TRENTON, N.J. (May 14, 2021) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board recently approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Stockton University to support the establishment of an esports Innovation Center at the university’s Atlantic City campus. The NJEDA will provide $200,000 in funding and provide staff support for the Innovation Center, which is expected to contribute to establishing Atlantic City as a hub for the rapidly growing esports industry.  

“Atlantic City has always been a top destination for entertainment in New Jersey, so establishing the city as an epicenter of the growing esports industry is a logical and exciting step forward,” said Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver, who serves as Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs. “The esports Innovation Center at Stockton University is an innovative project that will work in tandem with our ongoing revitalization and job creation efforts to help pave the way for equitable and lasting economic growth in Atlantic City. I’m excited to see the NJEDA partner with Stockton University to bring the Center to life.”

“Establishing New Jersey as the State of Innovation requires thinking outside the box and supporting new industries that have shown strong potential for sustainable, equitable growth,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Esports is a large and rapidly growing industry that has the potential to provide significant economic benefits to communities throughout New Jersey. The esports Innovation Center at Stockton University is a timely project that will help to establish New Jersey as a hub for the US esports industry and will create new opportunities for New Jersey businesses and workers to enter the sector.”

“Stockton University and Atlantic City have been leaders in recognizing the potential of the esports industry. Stockton’s Chief Information Officer Scott Huston helped make Stockton among the first colleges in the nation to recognize esports and its impact on the future of both entertainment and gaming technology,” said Stockton University President Harvey Kesselman. “We look forward to collaborating with public and private partners to make New Jersey a hub for esports innovation.”

Esports, or competitive video gaming, has been an established global industry for years and is rapidly growing in the United States. Total esports revenues in North America are expected to reach $250 million in 2021 and global revenues are expected to approach $9 billion by 2025. As its popularity has grown, the esports industry has come to include a robust supply chain that relies on innovative technology and high-tech manufacturing to support gaming products and gear, streaming and content development, event production, software development, data analytics, machine learning/AI, and esports wagering.

Thanks to New Jersey’s strong tech infrastructure and innovation ecosystem, the esports industry has already taken root and begun to grow in the state, with major players in the esports industry such as G3 esports, Amazon’s Twitch streaming service, esports Entertainment Group, and Harris Blitzer Sports and Entertainment (HSBE) making or planning significant investments in the state.

The esports Innovation Center at Stockton University will enhance New Jersey’s position in the esports industry, create new academic and workforce development opportunities, and support local economic development. Among other activities, the Center will focus on catalyzing industry growth by identifying industry-wide technology development opportunities and hosting “hack-a-thons” and similar coding challenges focused on creating innovative solutions, working with private sector companies and colleges and universities to develop programs teaching the skills most in-demand in the esports industry, convening industry events that highlight opportunities and leading-edge developments in esports technology, and supporting esports-related research at New Jersey academic institutions.

The esports Innovation Center will also work with the Division of Gaming Enforcement and independent bodies that govern integrity in competitions to position New Jersey as a national leader in regulation and integrity practices for esports and will promote diversity and inclusion, as well as healthy gaming practices, in the esports industry.

Supporting the esports Innovation Center is part of a wider NJEDA strategic effort to grow New Jersey’s innovation, sports wagering, and fintech ecosystems. In addition to the MOU with Stockton University, the NJEDA concurrently approved a separate agreement with New Jersey City University (NJCU) to support the Sports Wagering and Financial Technology Workforce Development and Innovation Center at NJCU. This Center will provide an incubator for the sports wagering and fintech industries and act as a connector between industry, academia, and relevant State agencies to grow and support innovation in sports wagering technology and fintech.

More information about the esports Innovation Center and Stockton University’s other esports programs is available at https://sites.google.com/stockton.edu/stockton-esports/home.

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.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

###

TRENTON, N.J. (May 12, 2021) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board today approved the creation of the Emerge program, a new jobs-based tax credit program created under the Economic Recovery Act (ERA) of 2020. The Emerge program will drive economic development in New Jersey by making tax credits available to projects that invest private capital into the state and create good-paying jobs, with a focus on the State’s priority sectors. As authorized by the ERA, the Board approved rules that will be effective immediately for a short-term duration, enabling the NJEDA to start accepting Emerge program applications in the coming weeks. Concurrently, the Board also approved publishing the rules for public comment prior to adopting longer-term final rules.

The complete rules for the Emerge program, including eligibility, award sizes, and other information, are available at https://www.njeda.gov/emerge.  

“Creating good jobs for New Jerseyans is central to my administration’s efforts to build a stronger, fairer New Jersey. It is even more important as we begin our recovery from the economic devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “The Emerge program is a well-crafted, targeted tax incentive program that will drive job creation and equitable economic growth throughout New Jersey.”

“Supporting projects that bring good jobs to New Jersey is crucial to recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic and achieving Governor Murphy’s vision for a stronger, fairer New Jersey,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “The Emerge program rules approved today will open the door to exciting new economic development projects that will drive growth in communities across New Jersey while also remaining true to our commitments to equity, transparency, and accountability. This is an important step forward that will set New Jersey on the path to long-term, sustainable, and fair economic success.”

The Emerge program is part of the suite of programs created under the ERA to address the ongoing economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and build a stronger, fairer New Jersey economy. The Board action taken today approved special adoption rules for the Emerge program, which will go into effect immediately upon filing with the Office of Administrative Law and will remain in effect for 180 days. During this time, the NJEDA will propose the same rules as long-term rules and undertake the required 60-day public comment process. This dual track approach, authorized by the ERA, will allow the Authority to begin accepting applications in the coming weeks while simultaneously fulfilling the public engagement requirements of the Administrative Procedures Act.

