come.”

“New Brunswick has long been on the cutting edge of new initiatives introduced by our State leadership,” said New Brunswick Mayor Jim Cahill. “The HELIX project, catapulted by the backing of the Aspire tax credit program, propels this exciting endeavor rapidly forward and sets a new standard for successful economic redevelopment.”

“RWJBarnabas Health is incredibly proud to be associated with the HELIX project, not only as a founding tenant of the New Jersey Innovation HUB, but also as an anchor institution for Middlesex County and the City of New Brunswick,” said Mark E. Manigan, President & CEO, RWJBarnabas Health. “We view the projects within this phase of the HELIX to be truly transformational for all of the collaborating organizations – particularly our academic partner Rutgers University – and the many constituents we serve across the region.”

“Our mission at Hackensack Meridian Health is to transform healthcare and be the leader of positive change and our participation in the HELIX and future projects is a great example of living this mission,’’ said Robert C. Garrett, CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health. “This new venture also supports New Jersey’s great legacy of innovation and we look forward to continued collaboration to continue this rich tradition.’’

“Today’s announcement represents an important step forward in establishing the HELIX, a new model for multi-institutional and multi-disciplinary partnerships that will help attract and retain the best talent and establish Central New Jersey as a global example for innovation and entrepreneurship,” said Craig B. Arnold, Vice Dean of Innovation at Princeton University. “Princeton University remains committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive innovation ecosystem throughout our region and we are eager to work with our academic, government and industrial collaborators.”

“Today’s announcement is incredibly important,” said BioNJ President and CEO Debbie Hart. “The HELIX will be a game-changer for New Jersey – bringing together public and private sectors, along with academia and investors, allowing for ‘new businesses to be born’ and ‘new jobs to be created.’ This is a significant milestone for New Jersey’s innovation ecosystem.”

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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Expanded program will prepare NJ students for career opportunities in offshore wind

TRENTON, N.J. (February 8, 2023) – The Board of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) today approved expanding a program that will offer students at select New Jersey public and private universities paid research fellowships to prepare them for careers in the offshore wind industry. Opportunities will be available for undergraduate and graduate students.

In its first year, which began in October 2022, the Wind Institute Fellowship Program is supporting 26 student researchers across Montclair State University, New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), Rowan University, and Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey. The expanded program will enable students that attend these four schools plus Stockton University and selected NJ private, research universities to apply to their home institution for the Wind Institute Fellowship and receive up to $30,000 in academic years 2023-24 and 2024-25 for offshore wind research.

“As the offshore wind industry builds momentum in New Jersey, it’s essential that we foster the growth of our pipeline of qualified, talented individuals equipped with relevant skills. This will not only prepare students for exciting career opportunities, but will help our workforce keep pace with the needs of the industry,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “An investment in today’s students is an investment in tomorrow’s economy and this fellowship program will ultimately help to position New Jersey as a global leader in offshore wind, while creating jobs and bringing us closer to achieving Governor Phil Murphy’s clean energy goals.”

The fellowships will take place through the fall, spring, and summer semesters and run between 25 and 40 weeks depending on each school’s calendar. Juniors and seniors are eligible for $15,000 undergraduate awards, while graduate and doctoral students can apply for $30,000 awards. All accepted fellows will also receive $1,000 for related expenses, such as travel to conferences and materials. Each participating school can receive up to four fellowships, with at least one undergraduate and graduate representative. Rutgers can earn 12 fellowships, including at least three undergraduate and three graduate fellows.

“Wind energy is a major component of the Murphy administration’s plan for a 100 percent clean energy economy and is expected to drive billions in economic benefits,” said Jane Cohen, Executive Director, Governor’s Office of Climate Action and the Green Economy.  “By investing in those students who come to or stay in New Jersey for higher education, we can create accessible pathways for thousands of local jobs to be filled by hard-working New Jerseyans and shape a sustainable tomorrow.”

The NJEDA will provide participating schools with funding for administration and other related expenses, while faculty advisors will receive $1,000 honorarium for their involvement. Fellows will be able to attend a series of cohort meetings hosted by the NJEDA during the academic year to support peer learning and to gain a comprehensive understanding of the offshore wind industry.

