A Special Telephonic meeting of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority is scheduled for 10:00 am, Wednesday, January 18, 2023.
 
The Members will convene to via conference call only, to discuss and vote on an amendment to the NJ Wind Port Ground Lease with PSEG Nuclear.
 
Members of the public may participate in the meeting by calling in on the conference line.  Members of the public will have an opportunity to speak during the public comment segment of the meeting. The following conference number is being provided:
 
MEETING NAME: NJEDA BOARD MEETING (JANUARY 18, 2023)

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 at our website: www.njeda.gov. 

Subsidies to Adopt New Grocery Delivery Models to Aid Food Desert Community Residents

TRENTON, N.J (January 6, 2023) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board announced at its December meeting the approval of a new grant program targeted at strengthening food security in the state’s 50 Food Desert Communities (FDC), which are home to 1.5 million New Jersey residents across a diverse range of communities in all 21 counties. This spring, food retailers will be able to apply for the Food Retail Innovation in Delivery Grant (FRIDG) to assist in the purchase and installation of temperature-controlled lockers to expand food delivery options and improve food access for Food Desert Community residents. FRIDG will provide last mile solutions that help FDC residents tap into the exponential growth in online grocery shopping with delivery to a convenient location in their community.

The $2.5 million allocation appropriated through the Fiscal Year 2022 state budget is aligned with Governor Phil Murphy’s commitment to combating food insecurity, including Sustain & Serve NJ, the Food Security Planning Grant and the Food Desert Relief Act, which will provide up to $40 million per year to support a variety of programs that increase access to affordable, nutritious food through funding for supermarkets, small- and mid-size retailers, and other entities that support food security initiatives. NJEDA is also currently seeking public feedback on the Food Desert Relief Tax Credit Program, which aims to support the development and initial operations of new supermarkets and grocery stores in FDCs.

“The FRIDG program will build upon Governor Murphy’s vision and the work being done to uplift those in the state’s targeted Food Desert Communities,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “People should be able to benefit from the advancements in grocery delivery and access nutritious food regardless of their zip code. With this new program, we will make New Jersey a leader in pioneering a new approach to food access in partnership with food retailers.”

“The creation of crucial resources and programs, such as the FRIDG program, plays an important role in our work to stem food insecurity in households across New Jersey,” said Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin (D-Middlesex). “This program will help bridge the gap in access to balanced, nutritional meals for working families living in food desert communities in our state, building on our efforts to put food on the table of all New Jerseyans. Meeting the most basic needs of our residents must be our priority and the FRIDG program helps us accomplish this by building on our existing hunger-fighting initiatives.”

Food retailers with at least one physical location in New Jersey can apply for up to $250,000 in funding to purchase and install self-contained, temperature-controlled lockers in one of New Jersey’s 50 designated FDCs. These companies must be authorized to accept online orders paid with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. As of September 2022, there were 789,276 New Jersey residents receiving SNAP benefits, including nearly 350,000 children. In 2020, the NJ Department of Human Services (NJDHS) launched a pilot program to allow SNAP recipients to use their benefits to purchase groceries online. This aligns with the broader growth in online grocery ordering, which now accounts for almost 10 percent of all grocery sales nationwide and is projected to surpass 20 percent by 2026. New Jersey SNAP recipients can now purchase groceries online from 16 retailers, but many FDC residents remain unable to receive groceries as they lack a reliable delivery location due to unpredictable work schedules, family obligations or housing insecurity. The FRIDG lockers are intended to provide FDC residents with a safe, convenient location where their grocery orders – including fresh produce and dairy – will stay fresh until they are retrieved at a convenient time. 

“Food assistance through SNAP puts food on the table for many New Jersey families. But for residents without ready access to fresh, nutritious food, this assistance is incomplete,” NJDHS Commissioner Sarah Adelman said. “The FRIDG program bridges the gap by allowing retailers who participate in the states’ online ordering flexibility to better serve customers where they live and work. This program, with the strong leadership and partnership of NJEDA, truly demonstrates the Murphy Administration’s whole-of-government approach to addressing food insecurity.”

Retailers must submit an application detailing their plan to purchase these lockers before actually buying one. The FRIDG grants will cover at least 30 percent of the initial costs, including the installation, which is subject to the state’s prevailing wages and affirmative action laws for installation costs above $2,000. Applicants may increase their grant award through bonuses to cover up to 50 percent of the project costs for commitments such as waiving delivery fees (including for SNAP recipients) and partnering with community-based organizations to host the lockers. The lockers must be installed in public places with easy general access to the public to allow residents to easily access to groceries. such as community centers or libraries, not lobbies of apartment complexes with keycards or locks or other sites with restricted access. The Authority will disburse funds to the purchasing companies following the installation, which will be the lower amount between the determined percentage or $250,000.

“There is no single solution to alleviating food deserts, and FRIDG is a vital element of Governor Murphy’s growing portfolio of food security initiatives,” said NJEDA Executive Vice President for Economic Security Tara Colton. “This program is pioneering a new approach to food access in partnership with food retailers. By meeting people where they are – literally – we aim to eliminate some of the structural and logistical barriers to fresh and nutritious food that should be the standard for all New Jersey residents, regardless of where they live.”

