Now funded at $57.5M, Sustain & Serve NJ helps program grantees buy meals from local restaurants and feed families over the holidays

TRENTON, N.J. (December 20, 2022) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) today announced plans to allocate an additional $5 million in state funding to Phase 3 of its Sustain & Serve NJ program. Sustain & Serve NJ provides nonprofit organizations with grants to support the purchase of meals from New Jersey restaurants that have been negatively impacted by COVID-19 and the distribution of those meals at no cost to recipients. The announcement comes at a time of year when nonprofits are facing peak demand for food assistance.  The funding announced today is expected to support the purchase of an additional 450,000 meals.

Sustain & Serve NJ launched during the pandemic as a $2 million pilot program to boost restaurants impacted by COVID-19 while combatting rising food insecurity and has grown into an over $57 million program that continues to bring much-needed food to people across New Jersey. Since February 2021, Sustain & Serve NJ has already supported the purchase of more than four million meals from over 400 restaurants in all 21 counties with grants totaling $57.5 million through three rounds of funding.

“Sustain & Serve NJ is a unique tool with a proven track record of enabling nonprofits to buy meals from local restaurants to combat food insecurity,” Governor Phil Murphy said. “Food banks and other nonprofits statewide are seeing a rising demand this holiday season and this added $5 million for Sustain & Serve NJ will significantly aid their efforts to connect New Jerseyans with nutritious meals.”

Earlier this year, 31 New Jersey nonprofits were approved to receive a total of $17.5 million through Phase 3 of Sustain & Serve NJ. Each of these awardees will now receive additional funding to support their efforts.

“Sustain & Serve NJ grantees are working extra hard this holiday season to feed their neighbors and support their communities,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Governor Murphy has championed Sustain & Serve NJ since the beginning, and we are grateful to him and the Legislature for continuing to provide the resources we need to combat hunger every day of the year while supporting local restaurants throughout the Garden State.”

“This additional $5 million committed to Sustain & Serve NJ partners will go extra lengths in making sure more families see hot and freshly prepared foods on their tables this holiday season, into the New Year, and beyond,” said Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin. “And that’s incredibly critical as our food banks report sharp increases in food insecurity among our communities.”

Sullivan noted that Sustain & Serve NJ is a key part of the NJEDA’s efforts to strengthen the economic security of all New Jerseyans. The Authority is putting forth a multi-pronged strategy to eliminate food deserts within the state and to bolster the child care sector, an industry whose critical importance was highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The NJEDA is also working with partners statewide to create a Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Center in Trenton as part of First Lady Tammy Murphy’s Nurture NJ initiative to make New Jersey the safest and most equitable place to give birth in the country.

“Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, we are taking a holistic approach to ensuring New Jerseyans’ basic needs are addressed and have placed a large focus on food security,” said NJEDA Executive Vice President of Economic Security Tara Colton. “Sustain & Serve NJ has the ability to transform lives – both by bolstering the restaurant industry and bringing nourishment to New Jerseyans in a respectful and dignified manner.”

Grantees and restaurant owners alike welcomed the news of additional funding and focused on the impact it will have statewide:

“As the cost of living has risen over the past year, many pantries at the Jersey shore are reporting that they are serving even more people than at the height of the pandemic,” Fulfill President and CEO Triada Stampas said. “Sustain & Serve NJ has been a critical tool to help address the food security needs of our neighbors. Over the past two and a half years, we were able to work with 35 restaurant and catering businesses to provide over 701,000 meals to our neighbors, while also helping those businesses survive during a really challenging time. Fulfill is grateful to Governor Murphy and our legislature, as well as Tim Sullivan and Tara Colton at the NJEDA, for their leadership in this expanded support.”

“Sustain & Serve NJ is just one of the programs Governor Murphy has initiated to help New Jersey make it during this period of time,” said Randy Glover, Chairman/Executive Director of All Access Community Development Corporation. “It is abundantly clear that the governor and his administration understand so well the pain and challenges of those at all income levels being faced in New Jersey. His mandates that have been articulated from the beginning of Covid-19 through this current economic crisis, putting food on the tables of all New Jerseyans illustrates his commitment to people, his compassion to all of New Jersey. New Jersey Pride, New Jersey Strong, that’s our Governor, that’s my Governor. Thank you, Governor Murphy, for your vision to see us throughout this time in history.”

