New Jersey Economic Development Authority Grant Programs for Small Businesses
Below is a list of current small business grants that are being offered through the New Jersey EDA.
Small Business Improvement Grant
• Open to NJ small businesses, nonprofits, and home-based businesses
• Reimbursement grant for interior and exterior renovations, the purchase and installation of new furniture, fixtures, and equipment. The work must be completed, and items paid for, within two years from the date of application
• Reimbursement is 50% of total cost, up to $50,000 maximum award
• Program details and grant application are on the NJEDA website
Small Business Lease Grant
• Open to NJ small businesses with a new 5-year (or longer) lease of street level space that is between 250 and 10,000 square feet. Amended leases may be eligible if additional space is added
• Lease must be executed within the previous 12 months from the grant application date
• Grant award is 20% of annual lease payment upon grant approval, and a second 20% payment of the annual lease amount after one year
• Program details and grant application are on the NJEDA website
Small Business E-Commerce Support Program
• Open to NJ restaurants, retail, and personal care businesses that operate from a commercial location
• Free E-Commerce and digital marketing consulting such as website development, website optimization, E-Commerce platform, online ordering, online appointment booking, and digital marketing plans
• This program is consultant led; business owners should reach out directly to approved vendors to get started. There is no online application through the NJEDA
If you have any questions pertaining to these NJEDA opportunities, please click on the program names above for more information.
You can also contact NJEDA Senior Small Business Liaison Kathy Guzman at kathy.guzman@njeda.gov
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Looking Ahead: New Mercer County Division of Tourism and Travel
In his 100-Day Update, new Mercer County Executive Dan Benson highlighted the significant achievements made during his first few months in office. He also provided some important progress made on several objectives, including the establishment of a new Division of Tourism and Travel under the Office of Economic Development.
As we know, the road to American Independence ran through Mercer County, with the pivotal battles of Trenton and Princeton. History was written here, and with the 250th anniversary of our nation right around the corner, Mercer County must be prepared to tell that story.
In addition to our role in the Revolution, Mercer has long been at the forefront of industry and technology. Mercer was home to the Roebling factories which manufactured the suspension cables for the Brooklyn Bridge, to the Institute for Advanced study where Einstein and Oppenheimer conducted research, and today we host the Einstein's Alley hub for technological innovation. From the historical streets of Trenton to the cutting-edge work being done today at some of the best colleges and universities in the nation, Mercer County blends the old with the new.
Amidst this rich history and innovation, Mercer County offers many opportunities to live, work, and play in a setting that boasts preserved farmland and some of the best parks and nature trails in New Jersey. Whether you're picking fresh blueberries, strawberries, and apples in our charming orchards or exploring our expansive parks and recreation system, there's always something new to discover with each season.
After a day of adventure, history, or recreational activities, visitors can settle in to a relaxing atmosphere and experience a diversity of foods at some of Mercer County's many restaurants and eateries.
Mercer County offers a unique blend of attractions that are sure to enchant anyone and the Office of Economic Development and its newly formed Division of Tourism and Travel will seek to promote the many treasures to travelers throughout the region.
Stay tuned for more announcements to come!
Upcoming Economic Development Events
May 14, 2024 9:30-11AM
Small Business Bond Program - SBDC Event
In 2023, Mercer County partnered with SMBX to pilot the Small Business Bond Program in Mercer County. SMBX is a two-sided small business marketplace that connects qualified small businesses with investors and offers bond financing for businesses that may not be able to receive financing through traditional banking means.
In partnership with the Small Business Development Center at the College of New Jersey, the Office of Economic Development will hold a free event on May 14th at 9:30AM at Mrs. G in Lawrence. The event will provide information on this bond financing initiative.
Through the Mercer County Small Business Bond Program, Douglas D’Orio, owner of Hamilton-based Anesu Restorative Care, is raising $100K to purchase new treatment equipment for his patients.
Other Mercer County small business owners have already successfully raised funds. Desmond Hayes of Geogreens raised over $87K for his eco-friendly small business in Hamilton. Brittani White of Eunoia Barbershop and Salon raised $25K for her new hair salon in Lawrence.
The program is available for a limited time. For more information or to register, please click on this link.
May 23, 2024 8AM-11AM
Doing Business with New Jersey, Mercer County and our Towns
Mercer County, the State of New Jersey, and the Small Business Development Center at the College of New Jersey, will host “Doing Business with New Jersey, Mercer County and our Towns” on May 23rd from 8am-11am at the Boathouse at Mercer Lake, 334 South Post Road, Mercer County Park.
Mercer County Executive Dan Benson will provide welcoming remarks and State, County, and local officials will offer information on how small businesses can expand their footprint into the public sector. Specifically, the free event will detail government procurement opportunities and how a business can become certified as a Woman, Minority, Veteran and Disabled Veteran Owned Business and/or as a Small Business Enterprise.
Join us and learn how to identify bid and spending thresholds, while sharing your businesses Capability Statements.
Please click on the flyer with an event overview and information on how to register.
June 7, 2024 1PM-6PM
Business & Non-Profit Grant Program - Grant Assistance Workshop (Hightstown Only)
Mercer County is overseeing a grant program for small businesses and non-profits in Hightstown through its allocation of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for that municipality.
Hightstown entities eligible to apply will include:
Small Business (under 50 employees; less than $5M in revenue)
Microenterprise (5 employees or less, of which at least one is the owner))
Non-profit (located in Hightstown, NJ; IRS non-profit category tax ID certificate)
Grant applicants are required to have been registered as a business/non-profit in Hightstown prior to December 31, 2021. If you are Hightstown business or non-profit and would like to apply, please click on the link - Hightstown Grant Program. Also, if you would like to attend our upcoming in-person June 7th workshop, please click on the flyer link.
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