The program supports the revitalization of commercial corridors by community-focused arts and cultural organizations

TRENTON, N.J. (December 4, 2025) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) has approved $15 million in grant awards to 39 organizations under Phase II of the Activation, Revitalization, and Transformation (A.R.T.) program. First piloted in Newark and Atlantic City, these awards mark the first announcement since A.R.T. was expanded to include 31 municipalities across New Jersey.

“The A.R.T. program delivers essential grant funding to local arts and cultural organizations for initiatives that boost foot traffic, support small business growth, and strengthen the economic resiliency of municipalities most impacted by the pandemic,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey is continuing to make significant investments in our downtowns and main streets. These A.R.T. awards will help communities across the state activate public spaces, host events, and advance arts-based initiatives that promote long-term growth and vibrancy.”

The A.R.T. Phase II program aims to catalyze community placemaking efforts by leveraging New Jersey’s arts and cultural sector as a creative force for change, and by supporting non-profit organizations focused on public art installations and arts-based initiatives. Funded through the American Rescue Plan (ARP), A.R.T. Phase II replicates the first phase of the program, which focused on Atlantic City and Newark, by expanding eligibility to municipalities throughout the state.

“Today marks a major milestone in the NJEDA’s mission to bolster the arts and culture sector, which boasts a rich legacy in New Jersey and serves as an economic powerhouse for local communities across the state,” said NJEDA Chief Community Development Officer Tai Cooper. “The funding announced today continues Governor Murphy’s efforts to leverage the sector as a creative force for change, supporting a range of non-profit organizations that are focused on revitalizing their communities through the wholistic impact of the arts. I appreciate the work of Barbara Bickart, NJEDA Senior Advisor for Arts & Culture, for spearheading this effort and her advocacy for this vital sector, ensuring it has the tools needed to drive their organizations forward and cultivate economic prosperity, while improving the quality of life for all New Jerseyans.”

“The State Arts Council is proud to help connect the NJEDA with New Jersey’s nonprofit arts community for these exciting funding opportunities,” said Allison Tratner, Executive Director of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. “Not only do arts nonprofits contribute to the state’s overall economy and employ tens of thousands of people, they also serve as vital anchors in their communities. These significant A.R.T. grants come at a crucial time for the sector, supporting stability – and that means these organizations are better positioned to successfully deliver both economic and social benefits to individuals and families across New Jersey.”

The following organizations were awarded funding under A.R.T. Phase II:

1. Art House Productions (Jersey City, Hudson County): $500,000
2. Arts Council of the Morris Area (Dover, Morris County): $500,000
3. Arts Guild New Jersey, Inc. (Burlington, Burlington County): $500,000
4. Camden FireWorks Incorporated (Camden, Camden County): $457,800
5. Center for Modern Dance Education (Hackensack, Bergen County): $387,405
6. coLAB Arts, Inc. (New Brunswick, Middlesex County): $500,000
7. Educational Arts Team, Inc. (Jersey City, Hudson County): $220,068.30
8. Frontline Arts (Perth Amboy, Middlesex County): $256,506.93
9. George Street Playhouse, Inc. (New Brunswick, Middlesex County): $500,000
10. Grand Artistry Inspires (Plainfield, Union County): $500,000
11. Hackensack Performing Arts Center, Inc. (Hackensack, Bergen County): $500,000
12. Healthy People Worldwide (Perth Amboy, Middlesex County): $500,000
13. James R. Halsey Foundation of the Arts (Trenton, Mercer County): $475,475
14. Jersey City Theater Center, Inc. (Jersey City, Hudson County): $350,000
15. Jump for Joi (Jersey City, Hudson County): $307,000
16. Literature to Life, Inc. (Paterson, Passaic County): $103,912.50
17. Luna Stage Company, Inc. (Orange, Essex County): $303,179.71
18. Monmouth County Arts Council, Inc. (Long Branch, Monmouth County): $290,780
19. Monmouth Museum and Cultural Center (Dunellen, Middlesex County): $500,000
20. New Jersey Ballet Company, Inc. (Rahway, Union County): $225,000
21. New Jersey Capital Philharmonic Orchestra, Inc. (Trenton, Mercer County): $242,777
22. New Jersey Repertory Company (Long Branch, Monmouth County): $500,000
23. New Jersey Symphony Orchestra (Jersey City, Hudson County): $500,000
24. Nimbus Dance Works, Inc. (Jersey City, Hudson County): $500,000
25. Riverview Jazz Org (Jersey City, Hudson County): $500,000
26. Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey (New Brunswick, Middlesex County): $500,000
27. Symphony in C (Camden, Camden County): $451,591
28. Teen Arts (Asbury Park, Monmouth County): $298,829.50
29. The Actors Studio of New Jersey (Dunellen, Middlesex County): $382,896.88
30. The American Graffiti Museum, Inc. (Trenton, Mercer County): $210,161
31. The Passage Theatre Company (Trenton, Mercer County): $500,000
32. The Princeton Ballet Society (New Brunswick, Middlesex County): $129,300
33. The State Theatre Regional Arts Center at New Brunswick, Inc. (New Brunswick, Middlesex County): $102,000
34. The Wharton Institute for Performing Arts, Inc. (Rahway, Union County): $185,454
35. The Wooden Walls Mural Project (Asbury Park, Monmouth County): $500,000
36. Trenton Community A-Team, Inc. (Trenton, Mercer County): $408,717
37. Union County Arts Center, Inc. (Rahway, Union County): $497,500
38. University of Orange (Orange, Essex County): $499,354.76
39. Word Seed, Inc. (Paterson, Passaic County): $266,540