“True food security exists when all people, at all times, have physical, economic, and social access to safe, sufficient, and nutritious food,” said Mark Dinglasan, Director of the Office of the Food Security Advocate (OFSA). “The FRIDG program is an innovative approach to food security that encourages public/private partnerships, decreases stigma, leverages technology, and fulfills a good portion of the definition of food security. OFSA is proud to support the NJEDA in this effort and looks forward to continued innovation and collaboration that we can bring to bear when we all work together and push each other to think outside the box.”

Retailers can apply for multiple grants, providing they offer one locker unit per FDC and do not try to install one in a FDC that has already received approval.  The application window will be open for 18 months from the start date or until the funds are exhausted, whichever comes first. This is not a competitive application process, and all candidates will be evaluated separately as applications are received. Upon approval, grantees will have 12 months to install the lockers, with up to two six-month extensions available, pending Authority approval.

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. (December 23, 2022) – Today, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) released information on the state’s Food Desert Relief Tax Credit Program and announced dates for public listening sessions. Established by the New Jersey Economic Recovery Act of 2020 (ERA), the Food Desert Relief Act (FDRA) addresses the food security needs of communities across New Jersey by providing up to $40 million per year in tax credits, loans, grants, and/or technical assistance to increase access to nutritious foods and develop new approaches to alleviate food deserts. The NJEDA is seeking public feedback on the first program under the FDRA, the Food Desert Relief Tax Credit Program.

The Food Desert Relief Tax Credit program encourages sustainability of supermarkets for a lasting impact on communities. To be eligible, applicants must demonstrate that with the tax credit award the supermarket will remain open for business for at least seven years. Awards of up to 40 percent of project costs are available for development of the first new or substantially rehabilitated supermarket in a designated Food Desert Community (FDC), while the second supermarket in an FDC can be eligible for an award of up to 20 percent of project costs. Awards will also be available to fill a shortfall in initial operating income, including a reasonable operating profit.

The NJEDA, in collaboration with the Departments of Community Affairs and Agriculture, previously designated 50 FDCs across the state, approved by the NJEDA board in February 2022. These FDCs will be targeted by a variety of programs to increase access to affordable, nutritious food through funding for supermarkets, small- and mid-size retailers, and other entities that support food security initiatives. The program that will be the focus of the upcoming public listening sessions is the Food Desert Relief Tax Credit Program, which aims to support the development and initial operations of new supermarkets and grocery stores in these communities.

Members of the public are encouraged to review the preliminary information and submit written feedback through an online form available on the Economic Recovery Act website. The NJEDA will also be hosting two listening sessions for public input on the proposed information for the Food Desert Relief Tax Credit Program. There will be an in-depth presentation by NJEDA representatives, with time allowed for questions, comments, and feedback. Members of the public will have the opportunity to offer comment on the information presented.

The virtual sessions will be held:

Those unable to attend these sessions and those that wish to submit written feedback will be able to submit public comment until January 9th. To provide feedback on the Food Desert Relief Tax Credit Program online click here.

Members of the media interested in attending the session or submitting questions are asked to email media@njeda.com. 

In addition to the Food Desert Relief Tax Credit program, the ERA creates a suite of programs that includes tax credits to incentivize job creation, new construction, and historic property reinvestment; and financial resources for small businesses. The NJEDA will continue to engage the public as new programs and rules are developed.

For more information and to provide written input on the design and implementation of Economic Recovery Act programs, visit https://www.njeda.gov/economicrecoveryact/.

The Food Desert Tax Credit Program is part of a broader portfolio of work focused on food security, including the Food Security Planning Grant and Sustain & Serve NJ. For more information on the Food Desert Relief Act and Food Desert Community designations, visit https://www.njeda.gov/food-desert-relief-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. NJEDA is developing the Wind port on behalf of the State.

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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Due to inclement weather, all NJEDA offices will be closed on Friday, December 23, 2022. Employees are expected to work remotely.

Pilots Will Provide Grant Funding to Support Real Estate Development Projects Impacted by COVID-19

TRENTON, N.J. (December 22, 2022) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board on Wednesday approved the creation of two new real estate pilot programs – the Film & Digital Media Studio Infrastructure Program and the Construction Inflation Fund. Both programs will provide grant funding for real estate development projects that stimulate economic growth and enhance the state’s long-term economic competitiveness in the wake of COVID-19.

The Film & Digital Media Studio Infrastructure Program will provide $9.5 million in grant funding to governmental entities for infrastructure improvements and sitework in support of the development of a film or digital media studio production facility. By investing in real estate projects that support New Jersey’s growing film and digital media sector, this pilot program will bring additional productions to the state, create jobs, and further our state’s economic recovery.

The Construction Inflation Fund Pilot Program will provide $10 million in grant funding from the federal American Rescue Plan State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund for real estate development projects that have experienced increased construction costs and project funding gaps as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Fund aims to mitigate the pandemic’s negative economic impacts by providing support to real estate development in the form of grants for real estate substantial rehabilitation, new construction, and development costs associated with each project. To further New Jersey’s post-pandemic economic recovery, the Construction Inflation Fund will provide much needed grant funding to ensure that real estate development projects most impacted by the pandemic can move forward. 