“New Jersey’s renowned higher education institutions are ideal for cultivating a workforce poised to support the state’s rapidly advancing offshore wind sector,” said NJEDA Vice President of Offshore Wind Jen Becker. “This fellowship program will create opportunities for students while helping us develop a robust, diverse, and local workforce for the offshore wind industry.”

Participating universities will run their application processes in the spring. Accepted fellows will begin in the summer or fall semesters.

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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Competitive Program Helps Attract Long-Term Investment While Preserving NJ’s Historic Structures

TRENTON, N.J (February 1, 2023) – Applications for the 2023 round of funding for the New Jersey Historic Property Reinvestment Program (HPRP) are now open, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) has announced. Applications for Regular and Transformative Projects will be accepted until 2:00 p.m. on Monday, April 3, 2023. For eligibility requirements and to access the application, please visit https://www.njeda.gov/historic-property-reinvestment-program/.

Created under the New Jersey Economic Recovery Act of 2020, the HPRP’s main focus is historic preservation as a component of community development, aiming to attract long-term private investment into New Jersey while preserving historic properties throughout the state. 

“The HPRP is strategically designed to support efforts to preserve local historic assets while meeting the needs of a 21st century economy,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Investing in the rehabilitation of dormant properties enables us to bolster local communities by furthering Governor Phil Murphy’s efforts to prioritize equitable and inclusive development, all while respecting the significance of iconic structures throughout New Jersey.”

The HPRP is designed to work in conjunction with the Federal Historic Tax Credit Program to encourage and bolster long-term private investments focused on the rehabilitation of existing identified historic structures throughout New Jersey. The program incentivizes work that can significantly contribute to the revitalization of cities and downtowns into more vibrant magnets for people and investment, while preserving often underutilized historic properties and returning them to productive use.

In October, the NJEDA’s Board approved HPRP tax credits to support the rehabilitation of Loew’s Theatre in Jersey City. This project, which marks the first award under the HPRP, is expected to result in the complete rehabilitation of the historic theater for use as a live performance, movie, and entertainment venue. The Board authorized the award of $42.27 million in tax credits, representing 45 percent of the eligible cost under the project, which has an estimated total cost of $110 million. 

“Our investment into the revitalization of historic properties through the HPRP will have a lasting positive impact on neighborhoods and cities statewide,” said NJEDA Director of Historic Preservation Aidita Milsted. “We saw a robust response when we launched the HPRP last year and are excited to see what projects come our way through the 2023 application period.”

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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Webinar will Showcase Recipients from NJ ZIP’s First Phase to Share Insights and Experiences

TRENTON, N.J. (January 25, 2023) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) will host a webinar to provide small business owners in New Jersey with details of the expanded New Jersey Zero-Emission Incentive Program (NJ ZIP) on Thursday, February 2. Several small business owners who are Phase 1 recipients of the program will share their testimonials and experiences.

In line with Governor Phil Murphy’s vision to use 100 percent clean energy statewide by 2050, NJ ZIP aims to accelerate the adoption and use of zero-emission vehicles across the state, reduce overall pollutants, and help institutions and businesses go green. More than $39 million in vouchers has been approved through Phase 1 of the program. Those who benefited from the vouchers will discuss the impact on their organizations and take questions from prospective applicants. Learn more about NJZIP here. 

The NJEDA announced the $45 million expansion of the program in July 2022, which includes two important additions – statewide eligibility and purchase of heavy-duty in addition to medium-duty vehicles. The program first launched in 2021 as a pilot program available only to businesses 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.

Purchasers will be able to apply for vouchers ranging from $20,000 to $175,000, based on vehicle class, to support their purchases of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles that meet zero-emission standards. Additional bonuses are available. The application for Phase 2 of NJ ZIP is expected to launch in the coming weeks.

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

The webinar is scheduled 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. on February 2. Those interested can find out more about the program and register for the webinar at https://www.njeda.gov/event/nj-zip-purchaser-application-overview/. A recorded version of the information session will be posted at http://www.njeda.gov/njzip following the event.  

