NJEDA Visits Haleemah Islamic Fashions in Trenton to Showcase Benefits of Small Business Lease Assistance Program
Support through NJEDA's Small Business Lease Assistance Program enabled small business owner Prestina Ray to open Haleemah Islamic Fashions in downtown Trenton.
TRENTON, N.J. (July 15, 2019) – Representatives from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) and the City of Trenton visited Haleemah Islamic Fashions in Trenton on Friday to raise awareness of funding available through the NJEDA’s Small Business Lease Assistance Program. Haleemah Islamic Fashions was approved to participate in the program, which reimburses small businesses a portion of annual lease payments for new or additional space leased in targeted cities around the state, including Trenton.
Haleemah Islamic Fashions owner Prestina Ray started selling Islamic garb at the Trenton Farmers Market in 2010. In 2016, she leased a storefront in Trenton and has moved twice within the city to accommodate her business’s continued growth. Last month, Ray opened the doors of her business at 102 East State Street, where she continues to cater to the Islamic community in Trenton and the surrounding areas. The business is expected to receive $4,500 in rent support over a two-year period through the Small Business Lease Assistance Program.
“As a resident of Trenton, I’ve always wanted to do something positive for the residents of my city and sharing my passion for Islamic clothing with the men, women, and children who live here is a dream come true,” Ray said. “I’m extremely grateful to the NJEDA and the Small Business Lease Assistance Program for this incredible opportunity, which will enable me to use the money I am saving on rent to hire employees.”
Haleemah Islamic Fashions expects to create seven part- and full-time jobs for local residents.
The Small Business Lease Assistance Program supports small businesses in designated commercial corridors within 13 municipalities throughout New Jersey: Atlantic City, Bridgeton, Camden, Jersey City, Millville, Mt. Holly, Passaic, Paterson, Phillipsburg, Plainfield, Salem, Trenton, and Vineland.
“Haleemah Islamic Fashions is a great example of how the NJEDA is investing in local small businesses owners to revitalize downtowns,” said NJEDA Director of Small Business Services Christina Fuentes. “Since taking office last year, Governor Phil Murphy has emphasized the importance of supporting small businesses and investing in communities, and the Small Business Lease Assistance Program is geared toward providing these businesses with the tools they need to grow within their communities.”
Today’s visit also highlights the NJEDA’s partnership with the City of Trenton, as they work together to further economic development opportunities for Trenton small business owners.
“I am proud to have a great small business like Haleemah Islamic Fashions relocate to downtown Trenton,” said Mayor Reed Gusciora. “Supporting quality small businesses is an important part of developing vibrant and walkable commercial areas within the city.”
Fuentes was joined on today’s visit by Trenton Economic Development Specialist Eric Maywar, who attended on behalf of Mayor Gusciora.
“Diverse, signature businesses like Haleemah, that offer products that you can’t find anywhere else, is what makes downtown Trenton a unique place to eat and to shop,” said Eric Maywar, Economic Development Specialist for the City of Trenton.
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, call NJEDA Customer Care at 609-858-6767 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
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