“As New Jersey’s economy continues to rebound in the wake of COVID-19, catalytic investments in real estate development and strategic sector support are critical in ensuring our state’s long-term, equitable, economic recovery,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Through the Film & Digital Media Studio Infrastructure Program and the Construction Inflation Fund Program, the NJEDA will provide almost $20 million to development projects that support New Jersey’s growing film sector, support community vitality, and create jobs.” 

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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Con una financiación actual de $57.5 millones, Sustain & Serve NJ ayuda a los beneficiarios del programa a comprar comidas en restaurantes locales y alimentar a las familias durante temporada festiva

TRENTON, N.J. – (22 de diciembre de 2022) – La Autoridad para el Desarrollo Económico de New Jersey (NJEDA) anunció planes para asignar $5 millones adicionales en fondos estatales a la Fase 3 de su programa Sustain & Serve NJ. El programa Sustain & Serve NJ proporciona a organizaciones sin fines de lucro subsidios para apoyar la compra de comidas a restaurantes de New Jersey que han sido afectados negativamente por la pandemia de COVID-19 y para apoyar la distribución de esas comidas sin costo para los beneficiarios. El anuncio se produce en un momento del año en que las organizaciones sin fines de lucro se enfrentan a un pico de demanda de asistencia para alimentos.  Se prevé que la financiación anunciada hoy sirva para ayudar con la compra de 450,000 comidas adicionales.

Sustain & Serve NJ se lanzó durante la pandemia como un programa piloto con una inyección de $2 millones para los restaurantes afectados por la COVID-19 a la vez que combatía la inseguridad alimentaria en aumento, y se ha convertido en un programa de más de $57 millones que sigue llevando alimentos muy necesarios a la gente de todo el estado de New Jersey. Desde febrero de 2021, Sustain & Serve NJ ya ha financiado la compra de más de cuatro millones de comidas en más de 400 restaurantes de los 21 condados, con subsidios por un total de $57.5 millones a lo largo de tres rondas de financiamiento.

“Sustain & Serve NJ es una herramienta única de comprobada trayectoria que permite a las organizaciones sin fines de lucro comprar comidas a restaurantes locales para combatir la inseguridad alimentaria”, indicó el Gobernador Phil Murphy. “Los bancos de alimentos y otras organizaciones sin fines de lucro de todo el estado están experimentando un aumento de la demanda en esta temporada navideña, y estos $5 millones adicionales para Sustain & Serve NJ serán de considerable ayuda para sus esfuerzos de conectar a los habitantes de New Jersey con comidas nutritivas”.

A principios de este año, 31 organizaciones sin fines de lucro de New Jersey fueron aprobadas para recibir un total de $17.5 millones a través de la Fase 3 de Sustain & Serve NJ. Cada uno de estos adjudicatarios recibirá ahora fondos adicionales para apoyar sus esfuerzos.

“Los beneficiarios de Sustain & Serve NJ se esfuerzan al máximo en estas fiestas para alimentar a sus vecinos y apoyar a sus comunidades”, señaló Tim Sullivan, director ejecutivo de la NJEDA. “El Gobernador Murphy ha defendido Sustain & Serve NJ desde el principio, y les agradecemos a él y a la Legislatura por seguir proporcionando los recursos que necesitamos para combatir el hambre todos los días del año, mientras se brinda apoyo a los restaurantes locales en todo el Estado Jardín”.

“Estos $5 millones adicionales destinados a los socios de Sustain & Serve NJ supondrán un esfuerzo extra para garantizar que más familias tengan en sus mesas alimentos calientes y recién preparados esta Navidad, en Año Nuevo y después”, declaró el portavoz de la Asamblea, Craig J. Coughlin. “Y eso es increíblemente crítico, ya que nuestros bancos de alimentos informan fuertes aumentos de la inseguridad alimentaria en nuestras comunidades”.

Sullivan señaló que Sustain & Serve NJ es una parte clave de los esfuerzos de la NJEDA para fortalecer la seguridad económica de todos los habitantes de New Jersey. La Autoridad está planteando una estrategia múltiple para eliminar los desiertos alimentarios dentro del estado y para reforzar el sector del cuidado infantil, una industria cuya importancia crítica se puso de manifiesto durante la pandemia de COVID-19. La NJEDA también está trabajando con socios de todo el estado para crear un Centro de innovación en salud materno-infantil en Trenton como parte de la iniciativa Nurture NJ de la Primera dama Tammy Murphy para hacer de New Jersey el lugar más seguro y equitativo para dar a luz en el país.

“Bajo el liderazgo del Gobernador Murphy, estamos adoptando un enfoque holístico para garantizar que se atiendan las necesidades básicas de los habitantes de New Jersey, y hemos puesto un gran énfasis en la seguridad alimentaria”, afirmó la vicepresidenta ejecutiva de Seguridad Económica de la NJEDA, Tara Colton. “Sustain & Serve NJ tiene la capacidad de transformar vidas, tanto reforzando la industria de los restaurantes como llevando alimentos a los habitantes de New Jersey de forma respetuosa y digna”.

