Program expected to launch later this year

TRENTON, N.J. (April 21, 2023) – On Friday, April 28, 2023, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) will issue an expressions of interest form for the New Jersey Indoor Amusement Park Grant Program for potential program applicants. The grant program, which the NJEDA Board approved in February, will support indoor amusement parks, arcades, and entertainment facilities that were hit hard during the COVID-19 pandemic.

WHAT:            The expressions of interest form will help determine level of interest and track interested parties. Once a potential applicant submits an expression of interest form, NJEDA staff will be in contact with the entity to discuss program specifics, eligibility requirements, and the program’s next steps. The expression of interest form is not an application, nor does it require approval. Applications for the NJ Indoor Amusement Park Grant Program are expected to launch later this year.

The grant program will offer one-time grants from $5,000 up to $150,000. For eligibility, venues must have opened on or before March 9, 2020, and demonstrate a financial need by reporting at least a 50 percent loss in indoor self-reported gross revenue from the 12-month period of April 2019. Businesses must be open and operating at the date of application.

WHERE:         The expressions of interest form can be found here.

WHEN:           Friday, April 28, 2023
9:00 a.m.

About the NJEDA

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 FacebookTwitterInstagram, and LinkedIn.

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Con una financiación actual de $57.5 millones, Sustain & Serve NJ ayuda a los beneficiarios del programa a comprar comidas en restaurantes locales y alimentar a las familias durante temporada festiva

TRENTON, N.J. – (22 de diciembre de 2022) – La Autoridad para el Desarrollo Económico de New Jersey (NJEDA) anunció planes para asignar $5 millones adicionales en fondos estatales a la Fase 3 de su programa Sustain & Serve NJ. El programa Sustain & Serve NJ proporciona a organizaciones sin fines de lucro subsidios para apoyar la compra de comidas a restaurantes de New Jersey que han sido afectados negativamente por la pandemia de COVID-19 y para apoyar la distribución de esas comidas sin costo para los beneficiarios. El anuncio se produce en un momento del año en que las organizaciones sin fines de lucro se enfrentan a un pico de demanda de asistencia para alimentos.  Se prevé que la financiación anunciada hoy sirva para ayudar con la compra de 450,000 comidas adicionales.

Sustain & Serve NJ se lanzó durante la pandemia como un programa piloto con una inyección de $2 millones para los restaurantes afectados por la COVID-19 a la vez que combatía la inseguridad alimentaria en aumento, y se ha convertido en un programa de más de $57 millones que sigue llevando alimentos muy necesarios a la gente de todo el estado de New Jersey. Desde febrero de 2021, Sustain & Serve NJ ya ha financiado la compra de más de cuatro millones de comidas en más de 400 restaurantes de los 21 condados, con subsidios por un total de $57.5 millones a lo largo de tres rondas de financiamiento.

“Sustain & Serve NJ es una herramienta única de comprobada trayectoria que permite a las organizaciones sin fines de lucro comprar comidas a restaurantes locales para combatir la inseguridad alimentaria”, indicó el Gobernador Phil Murphy. “Los bancos de alimentos y otras organizaciones sin fines de lucro de todo el estado están experimentando un aumento de la demanda en esta temporada navideña, y estos $5 millones adicionales para Sustain & Serve NJ serán de considerable ayuda para sus esfuerzos de conectar a los habitantes de New Jersey con comidas nutritivas”.

A principios de este año, 31 organizaciones sin fines de lucro de New Jersey fueron aprobadas para recibir un total de $17.5 millones a través de la Fase 3 de Sustain & Serve NJ. Cada uno de estos adjudicatarios recibirá ahora fondos adicionales para apoyar sus esfuerzos.

“Los beneficiarios de Sustain & Serve NJ se esfuerzan al máximo en estas fiestas para alimentar a sus vecinos y apoyar a sus comunidades”, señaló Tim Sullivan, director ejecutivo de la NJEDA. “El Gobernador Murphy ha defendido Sustain & Serve NJ desde el principio, y les agradecemos a él y a la Legislatura por seguir proporcionando los recursos que necesitamos para combatir el hambre todos los días del año, mientras se brinda apoyo a los restaurantes locales en todo el Estado Jardín”.

