wpengine, Author at NJEDA

NJ Accelerate Will Support Companies Locating in NJ After Graduating from Launch Lane

*Launch Lane Leadership and Advisory Team*

TRENTON, N.J. (October 7, 2021) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) announced today that the Philadelphia-based University City Science Center’s Launch Lane accelerator has been approved to participate in its NJ Accelerate program. NJ Accelerate is designed to grow New Jersey’s innovation ecosystem by promoting greater participation by the state’s entrepreneurs in qualified accelerator programs throughout the United States. It also incentivizes graduate companies from approved accelerators to consider locating in New Jersey, as well as to showcase the talent in the state’s accelerators on a national stage. More information about NJ Accelerate can be found at http://www.njeda.gov/njaccelerate.

An accelerator is a fixed-term, cohort-based training experience for startups that offers educational and mentorship programs and facilitates connections to venture capitalists, angel investors, mentors, customers, industry experts, and corporate executives who can help early-stage companies grow. Many accelerators also provide investment capital and office, lab, or prototyping space.

Through NJ Accelerate, the NJEDA matches investments made by an approved accelerator into startups that locate in New Jersey within six months after graduating from the participating accelerator’s program. NJEDA’s match will be in the form of a direct loan up to $250,000. A five-percent match bonus is available for companies that are certified as women- or minority-owned in New Jersey. The NJEDA will also provide rent support for up to six months if a company locates in an approved NJ Ignite collaborative workspace.

“New Jersey entrepreneurs are continually coming up with high-caliber ideas for products that will transform the global marketplace, and we are committed to connecting them with the tools necessary to bring those ideas from thoughts to prototypes and commercialization,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, we have rolled out a suite of resources, including NJ Accelerate, to help early-stage companies access capital, mentorship, and real estate with the goal of achieving the Governor’s vision for recapturing New Jersey’s leadership in innovation.”

Launch Lane helps entrepreneurs in the technology, tech-enabled, and digital health spaces scale their startups and commercialize their products. Since its launch in 2014, Launch Lane has invested capital into 35 companies, including four based in New Jersey. Combined, these alumni have generated over $50 million in revenue and raised over $300 million in funds and employ more than 400 people.

In addition, Launch Lane frequently brings in members in the greater Philadelphia community to engage with participants on a range of relevant topics, such as hiring talent, licensing, marketing, product development, change management, and sales/value proposition. Launch Lane participants also have the ability to tap into the University City Science Center’s vast network of resources, including hundreds of vetted mentors, advisors, seasoned entrepreneurs, and investors who can provide mentorship to the growing companies. Founded in 1963, the University City Science Center is Philadelphia’s premier catalyst of entrepreneurial activity, healthcare innovation, and economic growth.

“Our proximity to southern New Jersey makes us an ideal choice for entrepreneurs who have already set down roots and are looking to expand their footprint in the Garden State,” said Aron Starosta, University City Science Center’s Vice President, Commercialization & New Ventures. “Joining the NJ Accelerate program is a wonderful way for us to leverage the strengths of the region to increase visibility among New Jersey early-stage companies and reinforces the Science Center’s regional and global approach to technology commercialization. We encourage anyone interested in applying to our nationally-recognized program to learn more about our hands-on approach to helping startups grow.”

Launch Lane is the fourth accelerator approved to participate in NJ Accelerate to date, joining VentureWell’s Aspire Program, Cleantech Open Northeast and Morgan Stanley Multicultural Innovation Lab as approved accelerators.

In addition to benefiting New Jersey startups, the NJ Accelerate program also provides exposure and funding for participating accelerators. The NJEDA will disseminate information about Launch Lane and encourage well-qualified companies to participate. In addition, the NJEDA will provide up to $25,000 per event capped at $100,000 per participating accelerator in total sponsorship funding for accelerator-led events, such as Accelerator Demo-Days, cohort road shows, in-person classes, pitch competitions, and networking events held in New Jersey. Approved accelerators with a diversity and inclusion focus may be eligible for an additional five percent bonus.

Accelerators and entrepreneurs interested in participating in the NJ Accelerate program are encouraged to contact the NJEDA at NJAccelerate@njeda.com. Additional information and detailed eligibility criteria for both accelerator programs and entrepreneurs are available at https://www.njeda.gov/njaccelerate.

About the New Jersey Economic Development Authority

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

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses call NJEDA Customer Care at 609-858-6767 or visit https://www.njeda.govand follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

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TRENTON, N.J. (September 30, 2021) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) today announced that it is partnering with two entities to offer support services to businesses impacted by the remnants of Hurricane Ida that are seeking federal financial assistance through the Small Business Administration’s (SBA’s) Non-COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program and/or Business Physical Disaster Loan Program.

The NJEDA has selected the African-American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) and the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (SHCCNJ) to help guide businesses that sustained storm damage through the process of applying for SBA financing. This technical assistance is the latest in a series of steps New Jersey is taking to provide one-on-one assistance to New Jersey small businesses impacted by Hurricane Ida.

“Public and private sector partners have been essential to the State’s COVID recovery efforts, and these partnerships remain critical as we work to assist businesses and non-profits, including those in historically underserved communities, recovering from the damage and economic disruption caused by recent severe weather,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “The AACCNJ and SHCCNJ will help to connect business owners and entrepreneurs with funding while we continue to work with Governor Phil Murphy to assess the needs of businesses and develop additional resources to help make them whole.”

The SBA’s Physical Disaster and EIDL Programs are available to businesses, non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters in Bergen, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Union and Warren counties.

