$15M pilot program will fund emissions-reductions and energy efficiency projects in commercial buildings

TRENTON, N.J. (November 16, 2023) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board today approved the creation of a new pilot program that will provide grants to commercial building owners and tenants undertaking retrofit construction projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions from existing commercial buildings. The $15 million NJ Cool program will start as a pilot for projects in Atlantic City, Edison, and Newark.

These three communities have significant numbers of commercial buildings that will be potential applicants for the program, are municipalities with high commercial energy usage, represent the different geographic regions of the State, and most critically are considered Overburdened Communities per the New Jersey Environmental Justice Law. The NJEDA may seek Board approval to expand the pilot program in the future to include other municipalities across the State. 

“Under Governor Phil Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey is combatting the effects of climate change by supporting projects that will reduce our carbon footprint, creating a cleaner and greener state,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “The NJ Cool Program will help fund the transition of commercial buildings to clean energy systems in overburdened municipalities, which will improve the health of families and kids living in these communities. The program will also bolster New Jersey’s clean energy industry by creating jobs and strengthening our economy.”

The NJEDA will provide grants of up to $1 million to applicants for eligible hard construction costs for energy efficiency projects, such as updating a building’s heating and cooling system.

This pilot is funded by the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) proceeds allocated to NJEDA under the RGGI Strategic Funding Plan: Years 2023-2025. It is the first investment of NJEDA RGGI funding to be allocated towards the plan’s Initiative One: Accelerate Healthy Homes and Building Decarbonization.   

In addition to reducing emissions, the program will accelerate the adoption of more environmentally friendly building systems, technologies, and construction practices within New Jersey.

Commercial buildings alone account for 10 percent of total greenhouse gas emissions in New Jersey. In line with Governor Murphy’s vision to bolster New Jersey’s clean energy economy and reduce dependence on harmful pollutants, the pilot builds upon the NJEDA’s efforts to support the State’s innovative clean energy industries and further the Governor’s goal of reducing statewide greenhouse gas emissions to 80 percent below 2006 levels by 2050.

Applications are expected to open in 2024 and will be reviewed on a rolling basis. For more information on the program, including application requirements and eligible projects, please monitor njeda.gov/njcool or email njcool@njeda.gov.

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

Innovative programs will expand access to fresh groceries for residents in NJ’s second-most-acute food desert community

TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy today announced that the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) will commit over $5.5 million in funding to support a multi-faceted approach to immediately expand access to fresh, healthy grocery shopping options for Atlantic City residents. Out of 50 Food Desert Communities (FDCs) in the state, Atlantic City is the second-highest-ranked, demonstrating a significant need for interventions designed to reduce rates of food insecurity. The suite of programs that will be launched by the NJEDA will increase affordable access to produce and healthy food options, ensuring more residents of Atlantic City can purchase groceries right in their community.

“Every New Jerseyan deserves equitable access to affordable groceries regardless of their zip code,” said Governor Murphy. “The funding announced today will support several innovative programs that will alleviate the pressure on countless Atlantic City residents who travel miles out of their community to buy the groceries they need for their families. My administration continues to be committed to expanding access to fresh and healthy foods in Atlantic City and across the state.”

In 2022, the NJEDA designated 50 FDCs across New Jersey. The Atlantic City/Ventnor FDC, comprised of 41,000 residents, is ranked second-highest in the state based on its food desert factor score, a measure of acuity of need. Atlantic City has been without a full-service supermarket for nearly two decades. The programs announced today will serve as pilot programs, which could be expanded to other FDCs throughout the state.

“Through my Nurture NJ initiative, New Jersey is working hard to strengthen underserved communities so that every child has a supportive and healthy environment to grow up in,” said First Lady Tammy Murphy. “I am excited that a portion of today’s funding will allow the Department of Health to expand their Healthy Corner Store Initiative in Atlantic City. The initiative has already brought healthy food and beverage choices to communities across the state and this additional funding will allow hardworking families struggling to make ends meet access the groceries they need to feed their households.”

“Every New Jerseyan deserves access to affordable groceries and nutritious foods regardless of where they live,” said Senator Vince Polistina. “This multimillion-dollar investment by the NJEDA will significantly improve food security in Atlantic City, help end food inequality, and expand access to disadvantaged communities across Atlantic County.”