“Estos $5 millones adicionales destinados a los socios de Sustain & Serve NJ supondrán un esfuerzo extra para garantizar que más familias tengan en sus mesas alimentos calientes y recién preparados esta Navidad, en Año Nuevo y después”, declaró el portavoz de la Asamblea, Craig J. Coughlin. “Y eso es increíblemente crítico, ya que nuestros bancos de alimentos informan fuertes aumentos de la inseguridad alimentaria en nuestras comunidades”.

Sullivan señaló que Sustain & Serve NJ es una parte clave de los esfuerzos de la NJEDA para fortalecer la seguridad económica de todos los habitantes de New Jersey. La Autoridad está planteando una estrategia múltiple para eliminar los desiertos alimentarios dentro del estado y para reforzar el sector del cuidado infantil, una industria cuya importancia crítica se puso de manifiesto durante la pandemia de COVID-19. La NJEDA también está trabajando con socios de todo el estado para crear un Centro de innovación en salud materno-infantil en Trenton como parte de la iniciativa Nurture NJ de la Primera dama Tammy Murphy para hacer de New Jersey el lugar más seguro y equitativo para dar a luz en el país.

“Bajo el liderazgo del Gobernador Murphy, estamos adoptando un enfoque holístico para garantizar que se atiendan las necesidades básicas de los habitantes de New Jersey, y hemos puesto un gran énfasis en la seguridad alimentaria”, afirmó la vicepresidenta ejecutiva de Seguridad Económica de la NJEDA, Tara Colton. “Sustain & Serve NJ tiene la capacidad de transformar vidas, tanto reforzando la industria de los restaurantes como llevando alimentos a los habitantes de New Jersey de forma respetuosa y digna”.

Tanto los beneficiarios como los propietarios de restaurantes acogieron con satisfacción la noticia de fondos adicionales y se centraron en el impacto que tendrá en todo el estado:

“Como el costo de vida ha subido en el último año, muchas despensas de la costa de New Jersey informan que atienden incluso a más personas que en plena pandemia”, declaró Triada Stampas, presidenta y directora ejecutiva de Fulfill. “Sustain & Serve NJ ha sido una herramienta fundamental para ayudar a abordar las necesidades de seguridad alimentaria de nuestros vecinos. En los últimos dos años y medio, hemos podido trabajar con 35 restaurantes y empresas de catering para proporcionar más de 701,000 comidas a nuestros vecinos, a la vez que ayudábamos a esas empresas a sobrevivir en una época realmente difícil. Fulfill agradece al Gobernador Murphy y a nuestra Legislatura, así como a Tim Sullivan y Tara Colton en la NJEDA, por su liderazgo en este apoyo ampliado”.

“Sustain & Serve NJ es solo uno de los programas que el Gobernador Murphy ha puesto en marcha para ayudar a New Jersey a salir adelante durante este tiempo”, afirmó Randy Glover, presidente y director ejecutivo de All Access Community Development Corporation. “Está perfectamente claro que el gobernador y su administración entienden muy bien el dolor y los desafíos de los de todos los niveles de ingresos que se enfrentan en New Jersey. Sus indicaciones, que se han articulado desde el principio de la COVID-19 hasta esta crisis económica actual, de poner comida en las mesas de todos los habitantes de New Jersey, ilustra su compromiso con la gente, su compasión con todos los residentes de New Jersey. Orgullo de New Jersey, fuerza de New Jersey, ese es nuestro Gobernador, ese es mi Gobernador. Gracias Gobernador Murphy por su visión para vernos a través de este momento de la historia”.

