There are some amazing grants at the NJEDA that are non-competitive, meaning that if businesses meet the criteria and correctly apply, they can obtain these resources!  All these grants accept applications on a rolling basis until their funding is used.  And if you want EDA to speak with your business directly, reach out to Kathy.Guzman@njeda.gov directly to set that up and tell her I sent you.

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, 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 one or more of the approved vendors to get started. There is no online application through the NJEDA.

Main Street Acquisition Support Grant

• Grant up to $50,000 to reimburse an eligible NJ small business for closing costs related to a NJ commercial property that the business purchased to operate from and available for both for-profit and non-profit entities that occupy at least 1,000 square feet of total usable commercial square footage of the building.
• Closing must have taken place after 10/01/2024 and grant application date must be no later than one year from date of closing.

Additionally, there is the Direct Install program by JCP&L:  JCP&L Small Business Direct Install Program. Incentives are available that cover up to 80% of the installed project cost for heating and cooling, refrigeration, lighting, and more. To make upgrading even simpler and more cost-effective, qualifying customers may be eligible for 0% financing up to a 5-year term.

Please share this with any other Bernardsville businesses that may have not already taken advantage of these programs. Do not hesitate to reach out to us for guidance and resources.

Best, 

Joseph S. Oswald

Executive Director
Main Street Bernardsville
joe@mainstreetbernardsville.org

WWW.MAINSTREETBERNARDSVILLE.ORG