“The residents of the Great City of Atlantic City deserve easy access to quality and nutritious foods right here in their hometown,” said City of Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small, Sr. “As my administration continues our quest to combat food insecurity issues, we are extremely grateful Governor Murphy, the First Lady, and the NJEDA recognize this glaring need exists in our city and are committed to ensuring our families do not struggle to put fresh food on the table.”

“For far too long, Atlantic City families have had limited options to buy fresh groceries. Under Governor Murphy and First Lady Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey is taking concrete steps to ensure every resident has access to convenient, affordable, and healthy grocery options,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “The innovative programs the NJEDA is supporting will strengthen food security in Atlantic City, creating stronger, healthier families and a more prosperous community. I appreciate the commitment of our state and local partners and look forward to working with them as we bring these new, creative ideas to Atlantic City.”

The NJEDA will sponsor initiatives led by two major healthcare systems in South Jersey to expand mobile and community-based food retail options, bringing fresh and affordable foods directly into Atlantic City communities. AtlantiCare is a South Jersey-based healthcare system which has long been addressing food insecurity by operating the Pantry in the Plex in Midtown from which it serves hundreds of local families on a weekly basis. With this sponsorship, AtlantiCare is able to further expand its food programming to include a retail mobile grocery. AtlantiCare will implement a multi-pronged approach including a weekly market and educational event featuring health education, incentives for purchasing healthy items, cooking demonstrations and classes, and assistance with online ordering. Combined, these efforts will support access to healthy food as well as teach community members about meal planning, preparation, and more.

NJEDA’s sponsorship with Virtua Health will allow the South Jersey-based healthcare system to bring their “Eat Well” mobile grocery store to Atlantic City, in addition to Virtua’s core operations in Burlington and Camden counties. Virtua’s mobile grocery store, which is a 40-foot refurbished New Jersey Transit bus, will allow Atlantic City residents to shop twice a week for fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh and frozen meat, dairy, eggs, and other basic grocery staples below-market prices.

The NJEDA will also launch the new $5.25 million Atlantic City Food Security Grants Pilot Program, which will provide grants ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 to fund projects to strengthen food security and food access in Atlantic City. Grants can be used for direct and indirect project costs. The pilot program, which the NJEDA Board approved in October, is meant to act as a more immediate response to the food access crisis in Atlantic City and to bring nutritious food options to the city as residents await the construction of a full-fledged supermarket, which can take years. The NJEDA is using American Rescue Plan Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Funds and general state funds to support the Atlantic City Food Security Grants Pilot Program.

The NJEDA Board also approved providing the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) up to $250,000 to expand their Healthy Corner Store Initiative for stores in Atlantic City. The Healthy Corner Store Initiative, which is part of First Lady Murphy’s Nurture NJ food security initiative, works to improve access to healthy food and beverages in underserved communities, which often experience higher rates of chronic disease such as heart disease and diabetes.

In the coming months, the NJEDA plans to begin accepting applications for its Food Desert Supermarket Tax Credit program, which features a Supermarket Financing Gap Tax Credit for the development or rehabilitation of new supermarkets in FDCs and a Supermarket Initial Operating Costs Tax Credit to support the first three years of operations for these supermarkets. The tax credits are expected to create a feasible, sustainable path forward for a long-awaited supermarket in Atlantic City.

The NJEDA launched the Food Retail Innovation in Delivery Grant (FRIDG) program earlier this year, which helps food retailers to purchase and install temperature-controlled lockers to expand food delivery options for residents living in FDCs. Supermarket operators in the Atlantic City region are encouraged to apply for the FRIDG program, where recipients can receive up to $250,000 to purchase the lockers.

“We are proud to partner with the Administration in our shared commitment to eliminating health disparities for our residents who are dealing with food insecurity and living in food deserts,” said Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Kaitlan Baston. “By increasing access and availability to nutritious, affordable food, we are empowering residents to improve their own health.”

