There is one month left to apply for financing through the New Jersey Economic Development Authority's Brownfields Loan Program. This program provides low-interest loans of up to $5 million for brownfield remediation. There is an informational webinar about the program on Wednesday, March 17th. 

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority is seeking input on strategies to address food insecurity in NJ's food deserts and ideas for initiatives to increase access to affordable healthy food through a Request for Information (RFI). The Authority is seeking input from: food retailers, producers, processors, or suppliers, advocacy organizations or social services providers, supermarket developers or operators, technical assistance providers, agricultural organizations, and others. Responses to the Request for Information are due April 12th.

Applicants of the COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program (Phase II) may be eligible for up to 12 months of rental assistance for rent arrears and future rent. The application period will remain open until $353 million has been awarded. Landlords may apply on behalf of tenants, with their permission.

The American Rescue Plan Act provides funding to support small businesses and industries that have struggled during the COVID-19 pandemic. Programs are managed by the U.S. Small Business Administration and include funding for the Paycheck Protection Program, the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant, the Targeted Economic Injury Disaster Loan Advance program, the Restaurant Revitalization Fund, and more. Application deadlines start as early as March 31st. 

Effective Friday, March 19th, restaurants, recreational and amusement businesses, gyms and fitness centers, and barber shops, salons, and other personal care businesses can increase indoor capacity to 50%. In addition, the general outdoor gathering limit will increase to a maximum of 50 people and the general indoor gathering limit will increase to a maximum of 25 people.

The Ocean County Small Business Lease Emergency Assistance Grant Program offers grants of up to $30,000 for eligible small businesses located in Ocean County. This New Jersey Redevelopment Authority program will provide grants to tenants leasing commercial space in mixed-use buildings, tenants leasing space in commercial buildings, and storefront businesses that lease their space. Applications opened on March 15th and will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Organizations can now receive funding to provide pre-apprenticeship programs. Pre-apprenticeship programs provide education and training that prepare participants for placement into a post-secondary college, the workforce, or other opportunities. Funding for this program is expected to be $2,000,000 for FY2021. The application deadline is April 9th.

The Economic Redevelopment and Growth Program is an incentive program for developers and businesses that helps address revenue gaps in development projects. Residential projects can receive tax credits of up to 30% or more of total eligible project costs. The New Jersey Economic Development Authority will start accepting applications on June 1st.

The Clean Tech Research and Development Voucher Program is a $435,000 program designed to help early-stage New Jersey clean technology companies more easily access resources such as specialized equipment. Applications open April 5th. 

The New Jersey Economic Recovery Act of 2020 is a package of economic development programs, including tax incentives, financing options, and grant programs. The New Jersey Economic Development Authority is asking for the public’s feedback to inform the design of these programs. Share your feedback and improve the structure of these state-led business programs.

There is still time for New Jersey-based businesses and organizations with 100 or fewer employees to apply for discounts of nearly 70% off purchases of personal protective equipment through the NJ Small and Micro Business PPE Access Program. Businesses that were approved prior to December 17th, 2020 do not need to reapply, but any discounts they have redeemed previously will be counted toward the program cap.

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