“This program has really helped me keep our doors open and serve our community,” said Mohamed Elrawy, owner of Newark-based Pita Square. “Partnering with Coalition Equity has helped me serve my community by giving not only food but fresh and healthy food — something that everybody should be able to have, no questions asked. If you would have told me pre pandemic that I would be able to help people struggling everyday with hunger while keeping my doors open, I wouldn’t have believed you. It’s put a whole new meaning to what my restaurant can do and is doing for Newark and the surrounding community. I can’t tell you how thankful I am to participate in this program and partner with programs like Coalition Equity, Newark Working Kitchen and University Hospital to serve the community.” 

About the New Jersey Economic Development Authority

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

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

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Program Will Provide Grants of up to $250,000 to Startups to Offset Costs Associated
with Prototype Testing

TRENTON, N.J. (December 19, 2022) – The New Jersey Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology (CSIT) is currently accepting applications for its Pilot Clean Tech Demonstration Program. This $2.5 million competitive program will support New Jersey companies accelerating the commercialization and deployment of innovative clean energy technologies. Specifically, the program will provide grants of up to $250,000 each to help startups develop technologies intended to create a cleaner and greener future for New Jersey. The application can be found at https://www.njeda.gov/pilot-clean-tech-demonstration-grant-program/.

The Pilot Clean Tech Demonstration Program supports clean technology businesses that have existing prototypes of their technologies and are ready to validate them in a real-world setting. Awardees can use the funding for such costs as testing and validating technological performance at customer sites, travel, equipment purchase, licensing, and patent fees. A complete list of acceptable uses is available at https://www.njeda.gov/pilot-clean-tech-demonstration-grant-program/.

The application for the Pilot Clean Tech Demonstration Program is a two-step process.

Applicants MUST complete the full application to be considered for funding. Complete program eligibility and scoring criteria can be found at https://www.njeda.gov/pilot-clean-tech-demonstration-grant-program/.

CSIT recently hosted an informational webinar on the Clean Tech Demonstration Program. A link to that recording, along with a copy of the materials presented, can be found at https://www.njeda.gov/pilot-clean-tech-demonstration-grant-program/. 

Funding for the Clean Tech Demonstration Program is being provided by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. In addition to supporting emerging clean energy companies, the program will also help the state achieve its climate and clean energy targets laid out in New Jersey’s Energy Master Plan (EMP). The EMP offers a strategic vision for the production, distribution, consumption, and conservation of energy in the State of New Jersey.

About the New Jersey CSIT

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

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

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Program offers grants of up to $250,000 to enable purchases of equipment to improve productivity and efficiency.

TRENTON, N.J. (December 13, 2022) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) today announced it will begin accepting pre-qualification applications for the New Jersey Manufacturing Voucher Program (MVP) on Thursday, December 15 at 10:00 a.m. Funded at $20 million, the New Jersey MVP will provide grants to support the purchase of equipment to help manufacturers improve their operations.

A link to the pre-qualification application will be posted at https://www.njeda.gov/njmvp/ at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday morning and will remain open on until December 22 at 11:59 p.m. Pre-qualification applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, NOT first-come, first-served. Interested manufacturers must pre-qualify to access the full application that will be made available at a later date. Applicants must complete the full application to be considered for grant funding.

The New Jersey MVP will focus on New Jersey manufacturers within targeted industries that will purchase equipment to integrate advanced or innovative technologies, processes, and materials to improve the manufacturing of their products. The MVP will offer grants valued at 30 to 50 percent of the cost of eligible equipment, including installation, up to a maximum award amount of $250,000.

The program will offer stackable bonuses for certified woman-, minority-, or veteran-owned businesses, businesses in Opportunity Zones, and businesses purchasing manufacturing equipment in New Jersey, as well as bonuses for companies that have a collective bargaining agreement in place. It will also provide higher award percentages for small businesses with fewer than 100 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees.

The NJEDA held an information session about the New Jersey MVP, which included details of the application process and a pre-qualification checklist. A link to that recording can be found at https://www.njeda.gov/njmvp/.

Both for-profit and not-for-profit companies are eligible, not including home-based businesses. Only applications for future purchases will be considered. Therefore, interested applicants should not purchase equipment prior to submitting the full application at a future date. Projects where a contract has been signed, a purchase order has been placed, or a deposit has been made in advance of submitting an MVP application will not be considered for funding.

Complete eligibility criteria can be found at http://www.njeda.gov/njmvp. 

About the NJEDA

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

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

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CSIT Begins Managing Newly-Expanded Platform That Showcases Massive Volume of Research Being Conducted Statewide

TRENTON, N.J. (November 28, 2022) – The New Jersey Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology (CSIT) today announced the expansion of ResearchwithNJ.com to provide local, national, and international innovation communities with insight into groundbreaking research being conducted at five New Jersey universities – Montclair State University, New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT); Princeton University; Rowan University; and Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey. The Commission also announced that it has taken over management of the portal from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) and the New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE) due to its close ties to both the startup and academic communities.