“I commend Governor Murphy, the First Lady and the NJEDA for continuing to invest in innovative approaches to better serve New Jerseyans and solve persistent challenges. These initiatives will help achieve food and nutrition security by bringing affordable, healthy, and nutritious foods directly to Atlantic City communities that do not have access to local grocery stores or markets today,” said Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman. “I also want to acknowledge the health care and community partners involved in these projects who recognize that regular access to healthy foods means healthier people and communities. Addressing barriers like transportation and affordability will make the difference for many families who right now have little to no access to healthy food options that are vital to their health.”

“Atlantic City cannot reach its full potential without grocery shopping options that offer fresh produce and high-quality food to the people who live and work in the community,” said New Jersey Department of Community Affairs Acting Commissioner Jacquelyn Suárez. “We understand that access to nutritious food will make a huge and positive impact on the health of people who live in Atlantic City, particularly the city’s youth. It will also make the city more attractive to visitors and potential residents. We thank Governor Murphy, First Lady Murphy, and the NJEDA for their creative approach to addressing food insecurity in Atlantic City.”

“The CRDA supports efforts for Atlantic City residents to have access to fresh and healthy food options,” said Casino Reinvestment Development Authority Executive Director Sean Pattwell. “The Murphy administration is taking important steps that will ensure they have the options they need to achieve this goal.”

“I applaud Governor Murphy and the NJEDA for deploying these trailblazing strategies to address food insecurity in Atlantic City,” said Mark Dinglasan, Executive Director of the NJ Office of the Food Security Advocate. “The Atlantic City Food Security Grants Pilot Program is a holistic approach to supporting innovative strategies that can bring partners together to collectively address community needs in one of New Jersey’s key cities. My team and I stand ready to support the NJEDA in whatever capacity as this program rolls out.”

“The social determinants of health are barriers to the well-being of our entire community and AtlantiCare is excited to partner with Governor Murphy and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority to address these underlying factors. Together, we can make a significant difference to those that need it most,” said Michael Charlton, president and CEO of AtlantiCare. “This funding will not only enable us to expand our food security initiatives and education programs, but more importantly, it will help us to address the root causes of health disparities that are so prevalent in Atlantic City. The health of our community extends beyond our medical facility. I am committed to addressing these issues and am confident that with the support and involvement of our staff, patients, and local partners, we can create a healthier, more equitable community for everyone we serve.”

“At Virtua Health, we view food as fundamental to health and wellness. Our Eat Well programs help ensure that South Jersey residents not only have access to fresh, affordable foods, but that they also receive guidance and support for embracing good nutrition as a lifestyle,” said Dennis W. Pullin, FACHE, president and CEO of Virtua Health. “We are honored to collaborate with Governor Murphy and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority to bring Virtua’s Eat Well Mobile Grocery Store to Atlantic City and explore new opportunities for food access.”

Please be advised that the next Capital City Redevelopment Corporation Board Meeting will be held in person and via teleconference on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, 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:                    982 234 873#

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

Phase II offers $150,000 grants to qualifying social equity applicants

TRENTON, N.J. (November 13, 2023) —The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) announced today that the application for Phase II of its Cannabis Equity Grant Program will open on November 30, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. The second phase of the trailblazing program, offering the largest grant of its kind in the nation, will provide each eligible entrepreneur with a SeedEquity Grant of $150,000 and no-cost technical assistance.

The primary focus for Phase II of the Cannabis Equity Grant Program is to ensure the communities most adversely impacted by the War on Drugs have both equitable access to the lucrative cannabis industry and the resources needed to flourish. To this end, 100% of the Phase II SeedEquity Grant funding is reserved for qualifying social equity applicants, an increase from the 40% allocation in Phase I. In addition to the $150,000 in funding, Phase II includes an 8-week technical assistance program for grant recipients. The technical assistance program will provide training on converting a conditional license to an annual license, building a cannabis business team, financial management, securing investors, supply chain management, and more. To assist potential applicants, NJEDA will host a webinar on November 13, 2023, at 6:00 p.m.

“Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey is on the forefront of creating a stronger and fairer cannabis market, especially for communities historically harmed by the unjust War on Drugs,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “The Seed Equity Grant, which is specifically designed for social equity applicants, will help create an equitable, inclusive marketplace that will create jobs and strengthen communities, all while ensuring our entrepreneurs are able to reap the industry’s economic benefits and have access to the resources needed to succeed.”

