NJEDA to Host Innovation Fellows Program Information Session on January 19

Would-Be Entrepreneurs Can Learn How to Apply for
Up to $400,000 in Income Replacement Funding & Mentorship

TRENTON, N.J. (January 13, 2023) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) today announced it will host a webinar next week for would-be entrepreneurs to learn how they can apply for grants of up to $400,000 to pursue their endeavors through the upcoming $10 million New Jersey Innovation Fellows (NJIF) program. The January 19^th virtual information session will offer an overview of the program and will provide insight on how the competitive program will support teams of at least three entrepreneurs with mentorship, training, and income replacement capital over a two-year period. Entrepreneurs interested in attending the webinar can register at https://www.njeda.gov/event/njeda-innovation-fellowship-program/.

Applications are expected to launch in the first quarter of 2023 for the NJIF, which 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 need 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. The program will be open to would-be entrepreneurs in the following industries: advanced transportation and logistics, advanced manufacturing, aviation, autonomous vehicle and zero-emissions research or development, clean energy, clean technology, life sciences, hemp processing, information and high technology, finance and insurance, professional services, film and digital media, and non-retail food and beverage business (including food innovation).

The NJIF Program will award 10 to 16 grants across two cohorts annually 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 half of the entrepreneur team must come directly from the workforce. In addition to the financial benefits of the program, all entrepreneur fellows must participate in a mentorship program.

The NJEDA expects to open the NJIF Program application semi-annually in 2023 and 2024, until funds are exhausted.

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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