The A.R.T. Phase II program adds to the NJEDA’s robust toolkit of existing programs meant to expand access to arts and culture, which includes the Cultural Arts Facilities Expansion (CAFE) program, which provides tax credits to incentivize broad scale capital projects for arts and cultural venues in New Jersey. The first awards under the CAFE Program were announced in November 2025.

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. (November 17, 2025) – Last week, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board approved a tax credit award under the Aspire Program to support the development of a new hotel in Hoboken, which will include up to 350 guest rooms. The hotel will be located along the waterfront, one block from the Hoboken Terminal, which offers access to public transportation options including NJ TRANSIT bus and rail service, Hudson-Bergen Light Rail, ferry service, and PATH.

“Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, the Aspire program has supported meaningful transit-oriented development projects throughout the state, helping grow communities and create jobs,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Adding a new major hotel to Hoboken’s iconic waterfront will attract tourism and spur economic activity in the area, building a stronger, more resilient city that will benefit Hoboken residents for decades to come.”

The developer, One SD Hoboken, plans to build a full-service Hilton Hotel on the site of the former parking lot of the Hoboken Post Office on Sinatra Drive. The proposed 20-story hotel will include ground-floor retail, a lobby-level restaurant and bar, meeting and event spaces, and a rooftop bar and terrace.

The project also includes the creation of a publicly accessible pocket park, as well as significant streetscape and sidewalk enhancements to improve pedestrian connectivity along Sinatra Drive. Guest parking will be accommodated via valet service utilizing an existing adjacent underground garage. This project will be designed and constructed to the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver standard, satisfying the Aspire program’s Green Building Standards. One SD Hoboken was awarded a tax credit award of 60 percent of the total project cost, not to exceed $63.4 million.

“Support from the Aspire Program and this meaningful investment in Hoboken will help ensure that the city continues to be a model for green, accessible, and transit-oriented economic development,” said State Senator Raj Mukherji (D-32). “The construction of a brand new hotel right on the Hoboken waterfront will help welcome tourists and other guests, spur business, and create more publicly accessible green space.”

“Today’s announcement represents a major step forward for Hoboken,” said Hoboken Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla. “The new hotel represents a win for our city, bringing new jobs, open space, and vital infrastructure improvements that will benefit residents and visitors alike. It’s a prime example of what we can accomplish when local and state partners work together toward a shared vision for smart, sustainable growth. Thank you to Governor Murphy and NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan for their continued partnership and commitment to Hoboken’s future.” 

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

About the NJEDA

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

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

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A Special Meeting of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority is scheduled for 10:00 am, Monday, August 18, 2025. The Members will convene via conference call and Microsoft Teams only and plan to discuss and vote on the following matters:

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

1. Activation, Revitalization, and Transformation (A.R.T.) Phase 2 Awards

ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION

2. AI Innovation Challenge Administration Grant Program – Administrator Approval 

INCENTIVES

3. Aspire Program Approval – 701 Newark Ave, Jersey City
4. Aspire Program Approval – Garden Court, Atlantic City

REAL ESTATE

5. FMERA Purchase and Sale Agreement and Redevelopment Agreement
6. Real Estate Gap Financing Program Awards

Members of the public may participate in the meeting by calling in on the conference line or joining via Microsoft Teams. Members of the public will have an opportunity to speak during the public comment segment of the meeting.

The following conference number is provided:

CONFERENCE NAME:                    NJEDA BOARD MEETING

PARTICIPANT DIAL-IN NUMBER:       1-888-790-3708

PARTICIPANT ACCESS CODE:              7825427

The Microsoft Teams link and the final Board Meeting Agenda can be found 48 hours prior to the meeting on our website: www.njeda.gov/

Please be advised that the Board Meeting for the New Jersey Economic Development Authority scheduled for February 12, 2025, is hereby cancelled.