“We are excited to see grant funding being used to help social equity applicants realize their entrepreneurship dreams. Beyond the skills and business acumen it takes to be an entrepreneur in any industry, starting a cannabis business faces additional challenges – including limited access to traditional means of business funding,” said Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC) Chair Dianna Houenou. “By making these grants exclusively available to social equity businesses – that is, companies with majority owners who have prior marijuana convictions or live in an economically disadvantaged area – NJEDA is setting the example for establishing equitable funding initiatives. NJ-CRC Commissioners and staff see the hopes and dreams of those cannabis entrepreneurs every day, and we applaud every step that brings us towards making some of those dreams come true.”

“Reflecting on the successful outcomes of the Joint Ventures Grant, I’m immensely proud and excited to kick off the application process for the Seed Equity Grant. Building on our progress, this next phase intentionally targets funding to those communities historically excluded from these opportunities,” stated NJEDA Chief Community Development Officer Tai Cooper. “For those that are interested, we strongly encourage you to join us at our upcoming webinar on November 13th to learn more about the program and application process.”

The SeedEquity Grant will allocate a total of up to $8 million in funding for 48 entrepreneurs. Applicants must meet the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission’s criteria for social equity and have obtained a conditional license. Unlike with the Phase I Joint Ventures Grant, applicants do not need to have secured real estate or municipal approval. A free eligibility assessment tool is available online for those looking to verify if they meet the requirements. In addition to this, prospective applicants can register here to attend the upcoming Seed Equity Grant webinar on November 13, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. to ask questions and receive more information.

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 844-965-1125 or visit www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority’s next public Board Meeting will be held in person and via teleconference on Thursday, November 16, 2023, at 10:00 am.

IN PERSON:

NJEDA Board Room

36 West State Street, Trenton NJ

TELECONFERENCE:

CONFERENCE NAME:                                NJEDA BOARD MEETING

PARTICIPANT DIAL-IN NUMBER:              877-692-8955

PARTICIPANT ACCESS CODE:                    4204420

Members of the public are encouraged to call in prior to the time the meeting is scheduled to begin to avoid any delays.

The agenda can be found 48 hours prior to the meeting on our website: https://www.njeda.gov. The meeting will also be recorded and posted to the NJEDA website shortly after the conclusion of the meeting.

TRENTON, N.J. (November 6, 2023) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) will open applications for the next round of funding for the Historic Property Reinvestment Program (HPRP) on Wednesday, November 29th. The HPRP aims to incentivize community development and private investment through the preservation of historic properties throughout New Jersey.

WHAT:            Created under the New Jersey Economic Recovery Act of 2020, the HPRP is designed to work in conjunction with the Federal Historic Tax Credit Program to bolster long-term private investments focused on the rehabilitation of identified historic properties. The Program aims to support work that contributes to the transformation of underutilized historic properties into productive assets and attracts people and private investment to New Jersey communities.

WHEN:           Applications for Regular and Transformative projects will open at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, November 29th and will close at 2 p.m. on Thursday, February 29th. Eligibility requirements and further information on the HPRP, including a link to the application, 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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A meeting of the Commission of Science, Innovation and Technology (CSIT) Board has been scheduled for Friday, November 3, 2023, at 10:00 am.

A copy of the proposed agenda can be found at https://www.njeda.gov/csit.

+1 551-220-2262
Conference ID: 954 195 762#

Join Microsoft Teams Meeting

TAIWAN (October 24,2023) – New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan and representatives of the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) and the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance (NJDOBI) finalized three memoranda of understanding (MOU) with Taiwan to collaborate on economic and educational initiatives. During an event at Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, attended by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, New Jersey First Lady Tammy Murphy, and representatives from New Jersey and Taiwan, leaders acknowledged the importance of international cooperation in bolstering two-way economic investment, academic exchanges, and the security of confidential financial information. 

“The agreements signed at the event highlights the importance of working with partners around the world to form a stronger and fairer economy and create a better future for our children,” said Governor Murphy. “We can learn invaluable lessons through our partnership with Taiwan, and we hope that the agreements signed today will be beneficial to the strength of both New Jersey and Taiwan.”