In line with the Murphy Administration’s Executive Order 63 and the NJEDA’s commitment to transparency and accountability, several weeks ago, in anticipation of today’s vote, the NJEDA publicly posted a draft copy of the Emerge program proposed rules and actively sought public feedback. This feedback process included three public listening sessions, an opportunity to submit written overall programmatic comments, and a channel to submit detailed feedback on the proposed rules.

The complete Emerge program rules approved today are available at https://www.njeda.gov/emerge.

Through the Emerge program, small and large businesses, as well as non-profits, can apply for tax credits to support projects that meet minimum capital investment and minimum job creation or retention requirements. Most projects will receive tax credits over a seven year eligibility period, starting after the NJEDA confirms the applicant has completed its investment and hired workers.

Base tax credits will range from $500 to $4,000 per job, per year, depending on location and other aspects of the project. Bonuses are also available based on project location, industry, and alignment with other policy objectives. These bonuses can increase annual per-job credits to a maximum of $8,000 per job. Projects with significant numbers of retained jobs (either 500 or 1,000 jobs depending on the project’s location) can receive tax credits for retained jobs; however, the ERA sets the amount of tax credits for each retained job at half the amount that would be awarded for equivalent new jobs. Jobs that are covered by a labor harmony agreement are eligible for an additional $1,000 bonus over the capped amounts.

To be eligible for tax credits under the Emerge program, projects must create at least 35 new, full-time jobs. This job creation requirement is lower if a business is primarily engaged in a targeted industry or if a business meets the definition of a “small business” in the program rules. Additionally, at least 80 percent of incented employees’ work time must be spent in New Jersey, and the business must commit to stay in the incented location for at least 1.5 times the duration of the tax credit period. Projects may make an equivalent donation to a local Recovery Infrastructure Fund in place of investing in their project’s facility. Some requirements are relaxed for small businesses.

All projects that receive tax credits under the Emerge program must meet minimum environmental standards, meet prevailing wage obligations for all construction workers and building service workers, and provide health care for employees. Projects that have a total cost of $10 million or more are also required to enter into a Community Benefits Agreement with the NJEDA and the municipality or county in which the project is located. These agreements will create a Community Advisory Committee to monitor compliance with the respective agreement.

To ensure a strong return on investment for New Jersey taxpayers, projects that receive tax credits under the Emerge program must yield a minimum net positive economic benefit to the state of 200 to 400 percent depending on project location, and awards will be limited to the amount the NJEDA determines is necessary to induce the project to locate in New Jersey. The NJEDA will also review detailed financial information about the project to verify the award of tax credits is a “material factor” in the decision to create or retain jobs in New Jersey.

The Emerge program is capped with the Aspire program – a separate ERA program designed to catalyze community redevelopment – at $1.1 billion over six years. Any remaining tax credits left after those six years will be available in a seventh year. To ensure the benefits of the program are distributed equitably throughout the state, the Emerge and Aspire program cap is split between northern and southern counties for the first three years of the program.

In addition to the Emerge program, the ERA creates a suite of programs that includes tax credits to incentivize job creation, new construction, and revitalization of brownfields and historic properties; financial resources for small businesses; support for new supermarkets and healthy food retailers in food desert communities; new funding opportunities for early-stage companies in New Jersey; and support for the growing film and digital media industry. More information about these programs is available at https://njeda.com/economicrecoveryact.

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.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

###

TRENTON, N.J. (May 11, 2021) – The New Jersey Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology (CSIT) today announced that it will host webinars in May and June for emerging innovation-focused companies in the Garden State that are interested learning how the federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and the Small Business Technology Transfer Program (STTR) can help fuel their growth. Representatives from the National Science Foundation and the United States Department of Defense will speak on May 26 and June 9 respectively to give an overview of their agencies’ SBIR/STTR programs. During these two-hour webinars, attendees will learn the benefits of engaging with these federal programs and get tips and advice for successfully applying for support. More information can be found at https://www.njeda.gov/csit.

The federal SBIR and STTR grant programs provide more than $3 billion each year to small businesses in a variety of technology and life sciences areas that propose innovative ideas that meet specific federal research and development (R&D) needs. The SBIR program enables small businesses to explore their technological potential and provides the incentive to profit from its commercialization. The STTR program funds cooperative R&D partnerships between small businesses and research institutions such as universities, federal R&D centers, or non-profits. The programs are open to U.S.-based, for-profit small businesses with fewer than 500 employees.

Introduction to the National Science Foundation (NSF) SBIR/STTR Program will be held on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. and Introduction to the Department of Defense SBIR/STTR Program will be held on Wednesday, June 9 at 1:00 p.m. Links to both webinars can be found at https://www.njeda.gov/csit. Additionally, a recorded version of the webinar and copy of materials presented will be made available on the CSIT webpage following the event. 

“Creating opportunities for young, innovative companies to leverage federal resources as they grow is key to fulfilling Governor Phil Murphy’s vision of recapturing New Jersey’s role as a leader in innovation,” said CSIT Executive Director Judith Sheft. “In 2020 alone, more than 125 early-stage New Jersey companies received SBIR/STTR awards totaling nearly $62 million. We encourage emerging businesses throughout the state to attend our upcoming webinars to discover how SBIR/STTR funding can help them develop and commercialize life-saving and life-enhancing technologies. This, in turn, will increase their competitiveness on the global stage and will lead to the creation of new jobs here in our state.”

The webinars announced today are the latest in a series of steps CSIT is taking to enhance the competitiveness of New Jersey businesses competing on the worldwide stage. CSIT’s Direct Financial Assistance Program awards grant funding to early-stage companies engaged with SBIR/STTR programs. Through two rounds of funding, CSIT has awarded a total of $825,000 to 29 New Jersey companies.

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.

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.