This assistance provided by the AACCNJ and SHCCNJ includes, but is not limited to, preparing financial information, packaging application documentation, and completing and submitting the on-line or paper-based application. Compensation for these organizations will be based on completed and submitted SBA applications.

“The AACCNJ is committed to assisting its constituents with securing SBA assistance to help them recover from devastation resulting from Hurricane Ida,” said AACCNJ President, Founder, and CEO John E. Harmon, Sr., IOM. “Small business owners and employers throughout the state can rest assured that we are here to help and will leverage our partnerships and expertise to guide them through the SBA application process.”

“The Chamber is eager to work with business owners and non-profit leaders to help secure the SBA funding that will be so critical to their recovery from damage caused by Ida,” said Carlos Medina, CEO and President, SHCCNJ. “This storm occurred at a time when businesses were bouncing back from the pandemic, and we hope that our assistance will get them quickly back on their path toward recovery.”

Loans of up to $2 million are available through the Non-COVID EIDL Program and Business Physical Disaster Loan Program.

For more information, please contact the AACCNJ or the SHCCNJ.

About the New Jersey Economic Development Authority

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

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TRENTON, N.J. (September 29, 2021) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) today announced the first approvals under the Ida/Henri Business Assistance Grant Program. The NJEDA anticipates approving relief awards for hundreds of additional businesses and nonprofits in the coming weeks.

“The damage caused by the remnants of Hurricanes Ida and Henri was a tragic and unexpected challenge for communities that were rebounding strongly in the wake of COVID-19,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “The Ida/Henri Business Assistance Grant Program is providing much-needed immediate support to help businesses and nonprofits rebuild, and the NJEDA is working closely with Governor Murphy to provide additional resources to support his vision for a stronger, fairer recovery.”

Created in early September to support communities that were impacted by the remnants of Hurricanes Ida and Henri, the Ida/Henri Business Assistance Grant Program is a $10.5 million program that provides grants of $1,000 to $5,000 to businesses and nonprofits that were damaged by the extreme weather that passed through New Jersey in late August and early September.

Grants awarded through the program are provided in the form of reimbursement of August rent or mortgage payments.

To ensure grants reach businesses in the hardest hit communities, including communities of color, one-third of the funding available through the program is targeted to businesses with a primary business location within a census tract that was designated as eligible to be selected as an Opportunity Zone.

Applications for the Ida/Henri Business Assistance Grant Program were open from September 17^th through September 24^th. The NJEDA is currently reviewing all submitted applications and distributing funds to eligible businesses and organizations.

About the New Jersey Economic Development Authority

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses call NJEDA Customer Care at 609-858-6767 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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Expansion will Bring Popular NJ ZIP Program to
Greater New Brunswick Area & Build on Successful Pilot Program

TRENTON, N.J. (September 29, 2021) – Building on the momentum generated since the launch of the New Jersey Zero Emission Incentive Program (NJ ZIP) pilot program earlier this year, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) today announced a $9.25 million expansion of the popular clean energy initiative. The initial $15 million voucher pilot program launched earlier this year to help businesses and institutions in the greater Camden and greater Newark areas offset the cost of purchasing new, zero-emission medium-duty vehicles (MDVs). Through the expansion announced today, the NJEDA will broaden access to the pilot program to include qualified businesses and institutions in the greater New Brunswick area. Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis and can found at http://www.njeda.gov/njzip.

“Historically overburdened communities have borne the brunt of the impact of global warming for far too long,” Governor Phil Murphy said. “NJ ZIP is an important part of our Administration-wide environmental justice effort to level the playing field, improve community health outcomes, and connect local New Jersey businesses with resources to take control of their vehicle emissions.”

As of today, 38 applications have been submitted to the program, representing 148 zero-emission vehicles, and nearly reaching full subscription of the initial $15 million voucher pool. In alignment with Governor Murphy’s vision to create equitable economic opportunities, targeted program outreach has resulted in more than 75 percent of the purchaser applicants being small or micro-businesses and over 50 percent certified as minority- and/or woman-owned businesses. All applicants approved to date will operate and/or register their vehicles within the greater Camden or greater Newark areas, positively contributing to emission reductions in overburdened communities. By expanding program eligibility and funding, the NJEDA anticipates building on this foundation to reach more local communities and businesses.

“Getting more zero-emission vehicles on the roads is a key step in New Jersey’s response to climate change and improving health outcomes in our overburdened communities – and just makes good economic sense for our small businesses,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “We are excited to see such a robust and diverse response to our pilot program, and are thrilled that the funding announced today will allow us to bring NJ ZIP to more communities within our state, making strides toward Governor Murphy’s vision for a stronger and fairer – and greener – New Jersey.”

As in the initial phase of the NJ ZIP pilot program, businesses and organizations in the three designated communities can apply for vouchers to purchase new, Class 2b to Class 6 zero-emission MDVs. The size of vouchers awarded through the program varies depending on the class of vehicle being purchased, from a minimum of $25,000 for Class 2b vehicles to $100,000 for Class 6 vehicles. Bonuses are available for small businesses (fewer than 25 staff or less than $5M in annual revenues); women-, minority-, and veteran-owned businesses; vehicles that are manufactured in New Jersey; and small businesses that scrap their eligible MHDVs. More information on eligibility and processes is available at https://www.njeda.gov/njzip.

