Please be advised that a Board Meeting for the New Jersey Green Bank will be held in person and via teleconference on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. 

Members of the public who wish to speak during the public comment segment of the meeting, pertaining to agenda items, may attend in person or call into the meeting by using the conference number, and are encouraged to call in prior to the meeting start time to avoid any delays.

IN PERSON:

New Jersey Economic Development Authority

NJEDA Board Room

36 West State Street, Trenton, NJ 08625

The agenda and teleconference number can be found 48 hours prior to the meeting here.

Small businesses encouraged to take advantage of the Small Business E-Commerce Support Program to develop website, marketing plan & implement online ordering

TRENTON, N.J. (December 4, 2024) – In recognition of Cyber Monday this week, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) is highlighting its $4 million Small Business E-Commerce Support Program, which has connected over 430 small businesses to consulting firms which will provide direct technical assistance. Of those businesses connected, 290 New Jersey businesses have successfully completed their consulting services, representing over $2.3 million in technical assistance, which have provided them with free e-commerce and digital marketing consulting services, to help them adapt to the growing e-commerce economy. To date, 39 percent of the funding has supported minority-owned small businesses.

“Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey is committed to providing small businesses with resources to ensure their success,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “The Small Business E-Commerce Support Program has delivered on this promise by assisting businesses with their digital marketing needs, and the NJEDA is ready to help even more local businesses statewide modernize their services, grow their customer base, and remain competitive in the rapidly evolving e-commerce landscape.”

The program offers consulting services to eligible restaurants, retailers, and personal care businesses to assist with web page design and development, online ordering implementation, online appointment booking implementation, e-commerce design and development, and online marketing plan development. Restaurants and personal care businesses can receive up to $11,400 in consulting services, while retail stores can receive up to $10,800.  The consultants work directly with the small business owners to provide a custom plan on what services will benefit their business. 

Reach for the Stars, LLC in Cranford took advantage of the NJEDA’s Small Business E-Commerce Program. Serving as a leader in pediatric speech throughout New York and New Jersey, its new website allows for visitors to read related articles and patient testimonials and explore resources that are available to them.

“As a small business owner, we are often forced to choose one essential project over another because of financial limitations. I was truly honored that my business was selected to receive a grant for a new website, and I couldn’t be happier with the end results,” said Reach for the Stars owner Lisa Jiannetto-Surrusco. “The grant enabled me to get this project done, while allocating the saved money for vital necessities like therapy and testing materials, professional development for the staff, and potential expansion of our menu of services.”

The Barefoot Bride was also able to launch its website through the help of the NJEDA’s Small Business E-Commerce Program. The Red Bank-based bridal shop offers a personalized retail experience for brides-to-be and their families. With its newly revamped website, customers can make their bridal appointments online and browse the latest wedding dress trends.

“For most small business owners having a functional website that is affordable is nonexistent. Being able to reach out to the NJEDA for help was a dream come true,” said The Barefoot Bride owner Mayra Perez Lowey. “We now have a beautiful working website that our customers can easily navigate.”

Cammie’s Spectacular Salon in Wrightstown utilized the NJEDA’s Small Business E-Commerce Program to fully redo its website to offer a full list of services and an online store. Customers now have the ability to book appointments online, as well as view testimonials and Google reviews.

“I have paid a lot of money in the past for services similar to the Small Business E-Commerce Program, and have received much less without the additional training,” said Cammie’s Spectacular Salon owner Trina Stroman. “Everyone was very patient and efficient, and provided me the assistance to move on independently, and still offer support up to 12 months. I really appreciate this.”

Through a competitive selection process, the NJEDA contracted with seven consulting firms to provide e-commerce and digital marketing services to small businesses until the funding is exhausted. Interested businesses should contact the consulting firm of their choice directly to setup an initial call to discuss their needs.

The firms include:

Small businesses interested in the program can click here to learn more.

This program is funded by the Main Street Recovery Finance Program, which was established under the New Jersey Economic Recovery Act of 2020 (ERA). The ERA created over 15 programs, including the $200 million Main Street Recovery Program. Since the Main Street Recovery Program launched in October 2021, the NJEDA made over 5,300 approvals for grants, loans, and technical assistance for small businesses totaling $168 million. The Small Business E-Commerce Support Program is the fifth pilot program the NJEDA approved under the Main Street Recovery Finance 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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Please be advised that the next New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission Board Meeting will be held in person and via teleconference on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at 10:30 am. 