###

NJ Tech & Life Sciences Companies Can Now Apply to Sell Their Net Operating Losses
& Unused Research & Development Tax Credits for Cash

TRENTON, N.J. (May 6, 2021) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) today announced that it is currently accepting applications for its 2021 Net Operating Loss (NOL) Program, which was recently expanded as part of the New Jersey Economic Recovery Act of 2020. The NOL Program enables early-stage technology and life sciences companies in the Garden State to sell their New Jersey net operating losses and unused research and development (R&D) tax credits to unrelated profitable corporations for cash. The NJEDA is accepting applications online through June 30, 2021 at https://www.njeda.gov/nol.

Hailed as a lifeline for companies that have not yet reached profitability, the capital raised through this program can be used for costs including, but not limited to, the expenses of fixed assets, such as the construction, acquisition and development of real estate; materials; start-up; tenant fit-out; working capital; salaries; and R&D expenditures. The NJEDA and the New Jersey Department of Treasury’s Division of Taxation jointly administer the program.

The NJEDA will host an informational webinar about the NOL Program on Tuesday, May 18, at noon to review eligibility requirements with potential applicants. Webinar registration information can be found at https://www.njeda.gov/event/2021-nol-program-launch/. A recorded version of the webinar will be made available on the NJEDA’s webpage following the event at https://www.njeda.gov/nol.

To date, more than $1.07 billion in funding has been distributed to over 550 technology and life sciences companies since the program’s inception in the late 1990s. The average award for companies approved to sell their net operating losses through the program in 2020 was $1.1 million.

The NOL Program was expanded in January 2021, when Governor Phil Murphy signed the New Jersey Economic Recovery Act of 2020. Part of the Act increased the program’s annual cap from $60 million to $75 million. It also increased the lifetime cap for an individual applicant from $15 million to $20 million.

“Governor Murphy is committed to making New Jersey the State of Innovation with the most diverse and inclusive innovation ecosystem the nation.” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “The NOL program plays an important role in achieving these goals by providing resources early-stage companies need to become profitable and prepare for long-term growth. The expanded program, which is now available, will support more companies that will contribute to New Jersey’s leadership in technology and life sciences innovation.”

In addition to being vital to emerging companies, the NOL Program also provides enormous benefits to the profitable companies that are buying the net operating losses and unused R&D tax credits. A profitable company can purchase tax credits at a discount, based on the market price at the time. These tax credits have traditionally traded somewhere between 88 and 94 cents on the dollar. Once purchased, the tax credits can then be applied to reduce the buyer’s state tax obligation. For example: a purchase of $1,000,000 of tax credit at 92 cents on the dollar would enable a buyer to decrease their New Jersey taxes payable by $1,000,000 for the price of $920,000, representing a savings of $80,000. The names of the buyers who chose to be publicly listed are on the NOL Program’s website. Entities interested in becoming a buyer through the NOL Program can visit the website https://www.njeda.gov/nol or reach out via email nol@njeda.com for more information.

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.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

###

TRENTON, N.J. (May 4, 2021) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) today announced that it will reopen applications for the residential component of the Economic Redevelopment and Growth (ERG) Program on June 1, 2021. The Authority first announced the extension of the program, enabled by $50 million in tax credits designated in the Economic Recovery Act of 2020 in March. The ERG program, which was originally created to address project financing gaps in development projects, had previously stopped accepting new applications in June 2019.

The Economic Recovery Act was signed by Governor Phil Murphy on January 7, 2021 to address the ongoing economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and build a stronger, fairer New Jersey economy.

The new phase of the ERG program will be administered based on pre-existing ERG regulations and statutes, as amended by the Economic Recovery Act, which added new prevailing wage and minimum wage requirements. For additional information and detailed eligibility requirements, including a clarifying document outlining all requirements and application review protocols for interested parties, visit https://www.njeda.gov/economicrecoveryact/. Specific questions can be directed to ergextension@njeda.com.

“The decision by Governor Murphy and the Legislature to include $50 million for residential ERG projects will enable us to move much-needed shovel-ready housing projects forward now, while the new programs created by the Economic Recovery Act are being developed,” said NJEDA CEO Tim Sullivan. “These projects will help to drive investment in the state while also creating good-paying construction job opportunities that will put people back to work and communities in New Jersey on a path to economic recovery.”

Under the Economic Recovery Act, residential ERG projects can receive tax credits of up to 30 percent of total eligible project costs. Projects in five cities — Atlantic City, Camden, Paterson, Passaic, and Trenton – can receive tax credits of up to 40 percent of eligible project costs. ERG tax credits are not meant to be a substitute for conventional debt and equity financing, and applicants should generally have their primary debt financing in place before applying.

For more information about the extension of the ERG program and other programs created by the Economic Recovery Act, please visit https://www.njeda.gov/economicrecoveryact/.

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.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Respondents Encouraged to Submit Ideas About New Center to Address Racial Disparities and Inequities in Care & Outcome of Mothers and Infants

TRENTON, N.J. (April 30, 2021) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), in partnership with Nurture NJ and First Lady Tammy Murphy, issued a Request for Information (RFI) today seeking input to inform the establishment of a Center for Maternal and Infant Health in Trenton which will be dedicated to innovation and research, with an emphasis on addressing racial disparities and ensuring equity in care and outcomes for mothers and infants. The Center for Maternal and Infant Health is a key recommendation from First Lady Tammy Murphy’s recently released Nurture NJ Maternal and Infant Health Strategic Plan. The RFI can be found at https://www.njeda.gov/bidding/#OET. Responses to the RFI are due by June 1, 2021.

The RFI, which was issued in conjunction with Governor Phil Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy’s offices, the Nurture NJ campaign, and NJEDA’s state agency partners at the Department of Health, Department of Human Services, and Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE), is the latest in a series of steps the State of New Jersey is taking to reduce maternal and infant mortality, particularly among mothers and infants of color.