The free, online portal, which can be accessed at www.researchwithnj.com, offers more than 250,000 pieces of research output that commercial enterprises, ranging from startups to global corporations, can use to fuel their growth. Topics range across a broad spectrum of disciplines, such as biology, chemistry, mathematics, psychology, sociology, and others. The newly-expanded Research with NJ portal now has search capabilities for specific subject matters that align with NJ’s strategic industry sectors through the site’s “strategic pillar” tabs.

Governor Phil Murphy announced the launch of Research with NJ in the summer of 2018, at the same time he announced the establishment of CSIT. Research with NJ was originally developed as a collaborative effort by the NJEDA and the OSHE to forge stronger connections between New Jersey’s research universities and the industry. Given CSIT’s goal of expanding partnerships between early-stage companies, entrepreneurs, and universities, the Commission assumed management of the portal and will work closely with the participating universities to ensure the continued support and growth of the online site. 

“Our close ties to both the startup community and the state’s many academic institutions made the management of Research with NJ by CSIT a natural fit,” said CSIT Executive Director Judith Sheft. “We anticipate the expansion of Research with NJ, combined with our ongoing efforts to enhance outreach to emerging companies and academic professionals, will help strengthen connections between New Jersey’s research universities and the industry.”

Research with NJ highlights the Garden State’s leading research experts and facilities, enhancing the visibility of research output. It also increases opportunities for users to create partnerships and build innovative new businesses and products based on the latest scientific and technological breakthroughs. Businesses can gain access to relevant areas of expertise, facilitating the transfer of technology to the marketplace. This includes information on subject matter experts, facilities, publications, intellectual property, news, and events. Investors considering investing in a startup can also use Research with NJ to learn about research done by members of the company prior to investment.

“One of New Jersey’s greatest assets is our vast network of globally-recognized universities, including all of the academic institutions that are a part of the Research with NJ portal,” said CSIT Chair Debbie Hart. “Through Research with NJ, we are harnessing the brainpower of our state’s highly-talented researchers and providing their intellectual data, free of charge, to individuals worldwide in order to help propel our innovation ecosystem forward.”

To date, the Research with NJ platform has sourced nearly 268,000 outputs from all participating universities, incorporating more than 4,500 individual profiles, over 150 core facilities, and grants/projects topping 6,200.

“New Jersey already has a tremendous story to tell when it comes to the breadth of innovation stemming from our world-class universities and the impact researchers and innovators are having on the global stage,” said Dr. Brian Bridges, the New Jersey Secretary of Higher Education. “Research with NJ will continue to strengthen the state’s ability to promote the high quality and volume of research produced by our researchers to an even broader audience.”   

Research with NJ was developed under the leadership of an Advisory Board consisting of the participating research universities and industry representatives from the NJEDA, OSHE, New Jersey Business & Industry Association, Choose New Jersey, BioNJ, the HealthCare Institute of New Jersey, the Research & Development Council of New Jersey, and TechUnited. The Advisory Board provides oversight and recommendations to ensure the portal’s sustainability and success.

“The Research with NJ portal offers a glimpse into the groundbreaking developments and discoveries being made at our state’s esteemed research universities,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “I am confident that this expanded resource will foster new opportunities for innovators and companies at every stage of growth and will help us achieve Governor Murphy’s goal of recapturing New Jersey’s role as a national leader in innovation.”

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

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Program Provides up to $125,000 to County and Local Governments to Develop Plans to Improve Food Security

Trenton, N.J. (November 18, 2022) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) announced that it has extended the application deadline for its $1.5 million Food Security Planning Grant Program to December 20, 2022. This competitive program offers grants ranging from $75,000 to $125,000 to municipal and county governments, and redevelopment agencies to develop plans to improve food access and food security by leveraging distressed assets in New Jersey’s Food Desert Communities (FDCs). The application can be found at https://www.njeda.gov/food-security-planning-grant/. Applications will NOT be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Today, more than 15 percent of New Jersey households report not having enough to eat within the past week. Additionally, out of the nearly nine million people who reside in New Jersey, approximately 1.5 million live in an NJEDA-designated FDC. Ensuring access to nutritious, affordable, and culturally relevant food is a key component of Governor Phil Murphy’s vision for a stronger and fairer New Jersey economy, as well as creating a sustainable local food system in every community.