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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Spending on film and television production exceeds $650 million for 2022

LOS ANGELES – Governor Phil Murphy and the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission announced today that overall in-state production spending from filmmaking exceeded $650 million in 2022, besting the previous record of $500 million set for 2021. The announcement came at the outset of a series of meetings in California between Governor Murphy and the film, TV, and technology industries.

The record spending followed a busy year that saw a surge in production after Thanksgiving. In addition, motion picture, television and streaming productions in the state created over 8,500 jobs in 2022. That number is expected to grow significantly in the coming years as several major studios finish construction.

“Following my reinstatement of the Film and Digital Media Tax Credit program and game-changing investments in our rapidly expanding film and television industries, production has exploded in the past four years as more people learn what New Jersey has to offer,” said Governor Murphy. “This huge growth has fueled thousands of jobs for New Jersey residents while providing economic benefit to our towns and cities.”

Total production spending in New Jersey has surged since 2018, when Governor Murphy reinstated the Film and Digital Media Tax Credit program. The program, which was expanded in 2021, has made New Jersey a major filming hub on the east coast.

“People all over the state are experiencing the thrill of having the next box office hit or television series filmed in their community. These productions, plus the recent addition of some top-tier studio development projects, will continue to drive economic activity and create many thousands of employment opportunities for New Jerseyans from diverse backgrounds long into the future,” said Secretary of State Tahesha Way. “Governor Murphy’s leadership of the state’s thoughtful, cross-agency approach is preserving New Jersey’s legacy as the birthplace of film and cementing its place in the industry as a nurturing home where creative careers and projects can thrive.”

New Jersey was the backdrop for dozens of feature films over the past year, including Oppenheimer, Inappropriate Behavior, and Maybe I Do. Major television series filmed here included The Walking Dead: Dead City and Harlan Coben’s Shelter.

The surge in production has been accompanied by increased interest from studios looking to set up shop in New Jersey. In 2022, Lionsgate broke ground on a Newark location, and last month Netflix’s bid to purchase property at Fort Monmouth for a major east coast hub was approved by the Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority. Projects in Bayonne and Carteret have also made progress as content producers search for space to set up shop.

“From the start, Governor Murphy has been determined not only to increase production, which we’ve done, but also to attract major studios to New Jersey,” said Tim Sullivan, Chief Executive Officer of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority. “With the flood of interest from major content producers we could see millions of square feet of studio space become available in the next three years.”

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First Lady Tammy Murphy (immediately left of podium) poses with NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan (behind podium), CSIT Executive Director Judith Sheft (far right), CSIT staff members and Maternal and Infant Health R&D Grant Program awardees following today’s event.

Trenton, N.J. (January 20, 2023) – The Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology (CSIT) Board today awarded a combined $1.275 million in grants to 17 startups to accelerate the development of technologies, products, and services that support maternal and child wellbeing. The grants were awarded through CSIT’s Maternal and Infant Health Research & Development (R&D) Grant Program, which launched last June.

Through the Maternal and Infant Health R&D Seed Grant Program, CSIT will advance the innovation economy through the development of critically necessary research, products, and services designed to support maternal and infant health. This effort supports the goals established by the Nurture NJ Strategic Plan, which aims to make New Jersey the safest place in America to deliver a baby, specifically focusing on ending racial disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes. Launched in 2019 by Governor Phil Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy, Nurture NJ is a comprehensive, whole-of-government effort to reduce maternal and infant mortality and morbidity and ensure equitable care among women and children of all races and ethnicities in New Jersey.

“New Jersey is home to some of the most innovative startups across a myriad of industries, and it is my honor to be here today to recognize some of the top startups in maternal and infant health,” said First Lady Tammy Murphy. “As we celebrate our sixth annual Maternal Health Awareness Day here in New Jersey, I reflect on the significant work we have accomplished and what has yet to come. In the next three years, a top priority is to build a thriving Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Center in Trenton that will continue this groundbreaking work long past the Murphy administration. I am certain that today’s grant recipients will be essential partners to the Center and to Nurture NJ.”