In addition to municipalities in the greater Newark and greater Camden areas, the following communities in the greater New Brunswick area, defined as the overburdened communities within or intersected by a circle with a 10-mile radius centered on New Brunswick, are now eligible to participated in the NJ ZIP Program following the expansion:

Bound Brook, Bridgewater, Clark, Dunellen, East Brunswick, Edison, Franklin, Green Brook, Highland Park, Hillsborough, Jamesburg, Manville, Metuchen, Middlesex, Monroe, Montgomery, New Brunswick, North Brunswick, North Plainfield, Old Bridge, Perth Amboy, Piscataway, Plainfield, Raritan, Sayreville, Scotch Plains, Somerville, South Amboy, South Bound Brook, South Brunswick, South Plainfield, South River, Spotswood, Woodbridge

In early 2020, Governor Murphy unveiled the state’s Energy Master Plan, which outlines key strategies to reach the Administration’s goal of 100 percent clean energy by 2050. In May 2018, the Governor’s Executive Order No. 28 directed the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU), in partnership with other state agencies, to develop this statewide clean energy plan and shift away from energy production that contributes to climate change.

“As part of its sweeping clean energy initiatives the Murphy Administration has implemented a robust electric vehicle program to address the fact that the transportation sector accounts for 46 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in New Jersey,” said NJBPU President Joseph L. Fiordaliso. “These programs include NJ ZIP, the Charge-Up New Jersey electric vehicle incentive program for consumers and the Clean Fleet Electric Vehicle Incentive program for government entities. NJ ZIP is an innovative and effective way to drive down the Garden State’s carbon footprint. We applaud the NJEDA’s expansion of this program into the greater New Brunswick area.”

Similar to the initial round of NJ ZIP funding, this expansion will continue to be funded using proceeds from New Jersey’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), a multi-state “cap-and-trade” program regulating carbon dioxide emissions, that New Jersey was rejoined by Executive Order of Governor Murphy in 2019. The State is deploying those funds within four initiative categories identified in the RGGI Strategic Funding Plan: catalyzing clean, equitable transportation; promoting blue carbon in coastal habitats; enhancing forests and urban forests; and creating a New Jersey Green Fund. More information about New Jersey’s plans for using RGGI funding is available https://www.nj.gov/rggi/index.html.

“With Governor Murphy’s leadership, we rejoined our neighbors throughout the northeast in fighting climate change by reducing greenhouse emissions and investing in the electrification of medium and heavy duty vehicles and port equipment, which improves air quality in some of our most overburdened environmental justice communities,” said New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn LaTourette. “Continued investments in creative programs like NJ ZIP demonstrate that we can support New Jersey businesses as we improve our environment and protect public health.”

Vouchers are available on a first-come, first-served basis, with a continued focus on outreach and engagement to the micro and small business community. Based on the continued positive results of this expansion of the pilot program, additional expansions or a longer-term program with expanded eligibility may be proposed.

About the New Jersey Economic Development Authority

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses call NJEDA Customer Care at 609-858-6767 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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Six Startups Awarded Vouchers to Help Them to Access Amenities at World-Renowned NJ Universities

TRENTON, N.J. (September 27, 2021) – The Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology (CSIT) today announced that six startups have been approved, with more in the pipeline, to participate in its Clean Tech Research and Development (R&D) Voucher Program. The $435,000 program helps early-stage New Jersey clean technology companies more easily access resources such as specialized equipment at one of the state’s many world-class universities or federal laboratory facilities. CSIT continues to accept program applications on a rolling basis. The application is available at https://application.njeda.com/csit. The program was developed in coordination with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA).

“Through the Clean Tech R&D Voucher Program, we are able to support the cultivation of innovative technologies in our state’s earliest stage companies and showcase the breadth of amenities that our world-class universities offer to the innovation community,” said CSIT Chairman Gunjan Doshi. “We encourage all emerging companies to explore how this program can further their growth.”

Doshi noted that in addition to the six approvals announced today, another 10 applications are under review.

Through the Clean Tech R&D Voucher Program, eligible applicants receive vouchers to subsidize the costs associated with using equipment at a New Jersey university or federal laboratory for product testing and development. Each eligible applicant can apply for multiple vouchers up to a cap of $15,000 within any 12-month period. An approved voucher is valid for a period of three months.

The program specifically funds work on projects that are developing clean technologies that recapture or avoid emissions of greenhouse gases and/or criteria pollutants. The following technology areas are eligible under the program: chemicals/advance materials, energy distribution/storage, energy efficiency, energy generation, green buildings, transportation, waste processing, and water and agriculture. A New Jersey clean tech asset map listing university and federal laboratory resources in NJ is available on the CSIT website.

“The Clean Tech R&D Voucher Program is making it easier for startups around the state to leverage one of New Jersey’s greatest assets – its globally-recognized higher education network – as they work toward commercialization and beyond,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “This will have the dual benefit of supporting both technological advances and job creation as these young companies grow, a priority for Governor Phil Murphy and his entire administration.”

To be eligible for the Clean Tech R&D Voucher Program, applicants must be registered to conduct business in New Jersey and must have no more than 50 full-time employees at the time of application. Additionally, 100 percent of the project work for which the voucher is being sought must be conducted in New Jersey. Full eligibility requirements can be found at https://www.njeda.gov/csit.

“Governor Murphy has put forth an ambitious vision to achieve 100 percent clean energy by 2050 and we are helping carry out that vision through our robust offshore wind, solar, energy efficiency and vehicle electrification programs,” said NJBPU President Joseph L. Fiordaliso. “Our state’s vibrant startup community is also playing an instrumental role in helping us reach the Governor’s goal. Supporting these emerging companies through innovative programs such as the Clean Tech R&D Voucher Program will lead to long-term economic success, environmental sustainability and a vibrant clean energy economy.”