The NJEDA hosted information sessions last month for potential applicants that offered an overview of the program, a walk-through of the application, and information on how to best prepare to apply. A recording of one of those sessions can be found here.

The Food Security Planning Grant Program is one tool that NJEDA will deploy to empower local governments to develop and submit plans to improve food access while transforming distressed assets that have presented a hindrance to economic growth. For the Food Security Planning Grant Program, a distressed asset is defined as a commercial building or series of buildings, its attachments, and appurtenances; or vacant land that is fully or partially vacant for at least one year, that due to deteriorated condition or appearance of its exterior (because of deferred maintenance such as deteriorated paint or overgrown vegetation, boarded up door and/or windows), that can be leveraged to improve food access and food security. Distressed assets must be located within a New Jersey FDC, which can be mapped here.

Full details on the Food Security Planning Grant Program can be found here.

About the NJEDA

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

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

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Program Will Offer Grants of Up to $250,000 to Offset Costs Associated
with Demonstration & Validation in Real-World Settings

TRENTON, N.J. (November 18, 2022) – The New Jersey Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology (CSIT) today announced plans to launch a competitive $2.5 million program to support New Jersey companies accelerating the commercialization and deployment of innovative clean energy technologies. The Pilot Clean Tech Demonstration Program will provide grants of up to $250,000 each to help startups develop their technologies intended to create a cleaner and greener future for New Jersey. Applications for this program open on December 5, 2022 and will be available at https://www.njeda.gov/pilot-clean-tech-demonstration-grant-program/.

The Pilot Clean Tech Demonstration Program is designed to support clean technology businesses that have an existing prototype of their technologies and are ready to validate them in a real-world setting. Awardees can use the funding for such costs as testing and validating technological performance at customer sites, travel, equipment purchase, licensing, and patent fees. A complete list of acceptable uses will be available at https://www.njeda.gov/pilot-clean-tech-demonstration-grant-program/.

“The majority of our clean technology portfolio companies have some form of prototype, and funding through this program will offset many of the costs associated with demonstration and validation as they work toward commercialization,” said CSIT Executive Director Judith Sheft. “This new program is a complement to our existing Clean Technology Seed Grant and Voucher programs, and we are proud to expand the continuum of support we offer clean technology businesses growing in New Jersey.”

Sheft noted that companies do not have to have participated in a previous CSIT program to be considered for this award.

Examples of some prototypes in the clean energy space include energy management solutions, electric storage devices, biomass powered generators, and wind turbine components.

“In addition to their innovations in the life sciences and technology sectors, New Jersey innovators are creating technologies that are intended to combat climate change and reduce carbon footprints worldwide,” said CSIT Chair Debbie Hart. “By providing resources necessary to support entrepreneurs as they bring their products to the marketplace, we are not only helping early-stage New Jersey companies succeed, but also helping to build the green economy that Governor Phil Murphy champions.”

CSIT will host an informational webinar on the Clean Tech Demonstration Programon November 30, 2022. Registration information can be found at https://www.njeda.gov/pilot-clean-tech-demonstration-grant-program/. A recorded version of the webinar and copy of materials presented will be made available on the CSIT webpage following the event. Please note that applications can be submitted starting on December 5, 2022.  

The Pilot Clean Tech Demonstration Program will fund pilot demonstration projects intended to avoid emissions of, or recapture, greenhouse gases and/or criteria pollutants, or to enable such avoidance or recapture.  The proposed project must be between Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6, ready to beta test the prototype, and TRL 8, in the pre-commercial demonstration. The TRL is a globally-recognized scale that measures and assesses a technology’s maturity. 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.

All applicants must have a minimum of two full-time employees and no more than 50 full-time equivalent employees at the time of application. Additionally, at least 50 percent of the work being performed by employees, including founders and contractors, must be conducted in NJ. Lastly, all pilot demonstration projects must be done in New Jersey. Complete program eligibility can be found at https://www.njeda.gov/pilot-clean-tech-demonstration-grant-program/.

Award scoring will be based on innovation, market opportunity, feasibility, and economic and environmental impact. In keeping with Governor Murphy’s goal of creating the most diverse and inclusive innovation ecosystem in the country, bonus scoring will be awarded to applicants that are New Jersey-certified women-owned, minority-owned, or veteran-owned businesses; or have a primary place of business/research and development located either within an opportunity zone eligible census tract or within Trenton, Paterson, or Atlantic City.

Funding for the Clean Tech Demonstration Program is being provided by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU).

