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

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

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

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

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

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

About the NJEDA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Pilot Clean Tech Demonstration Program will fund pilot demonstration projects intended to avoid emissions of, or recapture, greenhouse gases and/or criteria pollutants, or to enable such avoidance or recapture.  The proposed project must be between Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6, ready to beta test the prototype, and TRL 8, in the pre-commercial demonstration. The TRL is a globally-recognized scale that measures and assesses a technology’s maturity. The following technology areas are eligible under the program: Chemicals/Advance Materials, Energy Distribution/Storage, Energy Efficiency, Energy Generation, Green Buildings, Transportation, Waste Processing, and Water and Agriculture.

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

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

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

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

About the New Jersey CSIT

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

About NJBPU
 
NJBPU is a state agency and regulatory authority mandated to ensure safe, adequate and proper utility services at reasonable rates for New Jersey customers. Critical services regulated by NJBPU include natural gas, electricity, water, wastewater, telecommunications and cable television. The Board has general oversight and responsibility for monitoring utility service, responding to consumer complaints, and investigating utility accidents. To find out more about NJBPU, visit our website at www.nj.gov/bpu, and follow NJBPU on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About the New Jersey Economic Development Authority

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

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

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Please be advised that the Capital City Redevelopment Corporation Special Board Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 17, 2022 at 4:00 pm.  The Members will convene via conference call only.

Members of the public who wish to speak during the public comment segment of the meeting, pertaining to agenda items, may call into the meeting by using the following conference number:
 
Teleconference #:
1-551-220-2262

Access Code: 317 070 407#

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

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority’s next public Board Meeting will be held in person and via teleconference on Wednesday, November 16, 2022, 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.

El programa de subsidios apoyará a cientos de microempresas a través de financiamiento a bajo interés

Trenton, N.J. (3 de noviembre de 2022) – La Autoridad para el Desarrollo Económico de Nueva Jersey (New Jersey Economic Development Authority o NJEDA por sus siglas en inglés) anunció que ha aprobado más de 11 millones de dólares a ocho prestamistas e instituciones financieras a través de su Subsidio para Prestamistas de Main Street. El Subsidio para Prestamistas de Main Street, que se puso en marcha en julio, otorga subsidios a Instituciones financieras de desarrollo comunitario (CDFI, por sus siglas en inglés), Instituciones de depósito para minorías (MDI, por sus siglas en inglés) y otras entidades elegibles que tengan al menos 10 años de experiencia en préstamos a las pequeñas empresas y microempresas.

El Subsidio para Prestamistas de Main Street, que fue creada en virtud de la Ley de Recuperación Económica de Nueva Jersey, de 2020, y fue financiada con 15 millones de dólares del Programa de Recuperación de Main Street, ofrece a los prestamistas elegibles subsidios de hasta 1.5 millones de dólares cada una, con hasta $500,000 reservados para las necesidades de asistencia técnica. Las entidades aprobadas para la subvención proporcionarán financiamiento flexible y a bajo costo mediante préstamos de capital de trabajo a plazo fijo a las microempresas calificadas, así como también asistencia técnica para ayudar a las microempresas a acceder al capital.

“El Subsidio para Prestamistas de Main Street es testimonio del compromiso del Gobernador Phil Murphy con la equidad y la inclusión y con el apoyo a las pequeñas empresas para garantizar la prosperidad económica de Nueva Jersey”, dijo el Director Ejecutivo de NJEDA, Tim Sullivan. “Se reservará el cuarenta por ciento de los fondos de respaldo de los préstamos para microempresas ubicadas en áreas censales elegibles como Zona de Oportunidad, lo que permitirá el desarrollo continuo de las áreas desatendidas”.

Hasta la fecha, el programa ha aprobado el financiamiento de subsidios para los siguientes prestamistas:

“Los prestamistas locales fueron fundamentales para nuestra capacidad de alcanzar y apoyar a las empresas más pequeñas de Nueva Jersey durante la pandemia de COVID-19 y siguen siendo aliados vitales en nuestros esfuerzos por construir una economía más fuerte, más justa y más equitativa”, dijo Naimah Marshall, Directora del Programa NJEDA, Banca Empresarial. “A través del Subsidio para Prestamistas de Main Street, estamos mejorando nuestra capacidad de conectar a las microempresas, que con frecuencia tienen dificultades para acceder al financiamiento tradicional, con los recursos que necesitan para triunfar”.