In 2019, First Lady Murphy launched Nurture NJ, a statewide, multi-agency campaign committed to both reducing maternal and infant mortality and morbidity and ensuring equitable care among women and children of all races and ethnicities. In January 2021, the First Lady unveiled the Nurture NJ Maternal and Infant Health Strategic Plan, which aims to make New Jersey the safest and most equitable place in the nation to deliver and raise a baby through more than 70 specific, actionable recommendations. The establishment of a Center in the state capital that “focuses on innovation and research in maternal and infant health through partnerships with the state’s academic, funder, business, and faith communities” is among those recommendations.

“Our Nurture NJ Maternal and Infant Health Strategic Plan was developed in partnership with New Jersey moms and families along with hundreds of experts across our state, both in government and the private sector,” said First Lady Murphy. “We are now actively engaged in implementing the first phase of these recommendations, including the creation of this one-of-a-kind center, which will be dedicated to innovative research, clinical care, and more to eliminate the inequities at the heart of our maternal health crisis. We are determined to ensure a healthy start for every mother and her baby, and the Center for Maternal Health will play an essential role in continuing our ground-breaking and lifesaving work for decades to come.”  

New Jersey currently ranks 47th in the nation for maternal deaths and has one of the widest racial disparities for both maternal and infant mortality. A Black mother in New Jersey is seven times more likely than a white mother to die from maternity-related complications, and a Black baby is over three times more likely than a white baby to die before his or her first birthday.

“Under Governor Murphy and First Lady Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey has taken a comprehensive approach to dismantling systemic inequities that exist within our state, and that includes ensuring that women of color get the care they need during their pregnancies and in the months following childbirth,” said New Jersey Department of Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli. “One of the most vital ways to achieve this goal is by maintaining an ongoing dialogue with knowledgeable stakeholders who can offer key insights into how the Center can catalyze innovation to tackle this critical issue. The RFI announced today does exactly that.”

This RFI aims to build on Nurture NJ’s tremendous knowledge base and community engagement process by gathering targeted input on the development and implementation of the Trenton-based Center. Respondents are encouraged to offer input regarding the development of the Center’s mission, vision and structure; potential operating models and locations; services and program offerings; strategies and best practices to foster research, innovation, and commercialization in maternal and infant health; potential partners within Trenton and throughout the United States; and considerations for the Authority and its partner agencies in creating initiatives anchored at the Center and within the Trenton community focused on achieving equity in maternal and infant health outcomes.

“The creation of this Center will help eliminate the unacceptable racial disparities that exist in maternal and infant health while also fostering innovation and community revitalization within the state’s capital,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “This RFI will enable Governor Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy and a team across state government to draw on the expertise of individuals familiar with issues surrounding access to infant and maternal healthcare and develop an informed approach to overcoming this pervasive issue.”

The NJEDA is seeking responses from qualified entities  including, but not limited to: mothers and caregivers; members of communities most affected by disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes; healthcare providers; hospitals and hospital systems; midwives and doulas; health organizations; universities; advocacy organizations; social services providers; municipalities, government agencies and school districts; community stakeholders; policy and academic researchers; real estate developers; business leaders, employers and entrepreneurs; technical assistance providers; and foundations and philanthropic organizations that address infant and maternal health. The NJEDA is seeking responses from entities based within New Jersey as well as those located outside of the state.

“Through our work in promoting safe and inclusive learning environments, we are expanding equitable opportunities for women of color and women of child-bearing age through programs such as the Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG) and other affordability initiatives,” said New Jersey Secretary of Higher Education Dr. Brian Bridges. “The Center for maternal and infant health aligns with our goal of ensuring healthy postsecondary outcomes for mothers and their infants.”

“Establishing this Center and investing in research and innovation here in our Capital City are pivotal steps forward in our Administration’s commitment to combat disparities in care for mothers and babies of color and make New Jersey a safer place to give birth,” said NJ Human Services Acting Commissioner Sarah Adelman.  “NJ Human Services looks forward to working with our partners in the First Lady’s Nurture NJ campaign to make these plans the reality, improve outcomes, and save lives.”

“Nationally and in NJ, maternal and infant mortality are among the worst disparities that Black women experience. The work done by the First Lady to lift up the disparities between our Black and white mothers in our state has been instrumental for this critical conversation needed to save lives. Opening a Center focused on this issue, right in the hub of our government, proves the importance this work has for our state as we work towards health equality for all mothers, infants and families and making New Jersey the best place in the country to raise a family,” said Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman.

“I am grateful to see us moving closer to establishing a maternal and infant health center in the city of Trenton. The accessibility of doctors is a major barrier that prevents many young women from seeking out the follow up care they need,” said Senator Shirley Turner. “Coupled with efforts to reduce racial biases within the healthcare field, bringing resources directly to underserved communities is the best thing we can do to reduce maternal mortality rates, especially among Black mothers.”

“New Jersey has the third-largest disparity between survival rates among white and Black mothers in the United States. To significantly improve maternal health outcomes for Black mothers and their children, we’re going to need people on the ground and in our communities gathering information and offering necessary services to help expecting mothers. We applaud the joint effort between First Lady Tammy Murphy and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority and welcome the idea of a Trenton-based center dedicated to improving health equity for Black women,” said Assemblymembers Verlina Reynolds-Jackson and Anthony Verrelli.

“I’m excited that the state has selected the Capital City for its innovation center focusing on racial disparities related to maternal and infant health,” said Trenton Mayor W. Reed Gusciora. “Not only do Trenton mothers receive late or no prenatal care at twice the rate of the rest of the state, Trenton’s infant mortality rate in the last few years has also been as high as double the state rate, particular among Black residents. Trenton babies also have higher rates than both the state and county of low birthweights and preterm births. Our state partnerships are essential to overcoming this disparity, including this RFI that will help bring critical expertise and innovation to a place where it’s needed the most.”