“CSIT has been a tremendous partner in our efforts to get funding to startups that are working to advance our clean energy future,” said NJBPU President Joseph L. Fiordaliso. “The clean tech program announced today is an important step in the State of New Jersey’s ability to reach even more emerging companies as we work to meet Governor Murphy’s goal of 100 percent clean energy by 2050.”

About the New Jersey CSIT

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

About 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, and follow NJBPU on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram.

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Newly-Approved Program Will Help Entrepreneurs Focus Full-Time on Building Their Startups

TRENTON, N.J. (November 17, 2022) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) today announced plans to create a competitive program – the New Jersey Innovation Fellows (NJIF), which will offer mentorship and grants of up to $400,000 to teams of first-time entrepreneurs. The program will provide income replacement so that entrepreneurs can devote their full-time attention to building out their startups. The announcement follows yesterday’s NJEDA Board approval of this new program.

“New Jersey is committed to ensuring that passionate entrepreneurs are equipped with the resources they need to turn their innovative ideas and vision into a viable enterprise,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “By supplementing the income of startup founders, we are helping to remove the barriers that too often exist on the path to success. The NJIF Program will be a game-changer by supporting innovators in overcoming the financial obstacles associated with advancing early-stage companies.”

Through the NJIF Program, the NJEDA will support teams of at least three entrepreneurs with mentorship, training, and income replacement capital over a two-year period. The grant funding is designed to replace a stream of income an entrepreneur might forgo to launch an early-stage business. The NJEDA anticipates that support from the NJIF Program will attract innovative ideas and entrepreneurs who would otherwise be unable to pursue the launch of a new venture due to the needs for income or, in the case of a recent graduate, who would choose to accept employment in lieu of entrepreneurship due to socio-economic constraints.

“Building a successful company takes both financial resources and guidance from seasoned subject matter experts,” said Senator M. Teresa Ruiz (D-Essex), who sponsored legislation establishing the NJIF Program. “Funding and mentorship are the two most sought-after commodities by entrepreneurs and the NJEDA is packaging both into the NJIF Program to help New Jersey’s innovators thrive.”

NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan cited the high correlation between socio-economic background and entrepreneurship as one of the main drivers for the creation of the program.

“Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, we are working to level the playing field for prospective New Jersey entrepreneurs by ensuring they have access to capital and mentorship, regardless of their socio-economic status,” said Sullivan. “Providing grants through the NJIF Program will give more individuals the financial flexibility to take calculated business risks and follow their entrepreneurial dreams.”

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

In addition to the financial benefits of the program, all entrepreneur fellows will participate in a mentorship program. The NJEDA plans to enter into agreements with the New Jersey Institute of Technology’s (NJIT’s) New Jersey Innovation Institute and Rowan University’s Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship for these universities to design and implement mentorship programs for the fellows. The initial curriculum will train entrepreneurs in such subjects as managerial finance, accounting, and financial statement preparations; human resources development and management; business model design; marketing and customer development; and more. The mentorship will last for the duration of the two-year NJIF Program.

“The personalized expertise NJIF Program participants will receive from NJIT and Rowan University will position them well for future success,” said NJEDA Chief Economic Transformation Officer Kathleen Coviello. “Through the NJIF Program’s mentorship and financial commitments, we are unlocking opportunities for entrepreneurs to follow their passions and turn their ideas into startups and ultimately into thriving companies.”

 Coviello noted that the NJEDA expects to open the NJIF Program application semi-annually in 2023 and 2024.

About the New Jersey Economic Development Authority

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

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

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The grant program will support hundreds of micro businesses through low-interest financing

Trenton, N.J. (November 1, 2022) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) today announced that it has approved over $11 million to eight lenders and financial institutions through its Main Street Lenders Grant. The Main Street Lenders Grant, which launched in July, awards grants to eligible Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs), and other entities that have at least 10 years of experience lending to small and micro businesses.

The Main Street Lenders Grant, which was created under the New Jersey Economic Recovery Act of 2020 and funded with $15 million from the Main Street Recovery Program, offers eligible lenders grants of up to $1.5 million each, with up to $500,000 reserved for technical assistance needs. Entities approved for the grant will provide flexible and low-cost financing through working capital term loans to qualified micro businesses, as well as technical assistance to help micro businesses access capital.

“The Main Street Lenders Grant is another testament to Governor Phil Murphy’s commitment to equity and inclusion and supporting small businesses to ensure economic prosperity in New Jersey,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Forty percent of the funding to support loans will be set aside for micro businesses in Opportunity Zone-eligible census tracts, allowing underserved areas the chance for continued growth.”