The first MOU, signed by the NJEDA and Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs, encourages partnerships between the two entities to facilitate two-way trade, investment expansion, and economic cooperation. The agreement calls for New Jersey and Taiwan to exchange information on trade, industry, and investment; to assist in briefings, connections, and general introductions to each other’s business environment; and to work together to explore partnerships in innovative industries and strategic sectors of the economy.

“New Jersey and Taiwan have enjoyed strong bilateral economic cooperation, both recognized as centers of innovation and excellent locations to start and grow businesses,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “The agreement will ensure that trade and investment opportunities will continue to flow between both entities, creating a stronger economic partnership. Collaboration between Taiwan and New Jersey will create a business environment filled with opportunities and innovative ideas.”

“Taiwan continues to work with the U.S. under the Technology Trade and Investment Collaboration (TTIC) Framework, a platform for Taiwan to enhance economic relationships with U.S. state governments and business communities,” said Mr. Chern-Chyi “C.C.” Chen, Deputy Minister for Economic Affairs. “By signing this agreement, we jointly demonstrate the strong willingness to engage in supply chain collaboration. We are picturing that Taiwan and New Jersey work with each other to form reliable and vibrant supply chains.”

The second MOU, signed by the NJDOE and Taiwan’s Department of International and Cross-Strait Education of the Ministry of Education, calls for joint action between New Jersey and Taiwan to promote projects and academic exchanges between educators and educational institutions to encourage joint efforts in language and science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education fields. Both parties will form aworking group, which will meet at least once a year, and create work plans to coordinate efforts in pursuit of the memorandum’s goals.

“The signing of this Memorandum between the Ministry of Education in Taiwan and the New Jersey Department of Education marks a significant step for international collaboration in education,” said Dr. Angelica Allen-McMillan, Acting Commissioner of Education. “This partnership will open doors for cultural exchange and educational advancement, enhancing the learning experiences for our students in New Jersey and fostering global cooperation in the field of education.”

The final MOU, signed by the NJDOBI and the Financial Supervisory Commission of Taiwan, aims to strengthen the exchange of confidential financial information between New Jersey and Taiwan, leading to more secure financial transactions and investment. As the primary state agency responsible for the regulation of banking, insurance, and real estate industries, NJDOBI’s collaboration agreement with Taiwan’s principal fiscal regulator will ensure that investment and business opportunities are safer and stronger.

“International cooperation between regulators is vitally important to protect consumers and promote the stability of multinational financial institutions. The New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance and the Financial Supervisory Commission of Taiwan share these mutual goals and the information sharing that will result from this MOU will further our ability to meet those objectives,” said Acting Department of Banking and Insurance Commissioner Justin Zimmerman. “The department looks forward to collaborating with the commission to strengthen our regulated industries and protect our residents.”

“Taiwan and the United States have close financial supervisory ties. The MOU includes provisions governing information sharing and confidentiality that both parties will abide by in fulfilling their respective supervisory responsibilities,” said Mr. Joe Lai, Direct General of the Department of International Affairs of the Financial Supervisory Commission. “The MOU will enhance the sharing of financial supervision-related information and exchange of experience between the Financial Supervisory Commission and the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance.”

The event in Taiwan was part of Choose New Jersey’s economic mission to East Asia, led by Governor Murphy. The mission seeks to bolster bilateral ties between New Jersey and several Asian countries, fostering opportunities and partnerships.

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.

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA (October 18, 2023) — New Jersey First Lady Tammy Murphy and New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan today visited the Maternal and Child Health Promotion Center within the Yangcheon-gu Public Health Center, in Seoul, South Korea. The Maternal and Child Health Promotion Center is a space for pregnant women and children in Yangcheon-gu that provides systematic health management services and various educational programs related to pregnancy, childbirth, and childcare. Yangcheon is a “gu”, or district, of Seoul, South Korea, located on the southwest side of the Han River.

Today’s visit included the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the NJEDA and the Maternal and Child Health Promotion Center, which establishes collaboration through sharing of clinical work and best practices that will advance both parties’ mission to establish leadership in infant and maternal healthcare and accelerate efforts to support positive health outcomes for mothers and infants.