Tanto los beneficiarios como los propietarios de restaurantes acogieron con satisfacción la noticia de fondos adicionales y se centraron en el impacto que tendrá en todo el estado:

“Como el costo de vida ha subido en el último año, muchas despensas de la costa de New Jersey informan que atienden incluso a más personas que en plena pandemia”, declaró Triada Stampas, presidenta y directora ejecutiva de Fulfill. “Sustain & Serve NJ ha sido una herramienta fundamental para ayudar a abordar las necesidades de seguridad alimentaria de nuestros vecinos. En los últimos dos años y medio, hemos podido trabajar con 35 restaurantes y empresas de catering para proporcionar más de 701,000 comidas a nuestros vecinos, a la vez que ayudábamos a esas empresas a sobrevivir en una época realmente difícil. Fulfill agradece al Gobernador Murphy y a nuestra Legislatura, así como a Tim Sullivan y Tara Colton en la NJEDA, por su liderazgo en este apoyo ampliado”.

“Sustain & Serve NJ es solo uno de los programas que el Gobernador Murphy ha puesto en marcha para ayudar a New Jersey a salir adelante durante este tiempo”, afirmó Randy Glover, presidente y director ejecutivo de All Access Community Development Corporation. “Está perfectamente claro que el gobernador y su administración entienden muy bien el dolor y los desafíos de los de todos los niveles de ingresos que se enfrentan en New Jersey. Sus indicaciones, que se han articulado desde el principio de la COVID-19 hasta esta crisis económica actual, de poner comida en las mesas de todos los habitantes de New Jersey, ilustra su compromiso con la gente, su compasión con todos los residentes de New Jersey. Orgullo de New Jersey, fuerza de New Jersey, ese es nuestro Gobernador, ese es mi Gobernador. Gracias Gobernador Murphy por su visión para vernos a través de este momento de la historia”.

“Este programa realmente me ha ayudado a mantener nuestras puertas abiertas y servir a nuestra comunidad”, dijo Mohamed Elrawy, propietario de Pita Square, con sede en Newark. “Asociarme con Coalition Equity me ha ayudado a servir a mi comunidad dándole no solo alimentos, sino alimentos frescos y saludables, algo que todo el mundo debería poder tener, sin hacer preguntas. Si me hubieran dicho antes de la pandemia que podría ayudar a las personas que luchan cada día contra el hambre mientras mantengo mis puertas abiertas, no les habría creído. Ha dado un significado totalmente nuevo a lo que mi restaurante puede hacer y está haciendo por Newark y la comunidad de alrededor. No puedo expresar lo agradecido que estoy por participar en este programa y asociarme con programas como Coalition Equity, Newark Working Kitchen y University Hospital para servir a la comunidad”. 

Acerca de la Autoridad para el Desarrollo Económico de New Jersey

La Autoridad para el desarrollo económico de New Jersey (NJEDA) es la agencia principal del Estado para impulsar el desarrollo económico. La NJEDA tiene el compromiso de hacer del Estado de New Jersey un modelo nacional para el desarrollo económico inclusivo y sostenible al centrarse en estrategias claves para ayudar a construir comunidades fuertes y dinámicas, crear buenos trabajos para los residentes de New Jersey y ofrecer oportunidades para una economía más sólida y justa. La NJEDA tiene el compromiso de hacer del Estado de New Jersey un modelo nacional para el desarrollo económico inclusivo y sostenible al centrarse en estrategias claves para ayudar a construir comunidades fuertes y dinámicas, crear buenos trabajos para los residentes de New Jersey y ofrecer oportunidades para una economía más sólida y justa.

Para obtener más información acerca de los recursos de la NJEDA para empresas, llame a la línea de atención al cliente de la NJEDA al 844-965-1125 o visite https://www.njeda.gov y siga a @NewJerseyEDA en Facebook, Twitter, Instagram y LinkedIn.

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Fondos ayudarán a nuevas empresas de la industria del cannabis con gastos iniciales

TRENTON, N.J – (22 de diciembre de 2022) – La Junta de la Autoridad para el desarrollo económico de New Jersey (NJEDA) anunció la creación del programa de subsidios para equidad en la industria del cannabis (Cannabis Equity Grant, en ingles), destinado a ayudar a las empresas emergentes del estado a desarrollarse con ayuda para los gastos de la fase inicial y formación técnica. Se pondrán a disposición de los solicitantes hasta $10 millones de fondos estatales.

“Mi administración está redoblando sus esfuerzos para cultivar pequeñas empresas en sectores florecientes con un enorme potencial sin explotar”, afirmó el Gobernador Phil Murphy. “La creación del programa de subsidios para equidad en la industria del cannabis ayudará a los aspirantes a propietarios de pequeñas empresas a hacer frente a los gastos de puesta en marcha en un sector fundamental dentro de la economía en constante crecimiento de nuestro estado. Y lo que es más importante, el programa erosionará importantes barreras de acceso para las comunidades de color, a las que este programa ayudará a dotar de los recursos que necesitan no solo para entrar, sino también para prosperar, en esta nueva y apasionante industria”.