The following startups were each approved for vouchers totaling $15,000, unless otherwise noted:

Parsippany-based BRISEA Group Inc. has provided environmental and energy professional services, technology and know-how transfer from the United States to the developing nations for over two decades. With support from the Clean Tech R&D Voucher Program, the company is using equipment at the New Jersey Institute of Technology’s (NJIT’s) Otto York Center to develop technology that enables massive disinfection of personnel and medical equipment, material surfaces and waters that humans come in contact.

Eion NJ Corporation, located in Princeton, is developing a specialty fine-grained mineral product that rapidly captures and stores CO2 when applied to agricultural soils. Funding through the Clean Tech R&D Voucher Program will support Eion Corporation’s use of equipment at the Rutgers University’s School of Environmental and Biological Science’s Greenhouses to further its efforts. Eion NJ Corporation previously received funding through CSIT’s Clean Tech Seed Grant Program.

Bordentown-based HiT Nano Inc. develops next-generation, low-cost and high-performance lithium ion (Li-ion) battery materials and energy storage systems by using novel high temperature nanotechnologies. The company will use equipment at the Princeton University’s – Princeton Institute of Materials (Imaging and Analysis Center and Micro and Nano Fabrication Center) to further the R&D of its technologies. (HiT Nano Inc. has been approved for $11,250 in vouchers through the program).

Michrinik Technologies, LLC., located in Cedar Knolls, is a green technology company focused on creating new materials for energy storage application. Support from the Clean Tech R&D Voucher Program will help the company offset the cost of using equipment at the NJIT’s Maker Space and Otto York Centers it works toward commercialization of its products.

Nanosepex Inc., located in Newark, is an environmental research company that is developing what it considers to be the next generation desalination and water treatment technology. The company plans to use equipment at NJIT’s Laboratory for Analytical Chemistry and Nanotechnology to further its development of technologies to treat industrial wastewater (such as power plants and Fracking water) and ultimately reduce greenhouse gas emission.

RRTC, Inc., located in Bella Mead, is developing advanced composite materials for a myriad of uses based on Low Temperature Solidification (LTS) technology originally developed at Rutgers University. The company is using vouchers from the Clean Tech R&D Voucher Program to offset the costs of equipment at Rutgers University’s Materials Science and Engineering core facility as it produces materials for such applications as wind turbine blades, wood substitutes and capture media for a new solid-state carbon capture system.

About 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 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.

About NJBPU
NJBPU is a state agency and regulatory authority mandated to ensure safe, adequate and proper utility services at reasonable rates for New Jersey customers. Critical services regulated by NJBPU include natural gas, electricity, water, wastewater, telecommunications and cable television. The Board has general oversight and responsibility for monitoring utility service, responding to consumer complaints, and investigating utility accidents. To find out more about NJBPU, visit our website at www.nj.gov/bpu.

To learn more about state resources available to New Jersey entrepreneurs and early-stage companies, visit https://www.njeda.gov/csit or follow @NewJerseyEDA on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

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TRENTON, N.J. (September 27, 2021) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board last week approved Rowan College of South Jersey (RCSJ) as the winner of the NJ Wind Turbine Tech Training Challenge.

Supported by funding from the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) and aligned with Governor Phil Murphy’s Wind Council recommendations, the NJ Wind Turbine Tech Training Challenge was launched in July as a competitive grant program to support a community college that collaborates with union trade organizations and industry partners to establish an offshore wind turbine technician training program. RCSJ will receive a grant of $819,019 to develop an industry-recognized wind turbine technician training program that will support the offshore wind industry and workforce in New Jersey.

“Thanks to Governor Murphy’s strong leadership, New Jersey is well on its way to becoming the capital of offshore wind in the U.S., bringing billions of dollars and thousands of jobs to our state,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “It is crucial that we take steps now to prepare to meet the industry’s workforce needs and to ensure equitable access to these opportunities for all New Jerseyans. We are proud to support RCSJ and our partners in labor and the trades to bring a comprehensive credential program to New Jersey that will ensure New Jersey students and workers have access to the training they need to work in offshore wind.”

“As New Jersey transitions to 100 percent clean energy, it is imperative that we cultivate a workforce prepared to meet the emerging opportunities that building and operating clean energy infrastructure offer,” said Joseph L. Fiordaliso, President of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. “RCSJ has presented an impressive plan to ensure that the workforce of tomorrow has a place in our innovation economy and is grown right here in New Jersey. We are proud to support this exciting new initiative.”

“Offshore wind will create thousands of good-paying, permanent jobs. A critical step toward ensuring the state’s future success in this industry is strengthening our investment in workforce training and education today,” said Department of Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo. “As one of our key apprenticeship partners, RCSJ’s plans are an exciting step forward that will equip our workforce with the skills and knowledge they need to fill these family sustaining positions.”

“This critical initiative will ensure that New Jersey’s talent pipeline remains strong and our future economic growth prioritizes workforce opportunities for students to hone their skills and obtain high-quality credentials,” said NJ Secretary of Higher Education Dr. Brian Bridges. “RCSJ’s program will fuel a diverse and inclusive pipeline of talented workers and propel the state’s rapidly-growing clean energy sector to the forefront of the global stage.”

The Wind Turbine Tech Training Challenge is part of Governor Phil Murphy’s whole of government approach to generating 7.5 GW of offshore wind by 2035 and positioning New Jersey as a hub for the American offshore wind industry. Other initiatives include the construction of the New Jersey Wind Port, a state-of-the-art monopile manufacturing facility at the Port of Paulsboro, the Offshore Wind Tax Credit Program, and the Offshore Wind Safety Training Challenge. Taken together, these efforts will ensure New Jersey has the infrastructure, supply chain, and workforce needed to support offshore wind projects up and down the East Coast.