Las microempresas pueden ponerse en contacto con cualquiera de los prestamistas antes identificados y optar al financiamiento directamente con ellos. 

Acerca de la Autoridad para el Desarrollo Económico de Nueva Jersey

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

Para obtener más información sobre los recursos de la NJEDA para las empresas, llame a la línea de atención al cliente de NJEDA al 609-858-6767 o visite https://www.njeda.gov y siga a @NewJerseyEDA en Facebook, Twitter, Instagram y LinkedIn.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About the New Jersey Economic Development Authority

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

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 609-858-6767 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

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Los Centros De Cuidado Infantil pueden empezar a solicitar los subsidios por hasta $200.000 el 15 de noviembre de 2022

BLOOMFIELD, N.J. (1 de noviembre de 2022) – La primera dama de New Jersey, Tammy Murphy, anunció que la Autoridad de Desarrollo Económico de New Jersey (NJEDA) empezará a aceptar solicitudes para subisidios de los $54.5 millones de dólares del Programa de Mejora a las Instalaciones de Cuidado Infantil de New Jersey el martes 15 de noviembre de 2022.  Basado en la estrategia global de la Administración Murphy de apoyar el vital sector de cuidado infantil del estado, la Fase 1 del programa proporcionará cerca de $15 millones de dólares en subsidios por hasta $200,000 dólares a centros de cuidado infantil registrados en New Jersey para cubrir los costos de mejoras a las instalaciones.

“Cada familia de New Jersey merece cuidado infantil confiable, seguro y de alta calidad, una parte importante de Nurture NJ y de nuestro trabajo para hacer de New Jersey un líder en salud infantil. Este programa ayudará a asegurar que las instalaciones en todo el estado ofrezcan a nuestros niños -y en especial a nuestros niños en las comunidades desatedidas- con ambientes de primera infancia de alta calidad que tengan impactos de por vida,” declaró la Primera Dama Murphy. “El Programa de Mejora a las Instalaciones de Cuidado Infantil de NJ proporcionará el capital para que las instalaciones de cuidado infantil realicen las mejoras básicas para elevar su capacidad de atención para esta y futuras generaciones.”

La Primera Dama Murphy se unió a los líderes de NJEDA y otros funcionarios electos y gubernamentales afuera de la  ABC Daycare Academy en Bloomfield para dar este anuncio.

“Estoy encantada con el hecho de que New Jersey esté usando fondos federales que asigné en el Plan de Rescate Americano para implementar programas innovadores como el Subsidio para Mejora de Instalaciones de Cuidado Infantil,” mencionó el Representante Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11). “A nivel local, estatal y federal, estamos trabajando juntos para hacer el cuidado infantil más accesible y asequible para las familias de New Jersey porque entendemos su importancia para una economía y fuerza laboral prósperas.  Quiero agradecer a la Primera Dama Tammy Murphy, al Director General de NJEDA Tim Sullivan, a la Líder de la Mayoría en el Senado Teresa Ruiz, y a la propietaria de ABC Daycare Academy, Anna Hareza; por su trabajo en este importante asunto.”

Como parte del enfoque de todo el gobierno para apoyar al sector de cuidado infantil de New Jersey, la legislatura aprobó y el Gobernador Murphy firmó la ley del Fondo de Reactivación de Cuidado Infantil, asignando $100 millones de dólares en Fondos  Recuperación Fiscal Estatales y Locales del Plan de Rescate Americano (ARP) contra el Coronavirus para apoyar al sector, incluyendo $54.5 millones para NJEDA para proporcionar subsidios para mejora de instalaciones y asistencia técnica a proveedores de cuidado infantil. La Líder de la Mayoría en el Senado Ruiz (D-Essex), que participó en el evento de hoy, fue copatrocinadora del Fondo de Reactivación de Cuidado Infantil. El financiamiento para la Fase 1 del Programa de Mejora para Instalaciones de Cuidado Infantil de NJ es apoyado por medio de fondos de ARP, así como de $4.45 millones de dólares adicionales en financiamiento estatal.