Tras el referéndum del 2020 que legalizó el uso recreativo de la marihuana para adultos en New Jersey y la legislación del 2021 que establece el marco para el cultivo y las ventas reguladas, el Gobernador Phil Murphy firmó una ley en junio de 2022 que permite a la Autoridad ofrecer ayuda a las pequeñas empresas en la industria del cannabis que reúnen los requisitos y tienen licencia.

“Apoyo plenamente el financiamiento del Programa de subsidios para equidad en la industria del cannabis para ayudar a las entidades privadas a crear nuevas empresas en New Jersey”, manifestó la Vicegobernadora, Sheila Y. Oliver. “La Administración Murphy luchó por la legalización del cannabis debido a nuestro compromiso con asuntos de justicia social. Nuestra administración continuará trabajando para hacer crecer una industria del cannabis que refleje la diversidad de nuestro estado, proteja el acceso de los pacientes de marihuana medicinal, priorice la justicia y promueva la igualdad de oportunidades para las comunidades de color”.

“Bajo el liderazgo del Gobernador Murphy, New Jersey se compromete a construir un sector del cannabis próspero e inclusivo que maximice las oportunidades para las comunidades marginadas y las personas afectadas por la Guerra contra las drogas, y este programa es un paso importante hacia ese objetivo”, señaló el Director ejecutivo de la NJEDA, Tim Sullivan. “Esperamos seguir colaborando con la Comisión reguladora del cannabis para avanzar en programas adicionales de apoyo a los empresarios de este sector en rápido desarrollo”.

El programa piloto inicial dispondrá de $10 millones. El 60% de esa cantidad se pondrá a disposición de los solicitantes que reúnan los requisitos de equidad social, como los que hayan sido condenados anteriormente por consumo de cannabis o vivan en zonas económicamente desfavorecidas. La Comisión reguladora del cannabis (CRC) de New Jersey define las zonas económicamente desfavorecidas como los códigos postales que cumplen determinados criterios socioeconómicos. Estas empresas pueden recibir hasta $250,000 para ayudar a pagar determinados gastos de puesta en marcha, como tasas reguladoras, gastos de alquiler, servicios públicos y salarios. Los requisitos para estas empresas incluyen la posesión de una licencia condicional de cultivo de cannabis, la constitución de la empresa después de marzo de 2020 y la contratación de 50 empleados o menos. Los beneficiarios también participarán en cursos de asistencia técnica y educación empresarial impartidos por la Autoridad.

“Este programa puede tener un impacto positivo al apoyar la diversidad en la industria del cannabis de New Jersey durante sus etapas formativas. A medida que el mercado continúa su crecimiento exitoso, estos subsidios ayudarán a proporcionar más oportunidades a un mayor número de operadores en un mayor número de comunidades que participarán”, dijo el Presidente del Senado, Nicholas Scutari 

“Hemos tenido una firme intención en la puesta en marcha de una industria del cannabis en todo el estado que trabaja en beneficio de los consumidores de New Jersey, las empresas y el desarrollo económico general de nuestro estado”, indicó el Portavoz de la Asamblea, Craig J. Coughlin. “Después de un buen progreso en los ocho meses transcurridos desde el día de apertura, es importante que los próximos pasos se centren en la creación de oportunidades para los pequeños minoristas y los minoristas aspirantes a entrar en el mercado. Creo que este nuevo programa piloto está diseñado exactamente para lograr eso”.

“Parte del impulso para aprobar la ley para la legalización fue el reconocimiento de que la prohibición del cannabis, durante décadas, afectó desproporcionada y negativamente a los jóvenes en las comunidades negras y latinas”, expresó la Senadora Nellie Pou (demócrata de Passaic). “Como Presidenta del Bloque legislativo latino, me reconforta ver que la NJEDA lanza este Programa de subsidios para equidad en la industria del cannabis para ayudar financieramente con los costos de puesta en marcha de nuevas empresas en esas mismas comunidades que se han visto tan negativamente afectadas. Esta es otra pieza importante del contrato de equidad social que permanece en el corazón de la legalización del cannabis en New Jersey”.

“A medida que avanzamos en la implementación total de la legalización del cannabis, debemos recordar mantener nuestro compromiso con la igualdad social, así como con la igualdad de oportunidades económicas. El programa de subsidios para equidad en la industria del cannabis de la NJEDA es un claro recordatorio de que las empresas propiedad de minorías deben ser una parte integral del incipiente mercado del cannabis que empieza a echar raíces en nuestro estado”, declaró el Senador Vin Gopal (demócrata de Monmouth). “Por supuesto, poner en marcha un negocio de cualquier tipo tiene sus altibajos y obstáculos imprevistos. Como Vicepresidenta del Bloque legislativo de estadounidenses de origen asiático y otras islas del Pacífico, me entusiasma que la NJEDA dé un paso al frente y vea las oportunidades que los programas de subsidios como éste crearán para empresarios trabajadores ansiosos por demostrar lo que pueden hacer cuando se les da una oportunidad”.