To ensure equitable access to the economic opportunities offshore wind creates, Governor Murphy established the Wind Council in 2019 to engage industry and local stakeholder groups to evaluate New Jersey’s existing workforce development assets and identify gaps that must be addressed to strengthen the state’s leadership position in offshore wind. On April 22, 2020, the Wind Council released a report summarizing its recommendations. Both the Wind Council report and the NJBPU’s New Jersey Offshore Wind Strategic Plan noted that there are currently no offshore wind turbine technician training programs in New Jersey and stressed the need to establish a program as soon as possible.

With funding provided by the NJBPU, the NJEDA launched the NJ Wind Turbine Tech Training Challenge in July to address this gap in New Jersey’s offshore wind ecosystem by providing grant funding to a New Jersey community college to collaborate with labor organizations and industry stakeholders to design and implement a curriculum that meets industry standards for wind turbine technician training.

An Evaluation Committee comprised of staff from the NJEDA, the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education, and the Department of Labor and Workforce Development selected RCSJ as the winner of the challenge. The college will use the grant funding it receives to develop a stackable credential training program that includes two certificates linked to a Registered Apprenticeship and an Associate Degree for wind turbine technology. These stackable programs include:

Wind Turbine Technician Career & Technical Education (CTE) Certificate: RCSJ will offer Global Wind Organization (GWO) Basic Technical Training (BTT). Students in this certificate program will complete the BTT modules as well an OSHA10 course and the GWO Basic Safety and Sea Survival Training (BST) modules to be offered by Atlantic Cape Community College at their campus in Atlantic City. A contract is pending between RCSJ and an industry-leading offshore wind training partner to deliver the training.
Wind Turbine Technician Academic Certificate: RCSJ will offer a 36-credit academic certificate in Wind Power and Turbine Technology through a combination of classroom and hands-on laboratory learning that provides students with knowledge and understanding of fluid hydraulic systems, electrical machinery, mechanical operations, computer and information technology skills, wind turbine operations, safety training, and soft skills. The certificates will be linked to a U.S. Department of Labor registered Wind Turbine Technician Apprenticeship.
Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Wind Power and Turbine Technology: RCSJ will develop a full AAS degree in Wind Power and Turbine Technology. Additionally, RCSJ has committed to working with Rowan University to stack the Wind Turbine programs into a bachelor’s degree, and potentially to the masters and Ph.D. levels in related trades and science and technology fields.

To guide the implementation of these new programs, RCSJ will form a Wind Turbine Technician Program Advisory Board comprised of industry representatives, labor organizations, regional workforce representatives, subject matter experts in workforce training, and RCSJ’s offshore wind academic team. This Advisory Board will support and advise on curriculum development and establish pathways for employment for program graduates. To ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion, RCSJ will partner with labor unions, community-based organizations, and others to recruit a diverse student population and provide wrap around and other services to support students during their training.

RCSJ anticipates the two wind certificate programs will launch in January 2023 and the AAS degree program will launch in the Fall semester of 2023.

“We are pleased that the College’s grant proposal to develop a Wind Turbine Technician Training program was selected by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority. Rowan College of South Jersey is ready to do our part to advance the offshore wind efforts in New Jersey and within the New Jersey Wind Institute,” stated Dr. Frederick Keating, president of Rowan College of South Jersey. “We are committed to developing and launching credentialed training programs to meet the labor market demands an offshore wind facility brings to the state. These stackable certificates and degrees will become a cornerstone of the College’s Career and Technical Education Division, helping to serve the southern New Jersey region with emphasis on Gloucester and Cumberland counties.”

“Standing up effective, industry recognized training programs is crucial to ensuring New Jersey has the workforce necessary to support the many large-scale offshore wind projects coming to the state while following through on Governor Murphy’s commitment to make opportunities in offshore wind equitable and accessible to all,” said Jen Becker, Managing Director of the Wind Institute. “RCSJ’s winning proposal for a comprehensive turbine technician training program aligns closely with the industry’s needs and New Jersey’s commitments to providing high quality training opportunities for everyone who wants to get involved in the growing offshore wind industry.”

More information about the NJEDA’s work to grow New Jersey’s offshore wind ecosystem is available at https://www.njeda.gov/offshorewind.

About the New Jersey Economic Development Authority

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Port offers offshore wind developers and manufacturers unrivalled access to East Coast offshore wind sites, with room to grow

TRENTON, N.J. (September 23, 2021) The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) today announced that it will shortly be launching the next phase of its tenant selection process for the New Jersey Wind Port. The Wind Port, located on the Delaware River in Lower Alloways Creek in Salem County, will be a transformative, hub-style port serving offshore wind (OSW) projects in New Jersey and up and down the U.S. East Coast. The Port, which is due to commence construction this year, represents a new approach to economic development that will spur both job creation and opportunities for businesses throughout the offshore wind supply chain.

On September 9th, Governor Phil Murphy led the celebration for a groundbreaking at the site of the New Jersey Wind Port. The event kicked off a new chapter for the Wind Port, a first-in-the-nation infrastructure investment that will provide a location for essential staging, assembly, and manufacturing activities related to offshore wind projects on the East Coast. The event also included the signing of a project labor agreement (PLA) for the project and was followed by the signing of a 78-year lease between the NJEDA and PSEG for the site. The State is committed to using union labor to construct the Wind Port and intends to set a new standard for inclusion of minority and women workers and business owners. Construction is targeted to begin in 2021.