“Las instalaciones escolares tienen un profundo impacto en los resultados tanto de los maestros como de los alumnos. Cuando invertimos en nuestros niños hacienda que sus entornos educativos sean más saludables, seguros y flexibles para adaptarse a las complejas necesidades de los alumnos, las recompensas exceden por mucho el costo de la inversión inicial,” dijo la Senadora Ruiz. “Al disminuir la carga financiera de los proveedores de cuidado infantil, estos fondos facilitarán la expansión del espacio de los salones de clase lo cual aumenta el número de alumnos, así como permite la adquisición de otras necesidades de infraestructura importantes como reemplazar ventanas y/o pisos o inclusive equipo de las áreas de juego. Cada dólar invertido ofrecer un retorno de $4-$9 en beneficios individuales y comunitarios. Este programa, junto con otras iniciativas que avanzan en la legislatura, representa el compromiso de mejorar la educación en la primera infancia en formas que harán que se reduzca la brecha de rendimiento y beneficiarán en gran medida a las generaciones futuras.”

“Bajo el liderazgo del Gobernador Phil Murphy, New Jersey está haciendo importantes inversiones para reforzar el sector del cuidado infantil, el cual es crucial para nuestra economía y la capacidad de los padres de New Jersey de regresar al trabajo y estar tranquilos sabiendo que sus hijos están bien cuidados,” dijo el Director General de NJEDA, Tim Sullivan.  “Estos subsidies ayudarán a los centros de cuidado infantil que son la espina dorsal de  nuestra economía, a surgir mejor posicionados para cuidar de nuestros niños y de nuestras familias.”

Sullivan destacó que los proveedores de cuidado infantil que atienden a niños de bajos recursos a través del Programa de Ayuda de Cuidado Infantil del Departamento de Servicios Humanos de New Jersey (NJDHS) fueron impactados significativamente por el COVID. Ese programa ofrecer subsidies para compensar el costo del cuidado infantil para las familias a un 200 por ciento o menos de la línea de pobreza federal. El financiamiento en la Fase 1 del programa estará limitado a los centros de cuidado infantil que atienden a niños que reciben ayuda. Además, 40 por ciento del financiamiento de la Fase 1 se reservará para los proveedores de cuidado infantil en zonas censables elegibles para la Zona de Oportunidad, asegurando que el financiamiento se dirija a las comunidades de bajos ingresos del estado.

“Estamos emocionados de trabajar en colaboración con el NJEDA para que estos subsidios estén disponibles para los proveedores de cuidado infantil en el estado. Los proveedores de cuidado infantil estuvieron entre los más golpeados durante la pandemia de COVID-19, y están aún trabajando para superar los efectos persistentes de la pandemia, al mismo tiempo que se satisfacen las necesidades de las familias trabajadoras de New Jersey. Estos subsidies ayudarán a los proveedores a hacer mejoras a las instalaciones que de otra forma no tendrían como solventar, para que puedan proporcionar ambientes de aprendizaje para la primera infancia de alta calidad para nuestros residentes más jóvenes. Esto es adicional a los subsidios de estabilización que Servicios Humanos está ofreciendo para ayudar a los proveedores a pagar sus gastos operativos y los pagos adicionales de $1,000 de contratación y retención para ayudar con el personal. El cuidado infantil seguro, asequible y confiable en New Jersey es vital para nuestra economía y para las familias trabajadoras. Bajo el liderazgo del Gobernador Murphy, el estado ha hecho importantes inversiones para apoyar a la industria del cuidado infantil, y continuaremos trabajando para apoyar esta fuerza laboral crítica y a las familias que dependen de ellos,” declaró la Comisionada de NJDHS, Sarah Adelman.