“Este programa realmente me ha ayudado a mantener nuestras puertas abiertas y servir a nuestra comunidad”, dijo Mohamed Elrawy, propietario de Pita Square, con sede en Newark. “Asociarme con Coalition Equity me ha ayudado a servir a mi comunidad dándole no solo alimentos, sino alimentos frescos y saludables, algo que todo el mundo debería poder tener, sin hacer preguntas. Si me hubieran dicho antes de la pandemia que podría ayudar a las personas que luchan cada día contra el hambre mientras mantengo mis puertas abiertas, no les habría creído. Ha dado un significado totalmente nuevo a lo que mi restaurante puede hacer y está haciendo por Newark y la comunidad de alrededor. No puedo expresar lo agradecido que estoy por participar en este programa y asociarme con programas como Coalition Equity, Newark Working Kitchen y University Hospital para servir a la comunidad”. 

Acerca de la Autoridad para el Desarrollo Económico de New Jersey

La Autoridad para el desarrollo económico de New Jersey (NJEDA) es la agencia principal del Estado para impulsar el desarrollo económico. La NJEDA tiene el compromiso de hacer del Estado de New Jersey un modelo nacional para el desarrollo económico inclusivo y sostenible al centrarse en estrategias claves para ayudar a construir comunidades fuertes y dinámicas, crear buenos trabajos para los residentes de New Jersey y ofrecer oportunidades para una economía más sólida y justa. La NJEDA tiene el compromiso de hacer del Estado de New Jersey un modelo nacional para el desarrollo económico inclusivo y sostenible al centrarse en estrategias claves para ayudar a construir comunidades fuertes y dinámicas, crear buenos trabajos para los residentes de New Jersey y ofrecer oportunidades para una economía más sólida y justa.

Para obtener más información acerca de los recursos de la NJEDA para empresas, llame a la línea de atención al cliente de la NJEDA al 844-965-1125 o visite https://www.njeda.gov y siga a @NewJerseyEDA en FacebookTwitterInstagram y LinkedIn.

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Program Has Awarded Close to $13 Million in Reimbursements Since It Launched in February 

Trenton, N.J. (September 30, 2022) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) today announced that its Small Business Improvement Grant has awarded close to $13 million to over 500 small businesses in the Garden State since it launched this February. The Small Business Improvement Grant awards small businesses up to $50,000 to reimburse costs associated with making building improvements or purchasing new Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment (FFE).

“The Small Business Improvement Grant is a great example of Governor Phil Murphy’s promise of finding creative ways to help strengthen our economy,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan “In a little over seven months, this program has helped more than 500 New Jersey businesses become more resilient and better position themselves for future growth by offsetting costs they incurred as they adapt to a post-pandemic economy.” 

Sullivan also noted that 40 percent of the Small Business Improvement Grant funding will be set aside for businesses and nonprofits in Opportunity Zone-eligible census tracts, in line with Governor Murphy’s commitment to equity.

Created under the Economic Recovery Act of 2020 (ERA), and funded with $15 million from the Main Street Recovery Program, the Small Business Improvement Grant reimburses eligible small businesses and nonprofits for up to 50 percent of eligible project costs associated with building improvements or the purchase and/or installation of new FFEs.

One of the hundreds of small businesses that received reimbursement is the Admiral Resort Motel, a family-owned vacation destination located a short distance away from the famous Wildwood Boardwalk at the Jersey shore. “For over 40 years, we’ve hosted families of all sizes and from all corners of the world as they enjoy their time off at the Jersey shore,” said the Admiral Resort Motel owner William DiAntonio. “After several needed upgrades to our facilities, which included revamping our security system and refreshing our guest rooms, we’re now in a much better financial position to invest in future projects as we continue to build vacation memories for years to come thanks to the grant we received from the NJEDA.”

Another business that secured funding from the Small Business Improvement Grant is Enterprise Solutions Accounting, a consulting and accounting firm whose focus is primarily the Latino market. This Hamilton-based minority-owned small business received reimbursement for a new HVAC system, new flooring, new doors, new panel dividers, and all the labor associated with these necessary improvements.

“The Small Business Improvement Grant has allowed us to offset thousands of dollars in renovation costs to upgrade our facility and operations,” said Enterprise Solutions Accounting owner Henry Pulido. “The reimbursement we received from the NJEDA will allow us to keep investing in the community we serve as we continue to provide the highest professional experience to our clientele.”