“Combining public sector resources and industry expertise will position New Jersey to ensure equitable access to health care for mothers and infants throughout the state,” said Tara Colton, NJEDA’s Executive Vice President of Special Projects. “We are proud to work with our partners on such an important initiative and look forward to developing a world-class Center based with input we receive through this RFI.”

All questions concerning this RFI must be submitted in writing no later than 11:59 PM EST, on Monday, May 17, 2021 via e-mail to:  MaternalHealthRFI@njeda.com

The subject line of the e-mail should state: “QUESTIONS-2021-RFI-127”.

Answers to questions submitted will be publicly posted on the Authority’s website on or about Monday, May 24, 2021 at: https://www.njeda.gov/bidding/#OET as Addendum.

All RFI responses must be submitted in writing no later than 11:59 PM EST on Tuesday June 1, 2021, via e-mail to: MaternalHealthRFI@njeda.com

The subject line of the e-mail should state: “RFI Response-2021-RFI-127”.

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.

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.

About Nurture NJ

To learn more about Nurture NJ, visit NurtureNJ.nj.gov.

Follow Nurture NJ and First Lady Tammy Murphy on Twitter (@FirstLadyNJ), Facebook (@FirstLadyNJ), and Instagram (@firstladynewjersey).

###

Cleantech Open Northeast Becomes Second Accelerator Approved Through the Program

TRENTON, N.J. (April 23, 2021) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) announced today that it has approved Cleantech Open Northeast to participate in its NJ Accelerate program. NJ Accelerate is designed to grow New Jersey’s innovation ecosystem by promoting greater participation by New Jersey entrepreneurs in qualified accelerator programs. It is also seen as a tool to showcase the talent in New Jersey to accelerators on a national stage and encourages newly forming accelerators to launch in the Garden State. Cleantech Open Northeast is the second accelerator approved for the program, following the approval of Morgan Stanley Multicultural Innovation Lab in December 2020. More information about NJ Accelerate can be found at https://www.njeda.gov/njaccelerate.

An accelerator is a fixed-term, cohort-based “boot camp” for startups that offers educational and mentorship programs and facilitates connections to venture capitalists, angel investors, mentors, and corporate executives who can help early-stage companies grow. Many accelerators also provide investment capital and office space.

NJ Accelerate, which launched in 2020, incentivizes accelerators from around the country to recruit participants in New Jersey. It also incentivizes the startups to locate in the Garden State after graduating from approved accelerators. Through NJ Accelerate, the NJEDA will match investment provided by approved accelerators with up to $250,000 in direct loans for startups that locate in New Jersey within six months after graduating from the approved programs. A five-percent bonus is available for companies that are certified as women-or minority-owned. The NJEDA will also provide rent support for up to six months if a company locates in an approved NJ Ignite collaborative workspace.

Cleantech Open Northeast is part of Cleantech Open, the world’s oldest and largest cleantech accelerator, and is managed by the Boston-based Northeast Clean Energy Council (NECEC) as the on-the-ground affiliate. Cleantech Open finds, funds and fosters entrepreneurs with big ideas that address urgent energy, environmental, and economic challenges. Cleantech Open provides the infrastructure, expertise and strategic relationships that turn ideas into successful global cleantech companies.

“Connecting New Jersey entrepreneurs with capital and mentorship they need to succeed not only strengthens the individual startups, but also bolsters our state’s innovation ecosystem as a whole,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Governor Phil Murphy has long emphasized the critical role that New Jersey startups play in creating a green economy as we work toward his goal of 100% clean energy by 2050. Welcoming Cleantech Open Northeast into our NJ Accelerate program will enable the state’s clean energy-focused companies to leverage the knowledge of an established leader in their sector while maintaining their presence in the Garden State and benefitting from New Jersey’s many assets and resources.”

Since 2005, Cleantech Open Northeast has trained more than 450 startups through its annual accelerator program. Combined, these alumni have generated over $280 million in revenue and raised over $650 million in funds and employ more than 3,300 people. Cleantech Open Northeast, which has a network of more than 1,000 volunteers, unites the public and private sectors in its vision for making the nation’s cleantech sector a thriving economic engine. In Cleantech Open Northeast’s 2020 accelerator program, six of the 40 companies that completed the program—and two of the four companies that were awarded grants in the competition that was held following completion of the curriculum—were New Jersey based.

“Cleantech Open Northeast has been at the forefront of creating opportunities for early-stage, innovative companies in the cleantech space for more than 15 years,” said Cleantech Open Northeast Director Beth Zonis. “Our participation in NJ Accelerate will help us attract and welcome more startups from New Jersey’s growing clean energy innovation ecosystem.”

In addition to benefiting New Jersey startups, the NJ Accelerate program also provides exposure and funding for the approved accelerators. The NJEDA will disseminate information about Cleantech Open Northeast and encourage well-qualified companies to participate. In addition, the NJEDA will provide up to $25,000 per event capped at $100,000 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.

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.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

###

TRENTON, N.J. (14 de abril de 2021) – La Autoridad para el desarrollo económico de Nueva Jersey (NJEDA) hoy anunció la fase 4 del Programa de subsidios de asistencia de emergencia para pequeñas empresas de la Autoridad, que agrega $85 millones en fondos de la Ley de Ayuda, Alivio y Seguridad Económica por Coronavirus (CARES, por sus siglas en inglés). La fase 4 brindará apoyo operativo de corto plazo a un amplio grupo de pequeñas y medianas empresas y organizaciones sin fines de lucro de Nueva Jersey que se han visto afectadas negativamente durante el estado de emergencia declarado. Hay más información disponible aquí.