To date, the product has approved grant funding for the following lenders:

  • Elizabeth Development Company of New Jersey will create a Post COVID Rebound Program (PCRP). The PCRP will offer loans of between $10,000 and $30,000 for existing or startup micro businesses in Elizabeth, Plainfield, and Hillside Township.
  • Pursuit Lending (formerly New York Business Development Corporation Local Development Corporation) will create a New Jersey Main Street Fund. The New Jersey Main Street Fund will offer loans of between $10,000 and $100,000 to low- and moderate-income and minority/women business enterprises in Opportunity Zones.
  • Union County Economic Development Corporation (UCEDC) will create the Small Business Assistance Loan (SBAL) to offer loans ranging from $10,000–$15,000 at zero-percent interest and a five-year term for eligible micro businesses. This UCEDC program will require no collateral.
  • The Enterprise Center Capital Corporation will utilize funding to create a New Jersey Acceleration Fund to support micro businesses in Camden and South Jersey.
  • Eastern American Certified Development Company will create three micro loan products: 1) Fast and Easy Loan Program up to $10,000. 2) Growing Loan Program for up to $50,000 in funding. 3) Opportunity Loan Program for up to $100,000 in funding.
  • Greater Newark Enterprises Corporation will use the lending grant to support its Newark Entrepreneurs of Color Fund and offers loans from $10,000 to $50,000 for unbankable businesses.
  • Cooperative Business Assistance Corporation (CBAC) will use the grant to provide working capital loans from $10,000 to $100,000 at a five-percent interest rate to qualified entities with a credit score at 650 or below.
  • Regional Business Assistance Corporation (RBAC) will use funding to support existing businesses with capital loans ranging from $10,000 to $100,000. Each of RBAC’s loans will carry a two percent interest rate with a seven-year term.

“Local lenders were paramount to our ability to reach and support New Jersey’s smallest businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic and they remain vital partners in our efforts to build a stronger, fairer, and more equitable economy,” said NJEDA Program Manager – Business Banking Naimah Marshall. “Through the Main Street Lenders Grant, we are enhancing our ability to connect micro businesses that often have difficulty accessing traditional financing with the resources they need to succeed.”

Micro businesses can contact any of the lenders identified above and apply for financing directly with them. 

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.

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Child Care Centers Can Begin Applying for Grants of up to $200,000 on November 15, 2022

First Lady Tammy Murphy joins NJEDA leadership and other government and elected officials outside ABC Daycare Academy in Bloomfield to announce the launch of the Child Care Facilities Improvement Program. From left: ABC Daycare Academy Owner Anna Hareza, First Lady Tammy Murphy, Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill, Senate Majority Leader Ruiz, NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan, Executive Vice President of Economic Security Tara Colton, and New Jersey Department of Children and Families Assistant Commissioner for Legal, Regulatory and Legislative Affairs Brian Ross.

BLOOMFIELD, N.J. (October 26, 2022) – New Jersey First Lady Tammy Murphy today announced that the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) will begin accepting applications for grants from the $54.5 million New Jersey Child Care Facilities Improvement Program on Tuesday, November 15, 2022.  Building on the Murphy Administration’s comprehensive strategy to support the state’s vital child care sector, Phase 1 of the program will provide nearly $15 million in grants of up to $200,000 to licensed child care centers in New Jersey to cover the costs of facility improvements.

“Every New Jersey family deserves reliable, safe, high-quality child care, a critical part of Nurture NJ and our work to make New Jersey a leader in child health. This program will help to ensure facilities all over the state provide our children – and most especially our children in underserved communities – with high-quality early childhood environments that have lifelong impacts,” said First Lady Murphy. “The NJ Child Care Facilities Improvement Program will provide the capital for child care facilities to make essential improvements that will elevate their ability to care for this and future generations.”

First Lady Murphy joined NJEDA leadership and other government and elected officials outside ABC Daycare Academy in Bloomfield for the announcement.

“I am thrilled that New Jersey is using federal funds I secured in the American Rescue Plan to implement innovative programs like the Child Care Facilities Improvement Grant,” said Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11). “At the local, state, and federal level, we are working together to make childcare more accessible and affordable for New Jersey families because we understand its importance to a thriving economy and workforce. I want to thank First Lady Tammy Murphy, NJEDA CEO Tim Sullivan, Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz, and ABC Daycare Academy Owner Anna Hareza for their work on this important issue.”