Funding from the program also supported the Boys and Girls Clubs of Lower Bergen County (BGCLBC) offsetting costs from plumbing, heating, gutter and electrical repairs that were needed for them to continue to provide a safe environment for youth from disadvantaged economic, social, and family circumstances to go after school and throughout the summer.

“Since 1949, our doors have been open to children from underprivileged communities as they try to find a safe place to learn and grow, or simply search for a sense of belonging,” said BGCLBC Chief Executive Officer Joseph Licata. “The funding we received from the NJEDA helped us offset costs so we can focus on continuing to provide quality programs and services to enable all Bergen County children, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.”

Businesses and nonprofits that receive funding through the Small Business Improvement Grant are required to pay employees for the grant term the greater of $15 per hour or 120 percent of the minimum wage. Tipped employees must be paid at least 120 percent of the minimum wage. Applicants must also commit to remaining in the facility and meeting wage requirements for up to four years following the execution of the grant agreement and depending upon award amount. Awards greater than $25,000 will have a compliance period of four years and grant awards less than $25,000 will have a compliance period of two years.

For more information on the Small Business Improvement Grant, please visit https://www.njeda.gov/small-business-improvement-grant/.

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 609-858-6767 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
 

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El Programa Sustain & Serve NJ va Camino de Comprar Cinco Millones de Comidas a Más de 430 Restaurantes de New Jersey

TRENTON, N.J. (13 de julio de 2022) – La Autoridad para el desarrollo económico de New Jersey (NJEDA) anunció que tiene previsto otorgar subsidios por un total de 17,5 millones de dólares a 30 organizaciones sin fines de lucro a través de la tercera fase de su exitoso programa Sustain & Serve NJ. El programa Sustain & Serve NJ proporciona a entidades elegibles subsidios para apoyar la compra de comidas a restaurantes de New Jersey que han sido afectados negativamente por la pandemia de COVID-19 y para apoyar la distribución de esas comidas sin costo para los beneficiarios. Los 17,5 millones de dólares adicionales anunciados hoy elevan la financiación total del programa a 52,5 millones de dólares.

Sustain & Serve NJ se lanzó durante la pandemia como un programa piloto de 2 millones de dólares para impulsar los restaurantes afectados por COVID y se ha convertido en un programa de más de 50 millones de dólares que sigue llevando alimentos muy necesarios a la gente de todo el estado de New Jersey. Desde febrero de 2021, Sustain & Serve NJ ya ha financiado la compra de más de 3,5 millones de comidas en más de 400 restaurantes de los 21 condados con subsidios por un total de 35 millones de dólares.

La fase 3 de Sustain & Serve NJ está financiada por 10 millones de dólares asignados por el gobernador Phil Murphy del Plan federal de rescate estadounidense y aproximadamente 7,5 millones de dólares de financiación estatal. Se prevé que la financiación de esta última fase sirva para comprar 1,5 millones de comidas adicionales.

“Sustain & Serve NJ se ha convertido en un modelo nacional para hacer frente a la inseguridad alimentaria, apoyando a las pequeñas empresas que son el corazón de nuestras comunidades, y proporcionando financiamiento a entidades sin fines de lucro que prestan servicios vitales”, dijo la gobernadora en funciones Sheila Y. Oliver. “Combatir el hambre sigue siendo una prioridad absoluta, y es más importante que nunca que las organizaciones sin fines de lucro cuenten con los recursos necesarios para alimentar a las personas de sus comunidades”.

“Durante toda la pandemia, el gobernador Murphy nos ha desafiado a emplear métodos innovadores para apoyar a las empresas, a las organizaciones sin fines de lucro y a los habitantes de New Jersey que lo necesiten, y Sustain & Serve NJ ha sido un gran activo para ayudarnos a cumplir ese objetivo”, afirmó el director ejecutivo de la NJEDA, Tim Sullivan. “Tenemos la obligación de ayudar a nuestros conciudadanos de New Jersey que se enfrentan a la inseguridad alimentaria todos los días. Las organizaciones sin fines de lucro y los restaurantes son aliados fundamentales en esa misión y apoyarlos es una parte importante de nuestro compromiso para erradicar el hambre, crear puestos de trabajo y estimular el crecimiento económico y la seguridad de nuestro estado”.