As part of First Lady Murphy’s Nurture NJ initiative, the First Lady and members of a New Jersey delegation to South Korea visited the Maternal and Child Health Promotion Center to gather information as New Jersey works to launch a Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Center in Trenton. The Center is a key initiative under First Lady Murphy’s Nurture NJ Maternal and Infant Health Strategic Plan, which aims to make New Jersey the safest and most equitable state in the United States to deliver and raise a baby.

“We are grateful for today’s warm reception from Jaehun Jung and the team at Yangcheon-gu Maternal and Child Health Promotion Center. Nurture NJ aligns closely with the Center’s vision of providing exemplary health care during pregnancy, childbirth, and beyond. We are taking many important lessons away from today’s visit, which will fuel our work to develop our Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Center in Trenton. Likewise, we hope the staff of the Center can benefit from our experience in this critical healthcare specialty,” said First Lady Murphy. “The MOU signed today cements this valuable partnership, which will advance our common work and keep us both on the cutting edge of maternal health. We are delighted to establish a lasting and fruitful relationship with the Yangcheon-gu Maternal and Child Health Promotion Center, and look forward to ongoing sharing of best practices and championing of each other’s work.”

“First Lady Murphy’s commitment to launch a Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Center in Trenton as part of the Nurture NJ initiative is lifesaving news for New Jersey mothers and their babies,” said Jaehun Jung, Head of Yangcheon-gu Public Health Center. “Partnerships are crucial to successful outcomes in this critical aspect of healthcare, where so much is at stake. Working together is essential to delivering the highest standard of healthcare to improve maternal and infant health outcomes globally. The Yangcheon Center’s success to date has resulted from a deep understanding of needs, objective assessment of programs, and partnerships based on a shared vision for the highest level of care for vulnerable patients.”

“Governor Phil Murphy and First Lady Murphy recognize that optimal quality of infant and maternal healthcare should not be a privilege but a basic human right as part of an inclusive and equitable economy. Today’s visit and resulting MOU represent the openness of the Nurture NJ team to gathering best practices from highly-respected international healthcare entities and sharing our findings freely with them,” said Sullivan. “Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey is investing in research, innovation, and community revitalization efforts that will help to eradicate the shameful racial disparities currently present in maternal and infant health outcomes.”

New Jersey ranks 29th 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 nearly 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.

In 2019, First Lady Murphy launched Nurture NJ in response to New Jersey’s need to improve access to care for expectant mothers and babies, with a commitment to both reducing maternal and infant mortality and morbidity and ensuring equitable care among women and children of all races and ethnicities. This awareness campaign focuses on improving collaboration and programming between all departments, agencies, and stakeholders to make New Jersey the safest and most equitable place in the United States to give birth and raise a baby.

Today’s event was part of Choose New Jersey’s economic mission to East Asia, led by Governor Murphy. The mission seeks to bolster bilateral ties between New Jersey and several Asian countries, fostering opportunities and partnerships.

TRENTON, N.J. (October 18, 2023) – The Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology (CSIT) will host two informational webinars to outline several programs that are aimed to support innovative, early-stage, and clean teach startups across the state.

WHAT:          The first webinar will provide an overview of CSIT’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Direct Financial Assistance Program Pilot, which enhances New Jersey’s innovation economy by providing technical and financial support to small businesses seeking to or participating in the federal SBIR/STTR program. The next round of the program will open in the coming weeks and will offer $25,000 and $50,000 grants.

The second webinar will highlight new rounds of funding available from CSIT’s Research and Development Voucher Programs. The Catalyst R&D Voucher Program helps offset the cost of leveraging R&D resources, facilities, and equipment at the state’s academic universities and colleges, federal, and non-profit laboratories to advance their technology development. The Clean Tech R&D Voucher Program supports early-stage clean tech companies access core facilities, equipment, and makerspaces at any participating state universities or government labs.

WHEN:          CSIT SBIR/STTR Direct Financial Assistance Program Webinar
Monday, October 23, 2023
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Click here to register

CSIT Research and Development (R&D) Voucher Programs Webinar
Monday, October 23, 2023
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Click here to register

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. Visit https://www.njeda.gov/csit/ for more information about CSIT incentive programs.

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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