Los propietarios de empresas interesados deberán preinscribirse aquí para acceder a la solicitud. El período de preinscripción comenzará el lunes 19 de abril de 2021 a las 9:00 a. m. y cerrará el 29 de abril de 2021 a las 5:00 p. m. La solicitud estará disponible mediante un enfoque escalonado después del final del período de preinscripción, como se detalla a continuación. Los solicitantes deben completar toda la solicitud para que se los pueda considerar para el subsidio.

En consonancia con el compromiso del gobernador Murphy con una recuperación más sólida y equitativa, el financiamiento de la fase 4 se asignará para apoyar a las empresas más afectadas, que incluyen restaurantes, microempresas y proveedores de cuidado infantil, además de otras pequeñas empresas. Para asegurar que los subsidios lleguen a empresas en las comunidades más golpeadas, incluyendo comunidades de color, un tercio de los fondos se dirigirá a empresas con una ubicación comercial principal dentro de los 715 distritos censales designados como elegibles para seleccionarse como una Zona de Oportunidad. 

“El impacto económico que esta pandemia ha tenido en Nueva Jersey todavía se siente un año después de que comenzó y ha afectado desproporcionadamente a empresas de mujeres y minorías. Los $85 millones en fondos adicionales comprometidos a la fase 4 del Programa de subsidios de asistencia de emergencia para pequeñas empresas ayudará directa y rápidamente a estas empresas a estabilizar sus operaciones y minimizar posibles despidos y licencias sin sueldo”, dijo el director ejecutivo de la NJEDA Tim Sullivan. “Las empresas que aún enfrentan dificultades no pueden esperar por asistencia y estamos trabajando sin interrupción en la NJEDA para asegurar que nuestras comunidades no solo sobrevivan a la pandemia, sino que resurjan más fuertes, justas y listas para la reconstrucción.”

El Programa de subsidios de asistencia de emergencia para pequeñas empresas fue creado para proporcionar financiamiento de la forma más eficiente y rápida posible a pequeñas y medianas empresas que necesitan apoyo para nóminas y capital de giro como resultado de los impactos económicos adversos luego de la declaración del estado de emergencia y una emergencia de salud pública el 9 de marzo de 2020. Desde el lanzamiento de la fase 1 del programa el 6 de abril de 2020, la Autoridad ha aprobado casi 44,000 solicitudes de subsidios que representan más de $214 millones en fondos totales de subsidios otorgados a través de las fases 1 a 3.  El programa ha evolucionado en cada etapa para ofrecer elegibilidad ampliada y montos más elevados.

Los fondos de la fase 4 apuntan a reembolsar los ingresos perdidos como resultado de la interrupción comercial causada por la pandemia entre el 1 de marzo de 2020 y la fecha del acuerdo de subsidio, al proporcionar los recursos necesarios a cualquier empresa elegible que haya cerrado temporalmente, haya estado obligada a reducir horas, haya tenido al menos una caída del 20 por ciento en sus ingresos, se haya visto afectada materialmente por empleados que no pueden trabajar debido al brote o tenga una cadena de suministro que se haya visto materialmente interrumpida y, por lo tanto, la producción a nivel de la firma haya sido más lenta durante la pandemia.

En la fase 4 se incrementan nuevamente los fondos disponibles para las empresas. Los subsidios se calcularán en función de la cantidad de empleados equivalente a tiempo completo (FTE, por sus siglas en inglés) que la empresa tenga contratados. Las microempresas con cinco FTE o menos y las sociedades unipersonales recibirán hasta $10,000; las empresas con 6 a 25 FTE recibirán hasta $15,000 y las empresas con 26 a 50 FTE recibirán hasta $20,000. Hay un estimador del tamaño del subsidio aquí.

Para maximizar los fondos que pueden recibir las empresas en la fase 4, los subsidios se basarán en el recuento máximo de FTE de una empresa en los últimos ocho trimestres según las presentaciones de WR-30. Las empresas deben usar los fondos del Programa de subsidios para la reinversión de ganancias perdidas como consecuencia de la interrupción comercial provocada por la pandemia. Las empresas no podrán usar los fondos del subsidio para gastos de capital.

Los $85,000,000 en fondos disponibles a través de la fase 4 se asignarán como se indica a continuación

  • Restaurantes: $35 millones de fondos para apoyar a empresas clasificadas como “Servicios de alimentos y bebidas” en virtud del código NAICS 722, dado el impacto desproporcionado que estas empresas han experimentado debido a la pandemia, incluyendo límites de cupos para comidas en los establecimientos y los costos inusuales en que incurrieron para adaptar sus modelos de negocio a operaciones seguras.
  • Proveedores de cuidado infantil: $10 millones de fondos para apoyar a empresas clasificadas como “Servicios de cuidado infantil” en virtud del código NAICS 624410, dado el impacto desproporcionado que estas empresas han experimentado debido a la pandemia, incluyendo límites a los números de capacidad y los costos inusuales en que incurrieron para adaptar sus modelos de negocio a operaciones seguras.
  • Microempresas: $25 millones de fondos para apoyar a las empresas que tienen 5 o menos FTE en cada uno de los últimos ocho trimestres según las presentaciones de WR-30 (incluyendo empresas sin FTE), dada la vulnerabilidad financiera única que las microempresas, que típicamente tienen reservas financieras más bajas, experimentaron a causa de la pandemia.
  • Otras pequeñas empresas (6 a 50 FTE): Los $15 millones restantes de financiamiento apoyarán a empresas que no son elegibles bajo la categoría de microempresas.