“El programa de subsidios para equidad en la industria del cannabis ayudará a nivelar el campo de juego para los empresarios que buscan entrar en el mercado de cannabis para adultos de New Jersey”, dijo la Asambleísta Eliana Pintor Marín (demócrata de Essex). “Al dar prioridad a la equidad y la inclusión, podemos establecer una industria del cannabis socialmente responsable que creará puestos de trabajo y oportunidades para aquellos que se han visto desproporcionadamente afectados”.

El 40% restante del proyecto piloto inicial estará abierto a todas las entidades que hayan obtenido la aprobación municipal y el control del sitio sobre los bienes inmuebles de su negocio. Los solicitantes con licencias condicionales y autorizaciones existentes pueden recibir hasta $250,000 en subsidios para gastos elegibles.

Vinculadas a la legislación firmada a principios de este año están las asignaciones para las Zonas de impacto, que son áreas seleccionadas en función de los niveles previos de detenciones por consumo de marihuana, la población, las tasas de desempleo y otros factores socioeconómicos. El 5% del total de $10 millones se reservará para las empresas situadas en las Zonas de impacto.

“Somos conscientes de lo importante que es potenciar las empresas de cannabis, muchas de las cuales se han enfrentado a obstáculos para acceder al capital financiero en el pasado”, declaró Tai Cooper, Directora de Desarrollo comunitario de la NJEDA. “Las comunidades que sufrieron injustamente durante la penalización del cannabis necesitan la oportunidad de beneficiarse de las nuevas oportunidades empresariales creadas por la legalización del cannabis y las ventas reguladas. Queremos que estas oportunidades se extiendan a aquellas empresas que ayudarán a llenar los escaparates, almacenes y otras propiedades comerciales que cerraron sus puertas durante la pandemia y traigan nuevos puestos de trabajo a las comunidades donde hay mayor necesidad”.

“La Comisión reguladora del cannabis de New Jersey ha entendido desde el principio que si queremos que el mercado del cannabis de New Jersey refleje la diversidad de sus residentes, y si queremos asegurarnos de que incluya a los grupos que llevan las cicatrices de la prohibición, entonces el acceso designado al capital sería esencial para algunos solicitantes”, manifestó la Presidenta de la CRC de New Jersey, Dianna Houenou. “Hemos estado trabajando con varios socios dentro y fuera del gobierno estatal para identificar fuentes del capital que necesitan los empresarios del cannabis. Estamos agradecidos de que sea la Autoridad para el desarrollo económico de nuestro propio estado la que esté dando un paso adelante para cubrir parte de esa necesidad. Estoy encantada de que este programa se haga realidad y espero ver su impacto sustancial en la apertura de los negocios de los empresarios del cannabis”.

“Estamos satisfechos con los esfuerzos de la NJEDA para autorizar los recursos críticos que ayudarán a nuestra circunscripción en el avance de sus planes para participar en la industria del cannabis recreativo en nuestro estado”, dijo John E. Harmon, Sr., Fundador, Presidente y Director ejecutivo de la Cámara de comercio afroamericana de New Jersey. “Aplaudo a la dirección de la NJEDA por su voluntad de escuchar y entablar un diálogo franco con las empresas comerciales, que tienen capital en riesgo, sobre sus planes para aportar valor al mercado; es a través de estas mejores prácticas que podemos realizar una transformación que conduzca a una New Jersey más equitativa”.

“Con más de 140,000 empresas de propiedad hispana en New Jersey, que continúan impulsando el crecimiento económico, es un negocio inteligente ofrecer subsidios para ayudar a este enorme motor económico a impulsarnos hacia adelante”, manifestó Carlos Medina, Presidente y Director ejecutivo de la Cámara de comercio hispana a nivel estatal de New Jersey. “Gracias a nuestros socios de la NJEDA por seguir siendo innovadores en sus programas. ¡Felicitaciones!”

Para incentivar aún más a los participantes en las zonas económicamente desfavorecidas, se les puede eximir el cargo de solicitud de $1,000 en estos lugares. El plazo de presentación de solicitudes permanecerá abierto durante 180 días tras el lanzamiento del Programa de subsidios.

Acerca de la NJEDA

La Autoridad para el desarrollo económico de New Jersey (NJEDA) es la agencia principal del Estado para impulsar el desarrollo económico. La NJEDA tiene el compromiso de hacer del Estado de New Jersey un modelo nacional para el desarrollo económico inclusivo y sostenible al centrarse en estrategias claves para ayudar a construir comunidades fuertes y dinámicas, crear buenos trabajos para los residentes de New Jersey y ofrecer oportunidades para una economía más sólida y justa. Mediante asociaciones con diversas partes interesadas, la NJEDA crea e implementa iniciativas para mejorar la vitalidad económica y la calidad de vida en el Estado y para fortalecer la competitividad económica a largo plazo de New Jersey.

Para obtener más información acerca de los recursos de la NJEDA para empresas, llame a la línea de atención al cliente de la NJEDA al 844-965-1125 o visite https://www.njeda.gov y siga a @NewJerseyEDA en Facebook, Twitter, Instagram y LinkedIn.