In line with Governor Murphy’s vision to create the most diverse and inclusive innovation economy in the nation, the awardees announced today represent a diverse group of entrepreneurs focused on supporting maternal health in New Jersey. Nearly 40 percent of awardees are self-reported minority-owned startups and 33 percent are self-reported women-owned businesses. The following startups within New Jersey’s life sciences, technology, and non-retail food and beverage sectors were each awarded grants of up to $75,000:

“We are proud to work with First Lady Murphy and our partners around the state to support the crucial and lifesaving work being done through the Nurture NJ initiative,” said CSIT Executive Director Judith Sheft. “Helping these startups to advance their products and services from ideas through commercialization will have a lasting impact on the quality of care for New Jersey’s mothers and infants.  The awardees are working on a variety of drug, diagnostic, hardware and software solutions to address and improve maternal and infant health.”

The Maternal & Infant R&D Seed Grant Program started as a $750,000 program, but given the high volume of quality applications and interest from the startup community, the CSIT Board announced additional funding today that nearly doubles the amount available for awards to $1.275 million. As part of the agreement signed last year between the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) and CSIT, the NJEDA dedicated $250,000 from the Economic Recovery Fund towards this program. CSIT provided the remainder of the funding from its Fiscal Years 2022 and 2023 budgets.

NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan noted that the NJEDA’s investment in this program represents the Authority’s commitment to maternal and infant health innovation. The awardees exemplify the type of innovative work that will be housed at the Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Center currently being developed in Trenton.

“Under Governor Murphy’s and First Lady Murphy’s leadership, CSIT and the NJEDA are finding innovative ways to help make New Jersey the safest place to give birth and focusing on ending racial disparities in maternal and infant health,” Sullivan said. “These grant awards serve the dual purpose of prioritizing investment into programs, research, and services that improve the lives of women and children, while also working to drive down the racial inequities that exist in access to care. In addition, we are furthering opportunities for young, innovative companies in the Garden State.”

First Lady Murphy joined Sheft, Sullivan, CSIT Board members, legislators, and industry leaders to announce the awards today at the NJEDA’s New Jersey Bioscience Center (NJBC) – Step-Out Labs in North Brunswick. Strategically located in the heart of the State’s research corridor between Rutgers and Princeton universities, the NJBC Step-Out Labs provides a life sciences workplace environment for post-incubation and rapidly growing biopharmaceutical companies.

“Today, through the combined work of so many partners, 17 startups are poised to receive more than $1 million in funding to move their projects forward,” said CSIT Chair Debbie Hart. “We applaud those innovators who are creating solutions where they are so desperately needed, as well as the First Lady for her foresight and commitment to this important work. We are grateful to have the opportunity to partner in this way and that babies and their families will benefit in meaningful ways.”

About the New Jersey CSIT

In August 2018, Governor Murphy signed legislation re-establishing the former New Jersey Commission on Science and Technology as the CSIT. Comprised of representatives from the public and private sectors, as well as academia, the Commission is tasked with leading the way in promoting the State as a home for academic and technological research, development, and commercialization.

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 state resources available to New Jersey entrepreneurs and early-stage companies, 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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Opportunity for stakeholders to learn about this first-in-the-nation investment program

TRENTON, N.J. (January 20, 2023) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) will hold a virtual information session to provide venture capitalists, private equity investors, and New Jersey startups with information on how they can access capital from the New Jersey Innovation Evergreen Fund (NJIEF). Established by Governor Phil Murphy’s New Jersey Economic Recovery Act of 2020, the NJIEF is a ground-breaking tool designed to grow the state’s innovation economy by catalyzing up to $600 million to support early-stage innovation-focused businesses in New Jersey, while creating mentoring, networking, and educational opportunities to help position these companies for success.

Last month, the NJEDA announced the results of a $50 million tax credit auction, in which established corporations committed funding, technical assistance, and mentorship to help startup businesses in the state. Funds raised through the tax credit auction are expected to help support six to ten high-growth businesses this year.