Los proveedores de cuidado infantil por lo general enfrentan márgenes de ganancia muy pequeños, muchas veces obligándolos a prescindir de mejoras necesarias a las instalaciones, reparaciones y mantenimiento. La fase 1 del Programa de Mejora a las Instalaciones de Cuidado Infantil de NJ proporcionará subsidios entre $50,000 y $200,000 dólares para pagar mejoras que fomentarán ambientes de aprendizaje de primera infancia de alta calidad. Estas mejoras interiores y exteriores pueden Incluir, entre otras, instalación de ventanas de eficiencia energética, crear espacio adicional en los salones de clase, adquirir nuevo equipo para los patios de juego, reemplazar pisos, solucionar riesgos ambientales como el plomo o el moho, o instalar lavabos y sanitarios a la altura de los niños. Se pude encontrar una lista completa de usos y detalles elegibles en el programa en https://www.njeda.gov/child-care-improvement-program/.

“ABD Daycare Academy siempre está buscando formas de mejorar la calidad de la educación de primera infancia y siempre pone a nuestros niños primero al momento de tomar decisiones de presupuesto, por lo que, priorizar los proyectos de mejora mientras mantenemos los costos bajos, por lo general es un reto,” dijo Anna Hareza, propietaria de ABC Daycare Academy. “El Gobernador Murphy y la Primera Dama reconocen el papel crucial que los centros de cuidado infantil de New Jersey juegan en preparar a nuestros niños para el éxito y el subsidio que ayudará en gran medida a que los centros de cuidado infantil alcancen un mayor nivel de atención.”

“Cada niño merece asistir a una instalación de cuidado infantil de clase mundial, sin importar el ingreso de su familia,” mencionó la Vice Presidenta Ejecutiva de Seguridad Económica de NJEDA, Tara Colton. “El Programa de Mejora de Instalaciones de Cuidado Infantil de NJ proporcionará financiamiento para ayudar a garantizar que todos los niños de New Jersey tengan acceso a ambientes educativos de primera infancia de alta calidad mientras se otorga a los proveedores de cuidado infantil acceso a financiamiento para mejorar sus instalaciones, permitiéndoles enfocarse en lo que es lo más importante: cuidar a los niños de nuestro estado.”

“El Programa de Mejora de Instalaciones de Cuidado Infantil de NJ permitirá que los proveedores de cuidado infantil aprovechen los recursos públicos para mejorar y modernizar, y crear y mantener ambientes seguros, adecuados y pensados para desarrollar las mentes jóvenes,” dijo la Comisionada del Departamento de Niños y Familias de NJ (NJDCF), Christine Norbut Beyer.  “Esta inversión en programas de cuidado infantil de vanguardia alentarán el sano crecimiento y desarrollo de los niños de New Jersey, y fortalecerá las opciones de cuidado infantil disponibles para las familias trabajadoras.  Esta es una buena inclusión en los esfuerzos por apoyar a las familias y niños de New Jersey para prosperar.”

Los solicitantes deben ser propietarios o arrendar el espacio que se mejorará y deben tener inscritos actualmente, o haber inscrito en los 12 meses anteriores a la fecha de solicitud, a por lo menos un niño que esté recibiendo apoyo por parte del Programa de Apoyo de Cuidado Infantil de NJDHS. Los proveedores de cuidado infantil también deben comprometerse a inscribirse en el sistema de mejora y evaluación de calidad de NJDHS, Grow NJ Kids. Aun cuando la NJEDA planea ampliar el Programa de Mejora a Instalaciones de Cuidado Infantil a proveedores de cuidado infantil en hogares registrados con NJDHS en subsecuentes fases del programa, esta fase inaugural sólo estará abierta a centros de cuidado infantil autorizados por el NJDCF. Todos los criterios de elegibilidad y recursos para los solicitantes se pueden encontrar en https://www.njeda.gov/child-care-improvement-program/.

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 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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A meeting of the Commission of Science, Innovation and Technology (CSIT) Board has been scheduled for Friday, November 4, 2022, at 10:00 am.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About the NJEDA

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

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

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