The New Jersey Wind Port has the potential to create up to 1,500 manufacturing, assembly, and operations jobs, as well as hundreds of union construction jobs in New Jersey, and projects supported by the Wind Port will drive billions of dollars in economic growth.

The NJEDA will shortly be seeking non-binding offers from OSW developers and component manufacturers on four parcels of property at the Port. Available properties include:

Two parcels of property with the potential to be purpose-built for offshore wind marshalling, staging and final assembly of turbines; and
Two parcels of property with the potential to be purpose-built for offshore wind turbine component manufacturing and assembly.

NJEDA anticipates that certain parcels will be available for sublease from 2023. A notice for the sublease of property will be issued in coming weeks and will be available at Bidding Opportunities – NJEDA.

“The New Jersey Wind Port is a strategic economic driver that not only furthers Governor Phil Murphy’s goal of 100 percent clean energy for New Jersey by 2050, but also presents extraordinary economic potential for businesses up and down the OSW manufacturing supply chain,” said NJEDA CEO Tim Sullivan. “Wind turbines are comprised of numerous elements, and each element in the manufacturing process represents an entry point for businesses and a need for skilled workers. These available properties offer incomparable access to opportunity in the heart of this rapidly emerging manufacturing hub.”

The Port is situated at the geographical center of the United States’ burgeoning OSW sector – with in excess of 38 gigawatts (“GW”) of committed and planned OSW projects along the East Coast, including 7.5 GW of committed projects off the coast of New Jersey.

Based on the current design, the Port will offer OSW industry tenants the following key features:

Access to the Atlantic Ocean free of vertical restrictions;
Upland acreage purpose-built for marshalling and component manufacturing;
A wide approach channel from the main Delaware River Channel;
A purpose-built heavy-lift wharf, comprising both delivery and installation berths; and
Heavy-haul road connections between inland port parcels and the Wharf.

With proximity to 50 percent of current East Coast OSW development areas, and unmatched transportation connectivity to major United States and overseas cities, there is no better place to anchor and grow the nation’s OSW industry. Further information on the Port is available at: https://www.nj.gov/windport/.

Home to a high concentration of skilled labor, a well-established maritime industry and workforce, and a network of highly-regarded colleges and universities, New Jersey is ideally-placed to drive the development of the offshore wind industry in the United States.

About the New Jersey Economic Development Authority

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses call NJEDA Customer Care at 609-858-6767 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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TRENTON, N.J. (September 22, 2021) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA ) today awarded eight communities a total of $400,000 to help them create plans to redevelop, repurpose, or regreen stranded assets, such as vacant and underutilized retail or office complexes, that have a major impact on local economic conditions. Each awardee will receive a $50,000 grant through the NJEDA’s 21^st Century Redevelopment Program.

“COVID-19 ushered in a brand-new approach to the way we utilize space within our communities and downtowns,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “The creative ideas that our awardees have for reinvigorating their stranded assets are reflective of this new mindset and each one aligns with Governor Phil Murphy’s goal of emerging from the pandemic in a fair and equitable manner.”

The 21st Century Redevelopment Program was created in October 2018 as a response to the growing number of stranded assets in NJ communities and their impact on their hosts. Business, demographic, and economic trends resulted in several closures and long-term vacancies of large suburban office complexes and shopping malls. These closures impacted New Jersey communities in many ways, including loss of business traffic, decreased employment, and reductions in property ratables. In response to subsequent stakeholder feedback, eligibility criteria were adjusted in 2019 to make more properties eligible while ensuring that vacant and underutilized office and retail complexes of significant scope and scale remain prioritized. The NJEDA paused the program in April 2020 as a result of the emergency COVID prevention measures and reopened applications in May 2021.

The awards announced today will help the following communities statewide strategically plan their redevelopment:

City of Atlantic City: The City of Atlantic City, in conjunction with Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, will author a plan on the redevelopment of the Plaza Hotel Site, a 1980s era casino resort and adjacent properties. The plan will work towards the creation of a development corridor that connects the Convention Center and a new retail development to the boardwalk and the beach.

City of Jersey City: The City of Jersey City will fund the redevelopment planning of a former bank building in the Journal Square Commercial District. The planning process will deliver a plan that includes a draft redevelopment plan, market feasibility analysis, retail market analysis, draft Owner Participation Agreement/Owner Participation Rules, a final redevelopment plan, and draft ordinances to adopt the redevelopment plan. The goal of repurposing the property is to maximize economic growth in distressed neighborhoods.

City of Millville: The City of Millville will utilize 21st Century Redevelopment Grant funds to develop a plan and roadmap for assessing and addressing the distressed retail and commercial assets in the Glasstown Arts District. The distressed assets have both hindered efforts to grow creative economy jobs and impacted local ratables for several years.

County of Passaic: The County of Passaic, in conjunction with Township of Wayne, will focus on a 193-acre site that was formerly the home to the Toys-R-US world headquarters. In partnership with the Township of Wayne, the William Patterson University Small Business Development Center, Point View Wayne Properties, and Dobco, the County, along with its partners, will hire a planning consultant to deliver an Adaptive Reuse Plan with a focus on the adaptive reuse of existing commercial structures.

Pemberton Township: Pemberton Township will fund a market study focused on the redevelopment of the former Burlington County College – Pemberton Campus. The study will provide recommendations for the development of the site with a dual focus on community needs and market demands.