The information session will be held on January 26th at 9:30 a.m. Register at https://www.njeda.gov/event/njeda-innovation-evergreen-fund-investment-program/. A recorded version of the information session will be posted at http://www.njeda.gov/evergreen following the event.  

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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Would-Be Entrepreneurs Can Learn How to Apply for
Up to $400,000 in Income Replacement Funding & Mentorship

TRENTON, N.J. (January 13, 2023) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) today announced it will host a webinar next week for would-be entrepreneurs to learn how they can apply for grants of up to $400,000 to pursue their endeavors through the upcoming $10 million New Jersey Innovation Fellows (NJIF) program. The January 19th virtual information session will offer an overview of the program and will provide insight on how the competitive program will support teams of at least three entrepreneurs with mentorship, training, and income replacement capital over a two-year period. Entrepreneurs interested in attending the webinar can register at https://www.njeda.gov/event/njeda-innovation-fellowship-program/.

Applications are expected to launch in the first quarter of 2023 for the NJIF, which is designed to replace a stream of income an entrepreneur might forgo to launch an early-stage business. The NJEDA anticipates that support from the NJIF Program will attract innovative ideas and entrepreneurs who would otherwise be unable to pursue the launch of a new venture due to the need for income or, in the case of a recent graduate, who would choose to accept employment in lieu of entrepreneurship due to socio-economic constraints. The program will be open to would-be entrepreneurs in the following industries: advanced transportation and logistics, advanced manufacturing, aviation, autonomous vehicle and zero-emissions research or development, clean energy, clean technology, life sciences, hemp processing, information and high technology, finance and insurance, professional services, film and digital media, and non-retail food and beverage business (including food innovation).

The NJIF Program will award 10 to 16 grants across two cohorts annually of $200,000 per team. In keeping with Governor Murphy’s vision for inclusive economic growth, teams may access an additional $50,000 award on top of the $200,000 base award if one entrepreneur verifies residency in a designated Opportunity Zone in New Jersey. Teams may be awarded an additional $50,000 for each entrepreneur leader who self-certifies as a minority or female entrepreneur or is a graduate of a New Jersey college or university. Qualifying teams may receive additional bonuses of up to $150,000 in aggregate for certifying team members, resulting in a total $400,000 award. To be eligible for the NJIF Program, at least half of the team must certify as “first-time entrepreneurs” and at least half of the entrepreneur team must come directly from the workforce. In addition to the financial benefits of the program, all entrepreneur fellows must participate in a mentorship program.

The NJEDA expects to open the NJIF Program application semi-annually in 2023 and 2024, until funds are exhausted.

About the New Jersey Economic Development Authority

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

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

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Subsidies to Adopt New Grocery Delivery Models to Aid Food Desert Community Residents

TRENTON, N.J (January 6, 2023) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board announced at its December meeting the approval of a new grant program targeted at strengthening food security in the state’s 50 Food Desert Communities (FDC), which are home to 1.5 million New Jersey residents across a diverse range of communities in all 21 counties. This spring, food retailers will be able to apply for the Food Retail Innovation in Delivery Grant (FRIDG) to assist in the purchase and installation of temperature-controlled lockers to expand food delivery options and improve food access for Food Desert Community residents. FRIDG will provide last mile solutions that help FDC residents tap into the exponential growth in online grocery shopping with delivery to a convenient location in their community.

The $2.5 million allocation appropriated through the Fiscal Year 2022 state budget is aligned with Governor Phil Murphy’s commitment to combating food insecurity, including Sustain & Serve NJ, the Food Security Planning Grant and the Food Desert Relief Act, which will provide up to $40 million per year to support a variety of programs that increase access to affordable, nutritious food through funding for supermarkets, small- and mid-size retailers, and other entities that support food security initiatives. NJEDA is also currently seeking public feedback on the Food Desert Relief Tax Credit Program, which aims to support the development and initial operations of new supermarkets and grocery stores in FDCs.

“The FRIDG program will build upon Governor Murphy’s vision and the work being done to uplift those in the state’s targeted Food Desert Communities,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “People should be able to benefit from the advancements in grocery delivery and access nutritious food regardless of their zip code. With this new program, we will make New Jersey a leader in pioneering a new approach to food access in partnership with food retailers.”