Members of the public who wish to speak during the public comment segment of the meeting, pertaining to agenda items, may attend in person or call into the meeting by using the conference number, and are encouraged to call in prior to the meeting start time to avoid any delays.

IN PERSON:

New Jersey Economic Development Authority

One Gateway Center

11-43 Raymond Plaza West, 14th Floor, Newark, NJ 07102

The agenda and teleconference number can be found 48 hours prior to the meeting here.

TRENTON, N.J. (November 22, 2024) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) is seeking public input on rules for the new Cultural and Arts Facilities Expansion (CAFÉ) tax credit program, which is aimed at elevating arts and culture across the state, increasing the number of first-rate art and cultural experiences for residents and visitors. The CAFÉ program will award up to $75 million in tax credits to capital projects of at least $5 million.

WHAT:           A virtual listening session will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 26, 2024. Click here for more information.

WHEN:           Feedback must be submitted in writing no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, December 20, 2024. Written feedback can be submitted here.

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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ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (November 21, 2024) – This week, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board approved over $17 million in funding for the Local Property Acquisition Grant Program. The funding will support 12 real estate development projects throughout New Jersey.

“Since taking office, Governor Murphy has been dedicated to boosting the economic prospects of New Jersey’s communities, creating jobs for local residents, and generating vital tax revenue for municipalities,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “The projects supported through the Local Property Acquisition Grant Program will help advance local economic development initiatives throughout the state by transforming unused real estate into vibrant commercial spaces and community hubs.”

First approved in 2023, the Local Property Acquisition Grant Program is a competitive grant program that will provide funding to municipalities, municipal entities, counties, county entities, and/or not-for-profit local economic and community development entities for the acquisition of a vacant site, building, facility, or collection of properties. Through this funding, awardees may develop or redevelop sites with the intention of supporting local or regional economic development priorities.

Program funding will support either acquisitions for strategic public use projects, including public plazas, parks, and walkways, or acquisitions for future development projects, including commercial or mixed-use developments and research or laboratory spaces.

The following projects were approved to receive funding through the Local Property Acquisition Grant Program:

  1. The Township of Verona will receive up to $1 million to acquire a vacant property located at 46 Lakeside Avenue to create a public parking lot.
  2. The Town of Westfield will receive up to $660,050 to acquire a vacant property located at 200 South Avenue West to create a pedestrian plaza/pocket park.
  3. The Camden Repertory Theater Community Development Group will receive a grant award up to $483,400 to acquire a vacant building at 918 Broadway. The project will be a mixed-use project with performing and exhibition spaces, training and workshop facilities, office space, and five units of affordable housing. 
  4. The Carteret Redevelopment Authority will receive a grant award of up to $1,547,500 to acquire vacant property located at 1179 & 1235-1239 Roosevelt Avenue. The project will be a mixed-use development with commercial space and over 200 residential units, including at least 20 percent affordable units.
  5. Chicken Bone Beach Historical Foundation Inc. will receive a grant award of up to $1,824,569 to acquire a vacant property located at 14 N. Mississippi Avenue in the Ducktown neighborhood in Atlantic City. The project will be a cultural arts center retaining the 200+ seat theater and converting the upper floors for additional classrooms and teaching areas for music and choir lessons, hosting educational programs and art exhibits, and offering concerts and performances.
  6. The Town of Clinton will receive a grant award of up to $2,409,108 to acquire a vacant property located at 19 West Main Street. The project will be a commercial development.
  7. Greater Bergen Community Action, Inc. will receive a grant award of up to $2,601,155 to acquire a vacant 24,000 square foot, 3-story building located at 106 Somerset Street. The project will be a mixed-use, multi-purpose building with office space, training rooms, community service programs such as Head Start and Adult Education and Training, as well as a credit union branch and a possible coffee shop for commuters.
  8. The Town of Hammonton will receive a grant award of up to $544,663 to acquire the 5,000 square foot vacant former Peoples Bank and Trust Company/First Bank of Hammonton building located at 15 Central Avenue. The project will be either a restaurant, retail, or entertainment space which will be determined following the Town’s Request for Proposals process.
  9. Ideal Education A NJ Nonprofit Corporation will receive a grant award of up to $703,000 to acquire a vacant 20,000 square foot building located at 7 South Carolina Avenue in Atlantic City. The project will be a community co-op food market and aquaponics farming facility. This project will be strategically located in the heart of Atlantic City and will help address local food security gaps and promote community revitalization efforts in the area. Atlantic City is both a Government Restricted Municipality and a Transitional Aid community and is thus eligible for up to 100 percent of appraised property value costs.
  10. The Institute of Music for Children will receive a grant award of up to $257,730 to acquire a vacant property located at 747 Westminster Avenue in Hillside. The project will be part of an expansion of their existing campus in Elizabeth.
  11. Paterson Habitat for Humanity, Inc. will receive a grant award of up to $988,500 to acquire a vacant property (approximately .22 acres) located at 26-32 Spring Street. The project will be a mixed-use new construction project of 16 affordable housing units and child-care space. This project will support city efforts to provide for child-care opportunities, the revitalization of vacant property, quality affordable housing units, and job creation.
  12.  The City of Trenton will receive a grant award of up to $4 million to acquire a vacant property located at 1 West Lafayette Street. The project will be a mixed-use development with hotel, residential, and commercial uses. Trenton is both a Government Restricted Municipality and a Transitional Aid community and is thus eligible for up to 100 percent of appraised property value costs.