Sullivan señaló que Sustain & Serve NJ es una parte clave de los esfuerzos de la NJEDA para fortalecer la seguridad económica de todos los habitantes de New Jersey. La Autoridad está planteando una estrategia múltiple para eliminar los desiertos alimentarios dentro del estado y para reforzar el sector del cuidado infantil, una industria cuya importancia crítica se puso de manifiesto durante la pandemia de COVID-19. La NJEDA también está trabajando con socios de todo el estado para crear un Centro de Innovación en Salud Materno-Infantil en Trenton como parte de la iniciativa Nurture NJ de la Primera Dama Tammy Murphy para hacer de New Jersey el lugar más seguro y equitativo para dar a luz en el país.

“La verdadera prosperidad económica solo puede lograrse cuando se atienden las necesidades de todos, incluida la necesidad más básica de seguridad alimentaria”, manifestó la Vicepresidenta ejecutiva de Seguridad Económica de la NJEDA, Tara Colton. “Los beneficiarios de Sustain & Serve NJ son organizaciones sin fines de lucro extraordinarias que se comprometen a alimentar a sus vecinos y a apoyar a sus comunidades con respeto y dignidad”. 

A la espera del resultado de las revisiones finales, la NJEDA prevé otorgar subvenciones a las siguientes organizaciones sin fines de lucro para que participen en la Fase 3 del programa Sustain & Serve NJ. Las organizaciones marcadas con un asterisco (*) son nuevas para la Fase 3 del Programa Sustain & Serve NJ.