A Special Board Meeting will be scheduled for Monday, February 24, 2025 and notice will be provided.

TRENTON, N.J. (December 19, 2023) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) will open applications for the Food Desert Relief Supermarket Tax Credit Program tomorrow, Wednesday, December 20, 2023. The Food Desert Relief Supermarket Tax Credit Program was established by the New Jersey Economic Recovery Act (ERA) of 2020.

WHAT:            The Food Desert Relief Supermarket Tax Credit Program addresses the food security needs of New Jersey’s 50 Food Desert Communities (FDCs) by providing up to $40 million per year in tax credits to develop and sustain new supermarkets and grocery stores in food deserts. No more than two grocery stores in each FDC can receive tax credits through the program.

The program is comprised of two tax credits: the Financing Cap Tax Credit, applied for by a store’s developer, and the Initial Operating Costs Tax Credit, applied for by a store’s operator. For a single store to receive both credits, the applications must be reviewed and approved at the same time. Tax credits may be resold for a minimum of 85% of the transferred credit amount.

WHEN:           Applications will open Wednesday, December 20.

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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Over $19 Million will Support Capital Projects to Improve Local Neighborhoods

TRENTON, N.J. (December 14, 2023) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board today approved the creation of the Atlantic City Revitalization Grant Program. The $19,650,000 pilot program will utilize American Rescue Plan (ARP) State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) to fund capital projects in Atlantic City, ensuring that local neighborhoods are directly supported.

Eligible projects must address a negative impact of COVID-19 and contribute to Atlantic City’s revitalization, which includes capital construction projects that renovate or restore a vacant building, or a new construction project. All projects must aim to address at least one local impact consideration, which include addressing downtown vitality efforts, job and office space creation, food insecurity, clean and safe initiatives, and small business support, with the long-term goal to help improve overall economic prosperity in Atlantic City.

“The Atlantic City Revitalization Grant Program advances Governor Phil Murphy’s goal of investing in New Jersey communities by promoting strong and equitable economic recovery, supporting business and job creation and bolstering local economies,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “The program approved today adds to the NJEDA’s robust suite of impactful and strategic programs to strengthen Atlantic City’s economy in the wake of the pandemic.”

The program will be open to for-profit and non-profit entities responsible for overseeing a real estate development project in Atlantic City. Program grants, which will be disbursed to approved applicants on a rolling basis until all funds are exhausted, will cover up to 50 percent of all soft and hard construction costs with a minimum award request of $1 million and a maximum award request of $10 million. Once approved for grant funding, projects will be presented to the NJEDA Board for final approval, and applicants must demonstrate they have secured the remaining portion of funding. For more information on program eligibility and the application process, click here.

“The Atlantic City Revitalization Grant Program is a welcome addition to ongoing efforts to diversify and expand the city’s economic opportunities and improve the quality of life for city residents,” said New Jersey Department of Community Affairs Acting Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez. “Atlantic City is making strides and this new grant program will help keep the positive momentum going. We’re confident the Atlantic City revitalization grants will result in projects that strengthen neighborhoods, support existing businesses, and create well-paying jobs.”

“As the Small administration continues to push for more development in the Great City of Atlantic City, we are grateful this additional funding has become available to hopefully ease some burdens,” said City of Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small, Sr. “The COVID-19 Pandemic halted many development plans in Atlantic City, so I encourage anyone who is eligible to apply for these funds, and thank the New Jersey Economic Development Authority for your continued support.”

“This revitalization program is a monumental investment into Atlantic City and our shore town communities,” said Senator Vince Polistina (R-Atlantic). “Due to the prolonged effects of the pandemic, small businesses throughout the state—especially those at the Jersey Shore—are still struggling to survive. This initiative will help alleviate some of that economic stress by supporting capital projects, bolstering vital coastal infrastructure, and creating additional opportunities to generate revenue.”

“Atlantic City’s recovery from the economic effects of the pandemic is more than just getting gaming revenue back, it requires strategic investments in our neighborhoods,” said Assemblyman Don Guardian. “This city has a strong entrepreneurial spirit that I championed as mayor and that will be funded through this grant program. With this support from the state, and the imagination and dedication of small businesses, nonprofits, developers and local and state leaders, a healthier, safer, and more vibrant Atlantic City is on the horizon.”

“Today’s announcement will uplift Atlantic City’s communities through projects that support jobs, repurpose abandoned buildings and improve the health and security of residents,” said Assemblywoman Claire Swift. “This program marks a significant commitment to the future of Atlantic City and its resiliency.”

Grants awarded from the Atlantic City Revitalization Grant Program will utilize $19,650,000 in ARP Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds of the $30 million appropriated for “Atlantic City Initiatives” in the New Jersey Fiscal Year 2024 Appropriations Act.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About NJEDA

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

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