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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Residential developments exclusively for seniors will be located in Gloucester & Middlesex counties

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (November 21, 2024) – This week, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board approved two Aspire tax credit awards for affordable housing developments in New Brunswick and West Deptford, providing 150 units for seniors, veterans, and unhoused communities.

“The Aspire Program serves as a cornerstone of Governor Murphy’s stronger and fairer economic strategy by increasing access to affordable housing and investing in communities across the state,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “The Hildebrand Commons and the Gordon H. Mansfield Veterans and Seniors Village will contribute to the long-term vibrancy and vitality of Gloucester and Middlesex counties, expanding the tax base and offering high-quality, accessible housing for hundreds of New Jersey residents.”

Hildebrand Commons, located at the former Hoffman Pavilion public housing facility in New Brunswick, will be a six-story building consisting of 66 housings units for seniors. 26 units will be reserved for income levels of 60 percent of the area median income (AMI), 26 units will be reserved for income levels of 50 percent of the AMI, and 13 units will be reserved for income levels of 30 percent of the AMI. The development will also include five special-needs units reserved for homeless individuals. Each unit will be equipped with an EnergyStar dishwasher and refrigerator, central air conditioning, and will comply with the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA) Energy Star Homes Program.

The developer of Hildebrand Commons, Hoffman Housing Urban Renewal Associates, LLC, was approved for up to 60 percent of the total project cost, not to exceed $20.1 million. The project is also supported by Low-Income Housing Tax Credits through the NJHMFA.

“We are proud to partner with the NJEDA and Hoffman Housing Urban Renewal Associates on this transformative project, which not only addresses the critical need for affordable housing but also enhances our community by providing state-of-the-art, energy-efficient homes for those who need them most,” said New Brunswick Mayor Jim Cahill. “Hildebrand Commons represents a significant step forward in ensuring that New Brunswick remains a city where our senior residents can live with dignity, security, and opportunity.”

The project located in West Deptford, known as the Gordon H. Mansfield Veterans and Seniors Village, will be a newly constructed 84-unit residential development exclusively for seniors and veterans. The four-story building will include a total of 84 one- and two- bedroom units. 63 units will be reserved for seniors at low- and moderate-income levels, 21 of which will be for veterans experiencing physical or mental disabilities. Amenities for the development include space for telehealth appointments, private space to meet with case managers or outside service providers, a community room, lounges on each floor, laundry rooms, and outdoor gathering space.

The development owners, West Deptford Apartments LLC, were approved for up to 60 percent of the total project cost, not to exceed $25.3 million. The project is also supported by Low-Income Housing Tax Credits through the NJHMFA.

The co-applicant of the project, Soldier On Veterans Village IX LLC, will provide a variety of services and programs to help residents live independently. Services include financial literacy, legal services, nutritional education, transportation services, and mental health and substance use education.