Organización Ubicación de Restaurantes Participantes 
NombreSede PrincipalMunicipalidad(es)Condado(s)
A Need We Feed Inc.JacksonRed Bank, Manahawkin, Seaside Heights, Farmingdale Borough, Lakehurst, Toms RiverMonmouth, Ocean
All Access Community Development Corporation*HackensackBergenfield, MaywoodBergen
AtlantiCare FoundationEgg HarborGalloway, Ventnor, Egg Harbor, Galloway, HammontonAtlantic
Chef Lou’s ArmyManasquanManasquan, Wall,Monmouth
Coalition for Food and Health EquityJersey CityMontclair, Newark, Englewood, Jersey City, Kearny, North Bergen, LivingstonEssex, Hudson, Bergen
Newark Working Kitchens (Community Foundation of New Jersey)MorristownNewarkEssex
Congregation Bnos DevorahLakewoodLakewoodOcean
Eva’s Village, Inc.*PatersonHaledonPassaic
FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties (Fulfill)NeptuneRed Bank, Manasquan, Freehold, Asbury Park, Toms River, Seaside Heights, Neptune, Brick, Wall, Belmar, Long Branch, Holmdel, Ocean CityMonmouth, Ocean
Front Line Appreciation Group of Millburn Short HillsShort HillsMillburnEssex
HealthBarn FoundationLyndhurstRidgewoodBergen
HMH Hospitals CorporationEdisonNew Milford, South HackensackBergen
Joseph Kushner Hebrew Academy Inc.LivingstonLivingstonEssex
Meals on Wheels of Mercer CountyEwingPennington, Ewing, Trenton, Lawrenceville,Mercer
Metuchen Downtown Alliance*MetuchenMetuchenMiddlesex
Mid-Atlantic States Career and Education CenterPennsvillePennsville, SalemSalem
Morristown Rotary ClubMorristownMorristown, VeronaMorris, Essex
New Jersey Chaplains Association*LakewoodLakewoodOcean
New Jersey Farmers CooperativeCape MayCape MayCape May
Our Community Dinner TableSouth HackensackBergenfield, Englewood, Fort Lee, Palisades ParkBergen
Power Changes LivesMorris PlainsBergenfield, Bordentown, Bridgeton, Clark, Clementon, Clinton, Englewood, Englishtown, Freehold, Jersey City, Keyport, Linwood, Mahwah, Monmouth, Montclair, Morristown, New Brunswick, Newark, Ocean City, Parsippany, Princeton, Ringos, River Vale, Rochelle Park, South Amboy, Teaneck, Washington, Wayne, West WindsorAtlantic, Burlington, Bergen, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Passaic, Union
Rescue Mission of TrentonTrentonTrenton, EwingMercer
Share My MealsPrincetonPrinceton, Skillman, Montgomery,Mercer, Somerset
Soup Kitchen 411 (FeedNJ)HightstownMontclair, Union, Hightstown, Belmar, Ringwood, Metuchen, Linden, Ewing, Englishtown, New Brunswick, Tinton Falls, Morristown, Hoboken, Toms River, Piscataway, Belford, Hamilton, Asbury Park, Freehold, Middletown, Jersey City, Roselle, Camden, Lawrenceville, Medford, Morristown, Penns Grove, Cranford, Englewood, Fairview, Perth Amboy, Vineland, Glassboro, Haddon, Newark, Raritan, Belleville, Summit, Sayreville, Eatontown, Princeton, Leonardo, Branchville, South River, Bayonne, East Brunswick, Wharton, Brick, South Amboy, West Windsor, Long Branch, Neptune, Monroe, Nutley, Netcong, Parsippany, Westfield, Scotch Plains, Red Bank, Elizabeth, Bradley Beach, Ridgewood, Shrewsbury, Wallington, Fairview, HaledonEssex, Hudson, Monmouth, Mercer, Passaic, Middlesex, Union, Ocean, Camden, Burlington, Salem, Cumberland, Gloucester, Bergen, Somerset, Sussex
Toni’s Kitchen, a food ministry of St. Luke’s ChurchMontclairMontclair, CaldwellEssex
TASK Inc (Trenton Area Soup Kitchen)TrentonEast Windsor, Ewing, Hamilton, Lawrenceville, Pennington, Princeton, West WindsorMercer
The Cliffside Park Hall of Fame FoundationCliffside ParkCliffside Park, Hillsdale, Northvale, River Vale, Rochelle Park, South Hackensack, Washington Township, Westwood Bergen
The Foundation for University HospitalNewarkBelleville, Newark, Rutherford Bergen, Essex
The Summit FoundationSummitSummitUnion
Family Food Relief of New Jersey (Tomchei Shabbos D’Lakewood)*LakewoodLakewoodOcean

Acerca de la NJEDA

La Autoridad para el desarrollo económico de New Jersey (NJEDA) es la agencia principal del Estado para impulsar el desarrollo económico. La NJEDA tiene el compromiso de hacer del Estado de New Jersey un modelo nacional para el desarrollo económico inclusivo y sostenible al centrarse en estrategias claves para ayudar a construir comunidades fuertes y dinámicas, crear buenos trabajos para los residentes de New Jersey y ofrecer oportunidades para una economía más sólida y justa. Mediante asociaciones con diversas partes interesadas, la NJEDA crea e implementa iniciativas para mejorar la vitalidad económica y la calidad de vida en el Estado y para fortalecer la competitividad económica a largo plazo de New Jersey.

Para obtener más información acerca de los recursos de la NJEDA para empresas, llame a la línea de atención al cliente de NJEDA al (844) 965-1125 o visite https://www.njeda.gov y siga a @NewJerseyEDA en FacebookTwitterInstagram y LinkedIn.

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Sustain & Serve NJ Program on Track to Purchase Five Million Meals from 430+ New Jersey Restaurants

TRENTON, N.J. (July 8, 2022) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) today announced plans to award grants totaling $17.5 million to 30 nonprofit organizations through Phase 3 of its successful Sustain & Serve NJ program. Sustain & Serve NJ provides eligible entities with grants to support the purchase of meals from New Jersey restaurants that have been negatively impacted by COVID-19 and the distribution of those meals at no cost to recipients. The additional $17.5 million in awards announced today brings total program funding to $52.5 million.

