NJEDA Opening Innovation Fellows Application on March 14^th

Program Offering Entrepreneurs up to $400,000 in Grants for Income Replacement

TRENTON, N.J. (March 7, 2023) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) will open the application for the New Jersey Innovation Fellows (NJIF) program on March 14^th at 10:00 a.m. This program levels the playing field for first-time entrepreneurs in underrepresented groups looking to start businesses in New Jersey.

Startup groups of three or more members can apply for a two-year grant to help start a business in a targeted industry. The funding is intended to serve as income replacement, which should entice those who would normally be unable to commit full-time efforts to entrepreneurship due to financial constraints. Groups are eligible for $200,000 in funding, which can increase with the inclusion of residents of Opportunity Zones, graduates of New Jersey colleges and universities, as well as females and minority entrepreneurs. The maximum grant awarded will be $400,000.

To qualify, applicant teams must have at least one-half of the group certify as “first-time entrepreneurs,” while at least two-thirds of the group must come from the workforce. Recipients will also receive mentorship and training in a variety of business and managerial subjects during the grant period, with curriculum developed by some of New Jersey’s top universities.

The NJIF was formally announced in November 2022 and is a competitive program. Complete program eligibility and details 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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