“The Gordon H. Mansfield Veterans and Seniors Village is a testament to our commitment to supporting both our seniors and veterans, two of the most deserving groups in our community,” said West Deptford Mayor James Mehaffey. “This development will not only provide affordable, high-quality housing but also offer vital services that empower residents. We are appreciative of all of the hard work in developing the project, and are appreciative of the NJEDA and Aspire program for helping facilitate the positive impact it will have on West Deptford.”

Aspire is a place-based economic development program created under the New Jersey Economic Recovery Act of 2020 (ERA) to support mixed-use, transit-oriented development with tax credits to commercial and residential real estate development projects that have financing gaps. All residential Aspire projects must include at least 20 percent affordable housing. As a performance-based program, projects must certify that all commitments established at time of approval have been met before receiving their first disbursement of tax credits.

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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Next New Jersey Program will provide tax credits to innovative AI companies

TRENTON, N.J. (November 20, 2024) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) is seeking public input on draft rules for a new program aimed at drawing significant investment, creating high-paying jobs, and cementing New Jersey’s position as a leader in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) industry. The Next New Jersey-AI program will offer tax credits for companies ready to invest in New Jersey’s AI sector and commit to the state’s long-term growth.

WHAT: A virtual listening session will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 22, 2024. Click here for more information.

WHO: Feedback must be submitted in writing no later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday, December 2, 2024. Written feedback can be submitted here.

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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Grant funding will unlock inactive licenses, supporting Governor Murphy’s initiative to reform antiquated liquor license laws

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (November 20, 2024) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board approved the creation of the Small Business Liquor License Grant Program. The new program, funded at $10 million, will provide up to $100,000 in grant funding to reimburse eligible small businesses that have purchased an inactive plenary retail consumption liquor license within the past 12 months, supporting the reactivation of over 1,300 inactive licenses.

 “The Small Business Liquor License Grant program is an important step in removing financial barriers for our small businesses and will give them the opportunity to grow and transform their business with a liquor license,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “I was proud to sign legislation earlier this year to overhaul New Jersey’s outdated liquor license laws. This is another step toward eliminating obstacles and helping small businesses thrive.”

“Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, the NJEDA has prioritized the support of small businesses through the Main Street Recovery Finance Program, ensuring that entrepreneurs across the state have the tools and funding they need to thrive,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “The Small Business Liquor License Grant will relieve the negative financial burdens of obtaining a liquor license, unlocking economic opportunity for restaurant owners and contributing to the post-pandemic vitality of New Jersey’s main streets.”

In January, Governor Murphy signed legislation overhauling the state’s outdated liquor license laws, which aims to increase the number of available liquor licenses statewide by revitalizing inactive licenses. The program will offer a reimbursement of 50 percent of the license purchase price not to exceed $100,000 to a New Jersey-based small business. The license must have been an inactive plenary retail consumption liquor license, as determined by the New Jersey Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC), and must remain active for a minimum of five years.

Forty percent of grant funding will be reserved for applicant businesses located in eligible Opportunity Zone census tracts. Applications are expected to open in early 2025. For more information, including eligibility requirements, click here.

The Small Business Liquor License Grant is part of a suite of programs offered under the Main Street Recovery Finance Program, which aims to support the growth and success of small businesses in New Jersey. For more information on the NJEDA’s small business support programs, click 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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Please be advised that the next Capital City Redevelopment Corporation Board Meeting will be held in person and via teleconference on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at 11:00 am. 

Members of the public who wish to speak during the public comment segment of the meeting, pertaining to agenda items, may attend in person or call into the meeting by using the conference number, and are encouraged to call in prior to the meeting start time to avoid any delays.

IN PERSON:

NJEDA Board Room

36 West State Street, Trenton, NJ 08625

TELECONFERENCE:

CONFERENCE NAME:                                CCRC BOARD MEETING

PARTICIPANT DIAL-IN NUMBER:              551-220-2262

PARTICIPANT ACCESS CODE:                    310 507 923#

The agenda can be found 48 hours prior to the meeting at our website: www.njeda.gov/ccrc.

Please be advised that the Board Meeting for the New Jersey Green Bank scheduled for November 14, 2024, is hereby cancelled.

The next regularly scheduled meeting is Thursday, December 12, 2024, virtually, and in person at the NJEDA’s Trenton offices.