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TRENTON, N.J. (December 21, 2022) The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) today announced the award of the first-ever Studio Partner designation under the Garden State Film and Digital Media Jobs Act.  The designation was awarded to Lions Gate Films Inc., which is set to lease space at the Newark studio currently under construction by Great Point Studios, after approval by the NJEDA Board.

“Awarding this designation is a major step in New Jersey’s evolution as a film and television destination,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “Bringing studios like Lions Gate to New Jersey will allow us to attract more and larger productions to our state and will create good, high-paying jobs for our residents.”

The designation awarded to Lions Gate is one of only three available under the film and digital media tax incentive program and will allow the studio partner to capture additional above-the-line wage and salary costs as qualified expenses.  Above-the-line wages and salary are payments made to highly paid individuals like directors, producers, writers, and performers. The studio partner may include in its application for tax credits above-the-line wages and salary expenses of up to $15 million, $25 million, $40 million, or $60 million depending on the amount of qualified film production expenses involved in the project.  In addition, $100 million of the allocation for film and digital media tax credits is set aside for studio partners.

“This is great news for New Jersey’s flourishing film and television industry,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Lions Gate will be a welcome addition to the film landscape, and we look forward to seeing the ‘Filmed in New Jersey’ logo on Lions Gate films for years to come.”

Great Point Studios Co-Founder Robert Halmi said of today’s announcement, “This is a wonderful development for the many entertainment industry workers and performers in New Jersey and for the state itself. It could not have come about without the help of Governor Phil Murphy, who recognized the importance of this vast project to Newark, the state, and the region.”

Originally created under the Garden State Film and Digital Media Jobs Act, the New Jersey Film and Digital Media Tax Credit Program provides a credit against the corporation business tax and the gross income tax for expenses incurred to produce certain films and digital media content in New Jersey.

The project sits on the former site of the Seth Boyden Housing complex in the South Ward section of Newark. The total planned costs are estimated to exceed $194 million to construct and fit out the 350,000- square-foot studio development.

When complete, the project will include five production stages ranging from 20,000 to 30,000 square feet and will offer a full set of production services on site, including grip and electric, equipment, props, set building, restaurants, location catering, cleaning service and security. Once fully operational, initial projections anticipate over 600 new full-time jobs will be created as a part of the development of this facility. The project site will be developed and operated by Great Point Studios, which operates Lions Gate’s new studio complex in Yonkers, NY.

On September 15, 2022, Great Point Studios entered into a ten-year six-month lease with Lions Gate Films, Inc. for a substantial portion of the Newark studio complex. Pursuant to the lease Lions Gate Films Inc. has committed to occupy 253,000 square feet of the development

Construction work commenced on September 16, 2022, and the studio complex is expected to be completed by September 2024.

Founded in 1998, Lions Gate Films Inc. is a subsidiary of Lions Gate Entertainment Corp.  Lions Gate’s film and television subscription and location-based entertainment businesses include a library of over 17,000 titles including many iconic film and television franchises such as Mad Men, Orange is the New Black, The Hunger Games, La La Land, and the Twilight Saga.

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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Funding to help new businesses in the cannabis industry with start-up expenses

TRENTON, N.J (December 21, 2022) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board announced today the creation of the Cannabis Equity Grant Program, aimed at helping start-ups in the state develop with assistance for early-stage expenses and technical training. Up to $10 million in state funding will be made available for applicants.

“My Administration is doubling its efforts to cultivate small businesses in burgeoning industries with massive untapped potential,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “The establishment of the Cannabis Equity Grant Program will help aspiring small business owners meet start-up expenses in a pivotal sector within our state’s ever-growing economy. Most importantly, the program will erode considerable barriers to access for communities of color, which this program will help to equip with the resources they need to not just enter, but thrive, in this exciting new industry.”

Following the 2020 referendum legalizing adult-use recreational marijuana in New Jersey and the 2021 legislation establishing the framework for regulated growth and sales, Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation in June 2022 allowing the Authority to offer qualifying small businesses licensed in the cannabis industry to pursue assistance.

“I am in full support of funding the Cannabis Equity Grant Program to help private entities create business start-ups in New Jersey,” said Lt. Governor Sheila Y. Oliver. “The Murphy Administration fought for the legalization of cannabis because of our commitment to social justice issues. Our administration will continue working to grow a cannabis industry that reflects the diversity of our state, protects access for medical marijuana patients, prioritizes justice, and promotes equal opportunities for communities of color.”

“Under Gov. Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey is committed to building a thriving and inclusive cannabis sector that maximizes opportunities for underserved communities and people impacted by the War on Drugs, and this program is a major step toward that goal,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “We look forward to continuing to partner with the Cannabis Regulatory Commission to advance additional programs to support entrepreneurs in this rapidly developing sector.”

$10 million will be made available in the initial pilot program. 60 percent of that amount will be made available to qualifying social equity applicants, like those who have previous cannabis convictions or live in economically disadvantaged areas. Economically disadvantaged areas are defined by the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC) as zip codes that meet certain socioeconomic criteria. These businesses can receive up to $250,000 to help with certain start-up expenses like regulatory fees, rental expenses, utilities, and wages. Qualifications for these businesses include holding a conditional cannabis license, business formation after March 2020, and employing 50 or fewer employees. Grantees will also participate in technical assistance and business education courses, provided by the Authority.