Las solicitudes estarán disponibles de forma escalonada después del período de preinscripción (del 19 de abril de 2021 a las 9:00 a. m. al 29 de abril de 2021 a las 5:00 p. m.). Los solicitantes preinscritos DEBERÁN REGRESAR a https://programs.njeda.com para completar una solicitud con base en el siguiente cronograma:

  • Empresas que no solicitaron o que no fueron aprobadas durante los fondos de la fase 3: 3 de mayo de 2021 a las 9:00 a. m.
  • Restaurantes y proveedores de cuidado infantil: 5 de mayo de 2021 a las 9:00 a. m.
  • Microempresas (5 FTE o menos): 10 de mayo de 2021 a las 9:00 a. m.
  • Todas las demás pequeñas empresas, sin incluir restaurantes, microempresas y proveedores de cuidado infantil: 12 de mayo de 2021 a las 9:00 a. m.

Las solicitudes para cada categoría se abrirán por un período de una semana y se aceptarán por orden de llegada, con base en la fecha y la hora en que la Autoridad reciba una presentación completa de la solicitud.

La NJEDA se asoció con tres agencias de marketing líderes para coordinar la difusión estratégica en las comunidades objetivo. Tara Dowdell Group, Medina=Citi, y 360 Marketing and PR fueron seleccionados para apoyar estos esfuerzos de difusión con base en sus conexiones establecidas con comunidades diversas de todo el estado. Las tres firmas son propiedad de minorías o mujeres.

La NJEDA ofrece la preinscripción y la solicitud en línea en inglés y español y ofrece a los postulantes acceso a servicios de interpretación para asistir a personas en diez idiomas adicionales: árabe, chino (mandarín y cantonés), guyaratí, hindi, italiano, coreano, polaco, portugués y tagalo.

Además del Programa de subsidios de asistencia de emergencia para pequeñas empresas, la NJEDA administra una variedad de programas de asistencia técnica y financiamiento a bajo costo para pequeñas y medianas empresas afectadas por la COVID-19. Las empresas y organizaciones sin fines de lucro pueden usar el Asistente de elegibilidad  para identificar qué programas de asistencia de emergencia pueden querer considerar para las necesidades específicas de su negocio. Hay más información acerca de estos programas y otro apoyo estatal disponible en https://business.nj.gov/covid o llamando al 844-965-1125.
 
Acerca de la Autoridad para el desarrollo económico de Nueva Jersey
La Autoridad para el desarrollo económico de Nueva Jersey (NJEDA) es la agencia principal del Estado para impulsar el desarrollo económico. La NJEDA tiene el compromiso de hacer del Estado de Nueva Jersey un modelo nacional para el desarrollo económico inclusivo y sostenible al centrarse en estrategias claves para ayudar a construir comunidades fuertes y dinámicas, crear buenos trabajos para los residentes de Nueva Jersey y ofrecer oportunidades para una economía más sólida y justa. Mediante asociaciones con diversas partes interesadas, la NJEDA crea e implementa iniciativas para mejorar la vitalidad económica y la calidad de vida en el Estado y para fortalecer la competitividad económica a largo plazo de Nueva Jersey.
 
Para obtener más información sobre los recursos de la NJEDA para empresas, llame al Servicio de Atención al Cliente de la NJEDA al 609-858-6767 o visite https://www.njeda.gov y siga @NewJerseyEDA en Facebook, Twitter, Instagram y LinkedIn.
 

###

TRENTON, N.J. (April 14, 2021) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board of Directors today approved the reopening of the 21st Century Redevelopment Program, which had been put on hold in April 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The program makes grants up to $50,000 available to suburban communities to help them redevelop, repurpose, or regreen vacant and underutilized retail or office park properties.

“The 21st Century Redevelopment Program will play an important role in Governor Murphy’s plan for a stronger, fairer recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic by providing resources to help municipalities repurpose dormant office spaces and industrial parks into valuable community assets,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “This has always been necessary, but it is an even better opportunity now as communities adjust to the post-pandemic future of work and the changes in demand for office and retail space that will come with it.”

The 21st Century Redevelopment Program was created in October 2018 in response to a number of demographic and economic trends that resulted in suburban offices and shopping malls emptying out, leaving communities stuck with the costs of maintaining infrastructure and roads around these facilities and a lack of resources to do so. In response to stakeholder feedback, the NJEDA adjusted the eligibility criteria for the program in 2019 to make more properties eligible while ensuring that properties of significant scope and scale remain prioritized. To accommodate the significant business disruptions resulting from the COVD-19 pandemic and work-from-home directives, the NJEDA put the program on hold in April 2020.

The Board action today paves the way for the NJEDA to resume administering the 21st Century Redevelopment Program in accordance with the updated parameters approved in 2019. As such, the program will make grants of up to $50,000 available to help municipalities, counties, and redevelopment agencies develop plans to repurpose vacant properties into productive economic assets. Potential uses of the grant funding include, but are not limited to:

  • Legal analysis to explore designating one or more relevant properties in the community as an “area in need of redevelopment.”
  • Stakeholder engagement and facilitation to identify community desires and needs.
  • Identification of appropriate funding sources to support community led re-use of one or more properties.
  • Cataloging relevant retail and office properties in a community and identifying priority sites when considering community needs.
  • Economic analysis relating to the feasibility of various redevelopment and/or reuse scenarios.
  • Land-use planning identifying the most suitable re-use scenarios.

Grant recipients will also be required to participate in at least two events hosted by the NJEDA to foster a dynamic discussion about repurposing stranded assets and provide guidance to communities facing similar challenges.

The NJEDA will use a competitive application process to award 21st Century Redevelopment Program grants. Applicants will have 45 days from the date the application launches to submit proposals. Once all applications are received, staff will evaluate and score them competitively, with the fifteen highest scoring applications recommended to the Board for grants.