As part of New Jersey’s whole-of-government approach to supporting the child care sector, the legislature passed and Governor Murphy signed the Child Care Revitalization Fund into law, appropriating $100 million in American Rescue Plan (ARP) Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds to support the sector, including $54.5 million for NJEDA to provide facility improvement grants and technical assistance to child care providers. Senate Majority Leader Ruiz (D-Essex), who participated in today’s event, was a co-sponsor of Child Care Revitalization Fund. Funding for Phase 1 of the NJ Child Care Facilities Improvement Program is supported through the ARP funding, as well as an additional $4.45 million in state funding.

“School facilities have a profound impact on both teacher and student outcomes. When we invest in our children by making their learning environments healthy, safe and flexible to adapt to complex student needs, the rewards far exceed the cost of the initial investment,” said Senator Ruiz. “By lessening the financial burden on child care providers, these funds will facilitate the expansion of classroom space which increases student headcounts as well as allow for the purchasing of other critical infrastructure needs such as replacing windows and/or flooring or even playground equipment. Every dollar invested offers a $4-$9 return in individual and community benefits. This program, along with other initiatives moving through the legislature, represents a commitment to improving early childhood education in ways that will work to reduce the achievement gap and greatly benefit future generations.”

“Under Governor Phil Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey is making significant investments to bolster the child care sector, which is crucial to our economy and the ability of New Jersey parents to return to work and have the peace of mind of knowing their children are well cared for,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan.  “These grants will help child care centers that are the backbone of our economy to emerge better positioned to care for our children and families.”

Sullivan noted that child care providers serving low-income children through the New Jersey Department of Human Services (NJDHS) Child Care Assistance Program were significantly impacted by COVID. That program provides subsidies to offset the cost of child care for families at 200 percent or below the federal poverty line. Funding in Phase 1 of the program will be limited to child care centers serving children receiving this assistance. Additionally, 40 percent of the Phase 1 funding will be set aside for child care providers in Opportunity Zone-eligible census tracts, ensuring funding is targeted toward the state’s low-income communities.

“We are excited to work in partnership with the NJEDA to make these grants available to child care providers in the state. Child care providers were among some of the hardest-hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, and are still working to overcome the lingering effects of the pandemic, all the while meeting the needs of New Jersey’s working families. These grants will help providers make facility improvements that they may not otherwise be able to afford, so they can provide high-quality early childhood learning environments for our youngest residents. This is in addition to the stabilization grants that Human Services is providing to help providers pay for operational expenses and the $1,000 hiring and retention bonus payments to assist with staffing. Safe, affordable and reliable child care in New Jersey is vital to our economy and for working families. Under the leadership of Governor Murphy, the state has made significant investments to support the child care industry, and we will continue to work to support this critical workforce and the families that rely on them,” said NJDHS Commissioner Sarah Adelman.

Child care providers typically face thin profit margins, often forcing them to forego necessary facilities upgrades, repairs, and maintenance. Phase 1 of the NJ Child Care Facilities Improvement Program will provide grants between $50,000 to $200,000 to pay for improvements that foster high-quality early childhood learning environments. These interior and exterior improvements could include, but are not limited to, installing energy efficient windows, creating additional classroom space, purchasing new playground equipment, replacing flooring, remediating environmental hazards such as lead or mold, or putting in child-height sinks or toilets. A complete list of eligible uses and details on the program can be found at https://www.njeda.gov/child-care-improvement-program/.

“ABC Academy Daycare is always looking for ways to enhance the quality of early childhood education and always put our children first when making budget decisions, therefore prioritizing the improvements projects while keeping costs down is often a challenge,” said Anna Hareza, owner, ABC Daycare Academy. “Governor and First Lady Murphy recognize the crucial role New Jersey’s child care centers play in setting our children up for success and the grant  that will significantly help childcare centers achieve a higher standard of care.”

“Every child deserves to go to a world-class child care facility, regardless of a family’s income,” said NJEDA Executive Vice President of Economic Security Tara Colton. “The NJ Child Care Facilities Improvement Program will provide funding to help ensure that all New Jersey children have access to high quality early learning environments while giving child care providers access to funding to upgrade their facilities, allowing them to focus on what is most important: caring for our state’s children.”

“The NJ Child Care Facilities Improvement Program will allow child care providers to leverage public resources to upgrade and improve, and to create and sustain safe, nurturing environments intended to help develop young minds,” said NJ Department of Children and Families (NJDCF) Commissioner Christine Norbut Beyer. “This investment in state-of-the-art child care programs will encourage healthy growth and development for New Jersey’s children, and will strengthen the child care options available to working families.  This is a welcome inclusion in efforts to support families and children in New Jersey to thrive.”