Borough of Raritan: Raritan Borough will conduct a preliminary investigation of the Raritan Mall site. The investigation will set the stage for the authorship of an Area In Need of Redevelopment Plan, provide information that will assist in proposed redevelopment studies, and advance plans that will allow borough officials to reassess municipal zoning and planning ordnances in order to promote adaptive reuse of the mall site.

White Township: White Township will analyze the long-term viability and economic sustainability of White Township Plaza, a 1960s-era retail center with abandoned supermarket anchor that was a historically significant ratable for the Township. The analysis and focus will combine a retail viability study, early stage efforts to create an Area in Need of Redevelopment plan, and a community engagement plan for the site’s future use.

Willingboro Township: The Township of Willingboro will execute an analysis of the Willingboro Grand Marketplace site, a former 1970s mall complex in a major commercial corridor, with an aim to identify sustainable, community-focused reuse. The analysis will include a marketing study, resident and stakeholder surveys, evaluation of potential reuses, economic feasibility analysis and conceptual design ideas for the property as well as amendments to the Township’s redevelopment plan.

About the New Jersey Economic Development Authority

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NJEDA to Host Public Information and Idea Gathering Session on September 21, 2021

TRENTON, N.J. (September 16, 2021) – Governor Phil Murphy and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) today announced the NJEDA’s participation in four regional coalitions preparing applications for the U.S. Economic Development Authority (U.S. EDA) Build Back Better Regional Challenge (BBBRC). The Challenge is a federal grant program to help communities adopt and implement transformational, industry-based economic development strategies that strengthen economic diversity and resiliency in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The four coalitions that NJEDA has joined focus on regional industry clusters that are part of Governor Murphy’s Stronger and Fairer Economic Plan, including biomanufacturing, clean energy, aviation, and smart ports.

The NJEDA will host a public information and idea gathering session on the Build Back Better Regional Challenge at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 21, 2021. Representatives of for-profit businesses, non-profit organizations, and government entities are all encouraged to attend to learn more about the challenge. In addition, the NJEDA will be seeking input on potential priority projects that could be included in the four coalition applications.

Join the information session here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_84JFnsqSTBGV_hGP4-qPuA.

“As we build toward a stronger, fairer recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is critical that we keep our eyes to the future and identify industry-based strategies that will drive long-term, equitable growth,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “The Build Back Better Regional Challenge is a fantastic opportunity to engage New Jersey’s innovative thinkers and industry leaders to craft projects that will not only help us bounce back from the impacts of COVID-19, but also lay the foundation for long-term success.”

“Governor Murphy and President Biden have made tackling the COVID-19 pandemic and supporting a strong, equitable recovery a top priority. The Build Back Better Regional Challenge is a unique opportunity for New Jersey to bolster our industry clusters to better address the ongoing impacts of COVID-19 and identify a slate of transformational economic development initiatives,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Aviation innovation, biomanufacturing, clean energy, and smart ports are all sectors that Governor Murphy has identified as priorities because of their potential to drive transformative economic growth and job creation. The NJEDA is proud to partner with thought leaders and industry innovators throughout New Jersey to support high-impact applications in these sectors.”

The Build Back Better Regional Challenge is a federal program that will fund projects that create high-quality jobs, increase wages, and revitalize communities in places that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications must be centered around developing or growing a regional industry cluster, with a long-term transformational vision and a plan for execution. More information about the Challenge is available at https://eda.gov/arpa/build-back-better/.

Applicants for the Challenge act as a regional coalition with one lead entity per application. Eligible coalition members include government entities, nonprofits, and higher education institutions. For-profit entities cannot be a primary coalition applicant, but can participate as “coalition partners” offering industry expertise, commit to investment or job creation related to the industry cluster, and formally express support for the coalition’s application.

The application process for the Build Back Better Regional Challenge takes place in two phases. Applications for Phase 1 are due October 19, 2021. During this phase the U.S. EDA will select 50 to 60 winners to receive planning grants of up to $500,000. Winners will use these planning grants to support the preparation of the coalition’s Phase 2 application, which is due March 15, 2022. During Phase 2, the U.S. EDA will choose 20 to 30 winners to receive implementation grants of $25 to $100 million.

The NJEDA is supporting four applicant coalitions focused on aviation innovation, biomanufacturing, clean energy, and smart ports.

The aviation innovation coalition is focused on smart aviation and aerospace in South Jersey, including Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), Advanced Air Cargo, and Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS). The coalition is considering infrastructure construction projects, including a vertiport and droneport; airspace planning; workforce training programs; microgrants for underrepresented youth to develop aviation innovations and businesses; and curricula for regional high schools and colleges focused on UAS and AAM. This coalition is led by Atlantic County and the Atlantic County Economic Alliance (ACEA). Individuals and organizations interested in sharing project ideas or joining the aviation innovation coalition should reach out to AviationBBBRC@njeda.com by noon on September 28.

In addition to leading this applicant coalition for the Build Back Better Regional Challenge, the ACEA was recently designated by the Governor’s Office to be New Jersey’s applicant for the U.S. EDA’s Statewide Planning Grant, a grant of up to $1 million for economic development planning efforts. ACEA’s plans for the grant focus on planning and feasibility studies around advanced aviation, which will complement the projects included in the aviation innovation coalition’s Build Back Better Regional Challenge application.

“Aviation is a growing industry in South Jersey that has massive potential to drive statewide economic growth and job creation,” said ACEA President Lauren Moore. “We are thrilled to have Governor Murphy and the NJEDA’s support for our application for the Build Back Better Regional Challenge. We have a clear vision for building a broad, inclusive aviation innovation ecosystem in South Jersey and the State’s support for our application for this grant program and the Statewide Planning Grant will be crucial to securing the funds we need to bring these ideas to life.”