“This program can have a positive impact by supporting diversity in New Jersey’s cannabis industry during its formative stages. As the market continues its successful growth, these grants will help provide more opportunities to a greater number of operators in a larger number of communities to participate,” said Senate President Nicholas Scutari.

“We have been very intentional about standing up a statewide cannabis industry that works to the benefit of New Jersey consumers, businesses, and our state’s overall economic development,” said Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin. “After good progress in the eight months since opening day, it’s important that next steps center on creating opportunities for small and aspiring retailers to enter the market. That’s exactly what I believe this new pilot program is engineered to achieve.”

“Part of the impetus for passing legislation for legalization was recognition that the prohibition of cannabis has, for decades, disproportionately and negatively affected young people in Black and Latino communities,” said Senator Nellie Pou (D-Passaic). “As Chair of the Legislative Latino Caucus, I am heartened to see NJEDA launch this Cannabis Equity Grant Program to help financially with start-up costs for new businesses in those very communities that have been so adversely affected. This is one more important piece of the social equity contract that remains at the heart of cannabis legalization in New Jersey.”

“As we move further into full implementation of cannabis legalization, we must remember to maintain our commitment to social equity, as well as to equity of economic opportunity. The NJEDA’s Cannabis Equity Grant Program serves as clear reminder that minority-owned businesses must be an integral part of the emerging cannabis market beginning to take root in our state,” said Senator Vin Gopal (D-Monmouth). “Of course, starting up a business of any kind has its ups and downs, and unforeseen obstacles. As Vice Chair of the Legislative Asian American and Pacific Islander Caucus, I am excited to see NJEDA step up and see what opportunities grant programs like this will create for hard-working entrepreneurs anxious to show what they can do when given a chance.”

“The Cannabis Equity Grant Program will help level the playing field for entrepreneurs looking to enter New Jersey’s adult-use cannabis market,” said Assemblywoman Eliana Pintor Marin (D-Essex). “By prioritizing equity and inclusion, we can establish a socially responsible cannabis industry that will create jobs and opportunities for those who have been disproportionately impacted.”

“The Governor and Legislature made a commitment that the cannabis market would be accessible to women and minority entrepreneurs,” said Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson (D-Mercer). “The cannabis market is meant to be a boon for equity, but we are finding that for some people the cost of entry is too high. It is our hope that this grant program will help to begin leveling the playing field. We want to ensure that those most impacted by the war on drugs and our underserved communities have the opportunity to be a part of the process.”

The remaining 40 percent of the initial pilot will be open to all entities who have secured municipal approval and site control over their business’s real estate. Applicants with conditional licenses and existing approvals can receive up to $250,000 in grant support for eligible expenses.

Tied to the legislation signed earlier this year are the allocations for Impact Zones, which are areas targeted based on previous levels of marijuana arrests, population, unemployment rates, and additional socioeconomic factors. Five percent of the total $10 million will be reserved for businesses located in Impact Zones.

“We realize how important it is to empower cannabis businesses, many of which have faced barriers to accessing financial capital in the past,” said NJEDA Chief Community Development Officer Tai Cooper. “Communities that suffered unfairly during the criminalization of cannabis need the chance to benefit from new entrepreneurial opportunities created by cannabis legalization and regulated sales. We want to see these opportunities extended to those businesses that will help fill storefronts, warehouses, and other commercial properties that closed their doors during the pandemic and bring new jobs to communities where there is the greatest need.”

“The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission has from the beginning understood that if we want New Jersey’s cannabis market to reflect the diversity of its residents, and if we want to ensure that it is inclusive of groups that bear the scars of prohibition, then designated access to capital would be essential for some applicants,” said New Jersey CRC Chairwoman Dianna Houenou. “We have been working with several partners in and outside of state government to identify sources of the capital cannabis entrepreneurs need. We are grateful that it is our own state Economic Development Authority that is stepping up to meet some of that need. I am thrilled to see this program become a reality and I look forward to seeing its substantive impact leading to cannabis entrepreneurs opening for business.”

“We are pleased with the efforts of the NJEDA to authorize critical resources that will assist our constituency in advancing their plans to participate in the recreational cannabis industry in our state,” said John E. Harmon, Sr., Founder, President & CEO, African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey. “I applaud the leadership of the NJEDA for their willingness to listen, and engage in a frank dialogue with business enterprises, that have capital at risk, about their plans to bring value to the marketplace; it’s through these best practices that we can realize a transformation that will lead to a more equitable New Jersey.”

“With over 140,000 Hispanic-owned businesses in New Jersey, which continue to fuel economic growth, it is smart business to offer grants to help this massive economic engine propel us forward,” said Carlos Medina, President and CEO of the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey. “Thank you to our partners at the NJEDA for continuing to be innovative in their programming. Kudos!”

To further encourage participants in economically disadvantaged areas, the application fee of $1,000 for those in these locations may be waived. The applications window will stay open for 180 days following the Grant Program’s launch.

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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