Applicants may own or lease the space that will be improved and they must currently enroll, or have enrolled in the 12 months prior to the date of application, at least one child receiving support through the NJDHS Child Care Assistance Program. Child care providers must also commit to enroll in NJDHS’ quality rating and improvement system, Grow NJ Kids. While the NJEDA plans to expand the NJ Child Care Facilities Improvement Program to home-based child care providers registered with NJDHS in subsequent program phases, this inaugural phase will only be open to child care centers licensed by the NJDCF. Full eligibility criteria and resources for applicants can be found at https://www.njeda.gov/child-care-improvement-program/.

About the NJEDA

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

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

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TRENTON, N.J. (October 26, 2022) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) seeking information and ideas as it considers establishing a pilot program to attract clean energy manufacturers to New Jersey. The program would help New Jersey capitalize on the manufacturing resurgence taking place nationwide. The RFI can be found at https://www.njeda.gov/bidding/#rfi. Responses are due by November 22, 2022.

RFI responses would help to shape the development of a proposed NJEDA grant or forgivable loan program that would offset the costs for New Jersey companies or institutions that procure clean energy technologies from clean energy manufacturers looking to expand or establish a presence in the Garden State. The goal of this program is to build a pipeline of projects for clean energy manufacturers that are competitive for New Jersey customers, while helping early adopters minimize the costs of implementing clean technologies. The program would also aim to create high-quality manufacturing jobs in New Jersey, make the state a hub for clean energy manufacturing and innovation, and build a diverse workforce in the clean energy sector. It would also help meet the state’s climate and clean energy targets laid out in New Jersey’s Energy Master Plan (EMP). The EMP offers a strategic vision for the production, distribution, consumption, and conservation of energy in the State of New Jersey.

“There has never been a more exciting time to be a part of the clean energy transformation, particularly when it comes to manufacturing innovative technologies needed to create a green economy,” said Jane Cohen, Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Climate Action and the Green Economy. “New Jersey continues to find new and creative ways to support businesses in this vital sector and the feedback we receive from this RFI will help us continue to attract new manufacturers while supporting those already established within the state.”

New Jersey’s manufacturing output grew at a 5.8 percent annualized pace between the fourth quarter of 2017 and the fourth quarter of 2021, which is more than double the national growth rate of 2.6 percent during that period. This program would be one of several in the manufacturing portfolio supported by more than $35 million in New Jersey’s Fiscal Year 2023 budget designed to spur capital investment, increase the adoption of new technology, attract new suppliers to the state, and expand workforce development opportunities.

“This pilot program would benefit entities that sit at the intersection of clean energy and manufacturing, two vital sectors as we work to achieve Governor Phil Murphy’s goal of establishing New Jersey as a leader in innovation,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Direct input from stakeholders with perspectives on manufacturing innovative clean energy technologies will enable us to continue make strategic investments to address their needs and positions them well for the future.”

The RFI seeks information from individuals and/or entities with perspectives on manufacturing clean energy technologies (supply) and/or accelerating their adoption (demand). Interested stakeholders in clean energy technologies, clean technology manufacturing, and/or businesses interested in, or that might benefit from, the adoption of new clean energy technologies that may still have a higher market cost are encouraged to respond.

Sullivan noted that issuance of the RFI comes just days after Governor Murphy announced the NJEDA’s plans to create a $20 million New Jersey Manufacturing Voucher Program (NJMVP) to bolster New Jersey’s manufacturing sector. That program will focus on New Jersey manufacturers within targeted industries that will purchase equipment to integrate advanced or innovative technologies, processes, and materials to improve the manufacturing of their products. The NJMVP will offer grants valued at 30 to 50 percent of the cost of eligible equipment, including installation, up to a maximum award amount of $250,000.

All RFI responses must be submitted in writing no later than 1:00 p.m. EST on Tuesday, November 22, 2022, via email to earlyadopters@njeda.com. The subject line of the email should state “RFI Response-2022-RFI-OET-152 – Clean Energy Manufacturing in New Jersey – Early Adopters Pilot.”

All questions concerning the RFI announced today must be submitted in writing no later than 1:00 p.m. EDT, on Thursday, November 3, 2022, via e-mail to: earlyadopters@njeda.com. The subject line of the e-mail should state: “Questions-2022-RFI-OET-152.” Answers to questions submitted will be publicly posted on the Authority’s website on or about Thursday, November 10, 2022, at http://www.njeda.gov/Bidding-Opportunities-General/Economic-Transformation-RFIs as Addendum. It is the Respondent’s responsibility to check this website regularly for updates.

About the NJEDA

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

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

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