More information about the 21st Century Redevelopment Program, including detailed eligibility and application scoring criteria, is available at https://www.njeda.gov/21stcentury/.

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.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

###

Phase 4 provides short-term, immediate payroll and working capital support to NJ small and medium businesses and non-profits

TRENTON, N.J. (April 14, 2021) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) today announced Phase 4 of the Authority’s Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant Program, adding $85 million in funds from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Phase 4 will provide short-term operating support to a broad group of New Jersey small and medium sized businesses and non-profits that have been negatively impacted during the declared state of emergency. More information is available here.

Interested business owners will need to pre-register here to access the application. Pre-registration will begin on Monday, April 19, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. and will close on April 29, 2021 at 5:00 p.m.  The application will be available via a phased approach following the end of the pre-registration period, as detailed below. Applicants must complete the full application to be considered for grant funding.

In line with Governor Murphy’s commitment to a stronger, fairer recovery, Phase 4 funding will be allocated to support the most adversely affected businesses, including restaurants, micro-businesses, and child care providers, as well as other small businesses. To ensure grants reach businesses in the hardest hit communities, including communities of color, one-third of funding will be targeted to businesses with a primary business location within the 715 census tracts designated as eligible to be selected as an Opportunity Zone. 

“The economic impact this pandemic has wreaked in New Jersey is still being felt one year after it started, and it has disproportionally affected woman- and minority-owned businesses. The $85 million in additional funds committed to Phase 4 of the Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant Program will directly and expeditiously help these businesses stabilize their operations and minimize potential furlough or layoffs,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Businesses that are still struggling cannot wait for assistance and we are working uninterruptedly at the NJEDA to ensure that our communities don’t just survive the pandemic, but emerge from it stronger, fairer, and ready to rebuild.”

The Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant Program was created to provide funding as efficiently and quickly as possible to small and medium-sized businesses that needed payroll and working capital support as a result of adverse economic impacts following the March 9, 2020 declaration of a State of Emergency and a Public Health Emergency. Since the launch of Phase 1 of the program on April 6, 2020, the Authority has approved nearly 44,000 grant applications representing over $214 million in total grant funding awarded through Phases 1 – 3.  The program has evolved with each phase to offer expanded eligibility and award amounts.

Phase 4 funds aim to reimburse lost revenue as result of the business interruption caused by the pandemic between March 1, 2020 and the date of the grant agreement, providing the necessary resources to any eligible business that has been temporarily shut down, has been required to reduce hours, has had at least a 20 percent drop in revenue, has been materially impacted by employees who cannot work due to the outbreak, or has a supply chain that has materially been disrupted and therefore slowed firm-level production during the pandemic.

Phase 4 once again increases the amount of funding available to businesses. Grant awards will be calculated based on the number of full-time equivalent employees (FTEs) businesses employ. Micro-businesses with five or fewer FTEs and sole proprietorships will receive up to $10,000; businesses with six to 25 FTEs will receive up to $15,000; and businesses with 26 to 50 FTEs will receive up to $20,000. A grant size estimator is available here.

To maximize the funding businesses can receive in Phase 4, grant awards will be based on the peak FTE count from a business’s past eight quarters of WR-30 filings. Businesses must use funds from the Grant Program for reimbursement of lost revenue as a result of business interruption caused by the pandemic. Businesses may not use grant funds for capital expenses.

The $85,000,000 in funds available through Phase 4 will be allocated as follows:

  • Restaurants: $35 million of funding to support businesses classified as “Food Services and Drinking Places” under NAICS code 722, given the disproportionate impact these businesses have experienced due to the pandemic, including caps on on-location dining and unusual costs they incurred to adapt their business models for safe operations.
  • Child Care Providers: $10 million of funding to support businesses classified as “Child Day Care Services” under NAICS code 624410, given the disproportionate impact these businesses have experienced due to the pandemic, including caps on capacity numbers and unusual costs they incurred to adapt their business models for safe operations.
  • Micro-businesses: $25 million of funding to support businesses that have had 5 or fewer FTEs in each of their past eight quarters of WR-30 filings (including businesses with no FTEs), given the unique financial vulnerability experienced because of the pandemic by micro-businesses, which typically have lower financial reserves.
  • Other small businesses (6-50 FTE): The remaining $15 million of funding will support businesses that are not eligible under the micro-business category.

Applications will become available on a rolling basis following the pre-registration period (April 19, 2021, 9:00 a.m. to April 29, 2021, 5:00 p.m.) Pre-registered applicants will need to return to https://programs.njeda.com/en-US/ to complete an application based on the following schedule:

  • Businesses that did not apply for, or were not approved for Phase 3 funding – 9:00 a.m. on May 3, 2021
  • Restaurants and child care providers – 9:00 a.m. on May 5, 2021
  • Micro businesses (five or fewer FTEs) – 9:00 a.m. on May 10, 2021
  • All other small businesses, excluding restaurants, micro businesses, and child care providers – 9:00 a.m. on May 12, 2021

Applications for each category will be open for a period of one week and will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, based upon the date and time the Authority receives a completed application submission.

The NJEDA is partnering with three leading marketing agencies to coordinate strategic outreach to targeted communities. Tara Dowdell Group, Medina=Citi, and 360 Marketing and PR were selected to support these outreach efforts based on their established connections to diverse communities across the state. All three firms are minority- and/or woman-owned.

The NJEDA is providing the online pre-registration and application in English and Spanish and offering applicants access to interpretation services to support speakers of ten additional languages – Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese), Gujarati, Hindi, Italian, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, and Tagalog.

In addition to the Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant Program, the NJEDA administers a variety of technical assistance and low-cost financing programs for small and mid-sized businesses impacted by COVID-19. More information about these programs and other State support is available at https://business.nj.gov/covid or call 844-965-1125.


 
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.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
 

###