“Aviation has a strong track record of success driving economic expansion and job growth in Atlantic County and throughout South Jersey,” said County Executive Dennis Levinson. “The application coalition for the Build Back Better Regional Challenge is in the process of preparing a forward-thinking, comprehensive series of proposals that will build on our success to ensure long-term, equitable growth throughout South Jersey. We are proud to have Governor Murphy’s backing and look forward to working with the NJEDA and other experts in the community and industry to prepare a successful application that allows us to execute on our vision for the future of aviation in Atlantic County.”

The biomanufacturing coalition is focused on advanced manufacturing of pharmaceuticals and developing new, more efficient ways to produce medicines to reduce reliance on foreign drug manufacturing and shorten supply chains to help patients. The coalition is also working on training an expanded workforce on new and unique manufacturing processes, enabling digital design of products and processes, accelerating pharmaceutical product and manufacturing process development, and developing real time quality assurance processes.

This coalition is led by Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, and will leverage existing physical, educational, and talent assets in the Northeast corridor, including the NJ BioScience Center, the New Brunswick Innovation HUB, BioCentriq at New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), major research institutions, community colleges, and major biopharma companies with headquarters in New Jersey. Individuals and organizations interested in sharing project ideas or joining the biomanufacturing coalition should reach out to BiomanufacturingBBBRC@njeda.com by noon on September 28.

“New Jersey’s history of leadership in medicine and biomanufacturing runs deep and leveraging our existing ecosystem will be crucial to ensuring a speedy and equitable recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Antonio M. Calcado, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Rutgers. “We are proud to have Governor Murphy’s support and excited to work with the NJEDA and many other leaders in New Jersey’s life sciences ecosystem to prepare a strong Build Back Better Regional Challenge application that sets us on the path to recovery from COVID-19 and long-term success.”

The clean energy coalition is building on the Murphy Administration’s historic investments in decarbonizing New Jersey’s economy by expanding New Jersey’s clean energy sector – specifically offshore wind, clean transport, energy storage, and smart grid technologies. The coalition is considering infrastructure projects, workforce training, and business acceleration efforts to support the manufacturing supply chain for clean energy.

The coalition is led by Rowan University and includes multiple other higher education partners and thought leaders in the clean energy space. Individuals and organizations interested in sharing project ideas or joining the clean energy coalition should reach out to CleanEnergyBBBRC@njeda.com by noon on September 28.

“Clean energy is not only crucial to fighting climate change, but it is also a strong driver of innovation, economic growth, and job creation,” said Ali A. Houshmand, president, Rowan University. “Governor Murphy understands the interconnectedness of the two and deserves great praise for his leadership on this subject, particularly his Energy Master Plan and his commitment to the New Jersey Wind Port. We are proud to have the NJEDA and Governor Murphy’s support our application for the Build Back Better Recovery Program, which will set the stage for New Jersey to continue our growth as a leader in clean energy.”

The smart ports regional coalition is focused on optimizing ports in the greater Newark area to expand regional economic impact and spur large-scale job creation. The coalition will focus on innovative transportation systems, including industry projects of advanced technologies for freight movement, clean energy, data analytics and secured IT systems, supply chain improvements, workforce development, facility design, and an on-line property marketplace for off-port related businesses. These projects will be guided by principles of equity and social and environmental justice.

This coalition is led by the City of Newark in partnership with New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT). Additional coalition partners include Port Newark Container Terminal (PNCT), Invest Newark, and North Jersey Transportation Authority. Individuals and organizations interested in sharing project ideas or joining the smart ports coalition should reach out to SmartPortsBBBRC@njeda.com by noon on September 28.

“Port Newark is a major hub for regional, national, and international economic activity, and it supports hundreds of thousands of jobs that range from high tech to service to the trades to labor and more,” noted Newark Mayor Ras A. Baraka. “The projects that will be undertaken by this coalition will be catalysts for job creation and sustainable, long-term economic growth while also making a substantial and positive environmental impact, all of which are in accord with Governor Murphy’s economic strategies.”

NJIT President Joel S. Bloom added, “As the State of New Jersey’s public polytechnic university and a partner with the City of Newark, NJIT will bring broad and deep expertise in the technological and innovative aspects to the coalition. The projects will be central to the operation of Port Newark and to growing its regional economic impact. New Jersey transportation and other regional port systems will also benefit through the establishment of a center for transportation innovation, commercialization and tech transfer. We are proud to have Governor Murphy and the NJEDA’s support for these important initiatives.”

The NJEDA is hosting a public information session about the Build Back Better Regional Challenge program and the four applicant coalitions the NJEDA is supporting at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 21, 2021. The program will include an overview of the Build Back Better Regional Challenge program and presentations from each of the coalitions about their vision and the types of projects they are considering. Representatives of for-profit businesses, non-profit organizations, and government entities are all encouraged to attend to learn more and provide input.

Join the information session here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_84JFnsqSTBGV_hGP4-qPuA.

In addition to attending the information session, the NJEDA is also encouraging individuals, organizations, and businesses to submit one-page project idea summaries to the relevant applicant coalition by noon on September 28. Ideas for aviation innovation projects should be sent to AviationBBBRC@njeda.com; ideas for biomanufacturing projects should be sent to BiomanufacturingBBBRC@njeda.com; ideas for clean energy projects should be sent to CleanEnergyBBBRC@njeda.com; and ideas for smart ports projects should be sent to SmartPortsBBBRC@njeda.com.

About the New Jersey Economic Development Authority

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