“The creation of crucial resources and programs, such as the FRIDG program, plays an important role in our work to stem food insecurity in households across New Jersey,” said Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin (D-Middlesex). “This program will help bridge the gap in access to balanced, nutritional meals for working families living in food desert communities in our state, building on our efforts to put food on the table of all New Jerseyans. Meeting the most basic needs of our residents must be our priority and the FRIDG program helps us accomplish this by building on our existing hunger-fighting initiatives.”

Food retailers with at least one physical location in New Jersey can apply for up to $250,000 in funding to purchase and install self-contained, temperature-controlled lockers in one of New Jersey’s 50 designated FDCs. These companies must be authorized to accept online orders paid with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. As of September 2022, there were 789,276 New Jersey residents receiving SNAP benefits, including nearly 350,000 children. In 2020, the NJ Department of Human Services (NJDHS) launched a pilot program to allow SNAP recipients to use their benefits to purchase groceries online. This aligns with the broader growth in online grocery ordering, which now accounts for almost 10 percent of all grocery sales nationwide and is projected to surpass 20 percent by 2026. New Jersey SNAP recipients can now purchase groceries online from 16 retailers, but many FDC residents remain unable to receive groceries as they lack a reliable delivery location due to unpredictable work schedules, family obligations or housing insecurity. The FRIDG lockers are intended to provide FDC residents with a safe, convenient location where their grocery orders – including fresh produce and dairy – will stay fresh until they are retrieved at a convenient time. 

“Food assistance through SNAP puts food on the table for many New Jersey families. But for residents without ready access to fresh, nutritious food, this assistance is incomplete,” NJDHS Commissioner Sarah Adelman said. “The FRIDG program bridges the gap by allowing retailers who participate in the states’ online ordering flexibility to better serve customers where they live and work. This program, with the strong leadership and partnership of NJEDA, truly demonstrates the Murphy Administration’s whole-of-government approach to addressing food insecurity.”

Retailers must submit an application detailing their plan to purchase these lockers before actually buying one. The FRIDG grants will cover at least 30 percent of the initial costs, including the installation, which is subject to the state’s prevailing wages and affirmative action laws for installation costs above $2,000. Applicants may increase their grant award through bonuses to cover up to 50 percent of the project costs for commitments such as waiving delivery fees (including for SNAP recipients) and partnering with community-based organizations to host the lockers. The lockers must be installed in public places with easy general access to the public to allow residents to easily access to groceries. such as community centers or libraries, not lobbies of apartment complexes with keycards or locks or other sites with restricted access. The Authority will disburse funds to the purchasing companies following the installation, which will be the lower amount between the determined percentage or $250,000.

“There is no single solution to alleviating food deserts, and FRIDG is a vital element of Governor Murphy’s growing portfolio of food security initiatives,” said NJEDA Executive Vice President for Economic Security Tara Colton. “This program is pioneering a new approach to food access in partnership with food retailers. By meeting people where they are – literally – we aim to eliminate some of the structural and logistical barriers to fresh and nutritious food that should be the standard for all New Jersey residents, regardless of where they live.”

“True food security exists when all people, at all times, have physical, economic, and social access to safe, sufficient, and nutritious food,” said Mark Dinglasan, Director of the Office of the Food Security Advocate (OFSA). “The FRIDG program is an innovative approach to food security that encourages public/private partnerships, decreases stigma, leverages technology, and fulfills a good portion of the definition of food security. OFSA is proud to support the NJEDA in this effort and looks forward to continued innovation and collaboration that we can bring to bear when we all work together and push each other to think outside the box.”

Retailers can apply for multiple grants, providing they offer one locker unit per FDC and do not try to install one in a FDC that has already received approval.  The application window will be open for 18 months from the start date or until the funds are exhausted, whichever comes first. This is not a competitive application process, and all candidates will be evaluated separately as applications are received. Upon approval, grantees will have 12 months to install the lockers, with up to two six-month extensions available, pending Authority approval.

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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