Sustain & Serve NJ launched during the pandemic as a $2 million pilot program to boost restaurants impacted by COVID and has grown into an over $50 million program that continues to bring much-needed food to people across New Jersey. Since February 2021, Sustain & Serve NJ has already supported the purchase of more than 3.5 million meals from over 400 restaurants in all 21 counties with grants totaling $35 million.

Phase 3 of Sustain & Serve NJ is funded by $10 million allocated by Governor Phil Murphy from the federal American Rescue Plan and approximately $7.5 million in State funding. Funding from this latest phase is expected to support the purchase of an additional 1.5 million meals.

“Sustain & Serve NJ has become a national model for addressing food insecurity, supporting small businesses that are the heartbeat of our downtowns, and providing funding to the nonprofit entities that deliver vital services,” said Acting Governor Sheila Y. Oliver. “Combatting hunger remains a top priority and it is more critical than ever that nonprofits have the resources they need to feed the people within their communities.”

“Throughout the pandemic, Governor Murphy has challenged us to employ innovative methods for supporting businesses, nonprofits, and New Jerseyans in need and Sustain & Serve NJ has been a tremendous asset in helping us meet that goal,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “We have an obligation to aid our fellow New Jerseyans who face food insecurity every single day. Nonprofit organizations and restaurants are critical allies in that mission and supporting them is an important part of our commitment to eradicating hunger, creating jobs, and fueling the economic growth and security of our state.”

Sullivan noted that Sustain & Serve NJ is a key part of the NJEDA’s efforts to strengthen the economic security of all New Jerseyans. The Authority is putting forth a multi-pronged strategy to eliminate food deserts within the state and to bolster the child care sector, an industry whose critical importance was highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The NJEDA is also working with partners statewide to create a Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Center in Trenton as part of First Lady Tammy Murphy’s Nurture NJ initiative to make New Jersey the safest and most equitable place to give birth in the country.

“Real economic prosperity can only be achieved when everyone’s needs are being addressed, including the most basic need for food security,” said NJEDA’s Executive Vice President of Economic Security Tara Colton. “Sustain & Serve NJ grantees are extraordinary nonprofit organizations who are committed to feeding their neighbors and supporting their communities with respect and dignity.” 

Pending the outcome of final reviews, the NJEDA anticipates making awards to the following non-profit organizations to participate in Phase 3 of the Sustain & Serve NJ program. Organizations marked with an asterisk (*) are new to the Sustain & Serve NJ Program for Phase 3.

Organization Location of Participating Restaurants 
NameHeadquartersMunicipality(ies)County(ies)
A Need We Feed Inc.JacksonRed Bank, Manahawkin, Seaside Heights, Farmingdale Borough, Lakehurst, Toms RiverMonmouth, Ocean
All Access Community Development Corporation*HackensackBergenfield, MaywoodBergen
AtlantiCare FoundationEgg HarborGalloway, Ventnor, Egg Harbor, Galloway, HammontonAtlantic
Chef Lou’s ArmyManasquanManasquan, Wall,Monmouth
Coalition for Food and Health EquityJersey CityMontclair, Newark, Englewood, Jersey City, Kearny, North Bergen, LivingstonEssex, Hudson, Bergen
Newark Working Kitchens (Community Foundation of New Jersey)MorristownNewarkEssex
Congregation Bnos DevorahLakewoodLakewoodOcean
Eva’s Village, Inc.*PatersonHaledonPassaic
FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties (Fulfill)NeptuneRed Bank, Manasquan, Freehold, Asbury Park, Toms River, Seaside Heights, Neptune, Brick, Wall, Belmar, Long Branch, Holmdel, Ocean CityMonmouth, Ocean
Front Line Appreciation Group of Millburn Short HillsShort HillsMillburnEssex
HealthBarn FoundationLyndhurstRidgewoodBergen
HMH Hospitals CorporationEdisonNew Milford, South HackensackBergen
Joseph Kushner Hebrew Academy Inc.LivingstonLivingstonEssex
Meals on Wheels of Mercer CountyEwingPennington, Ewing, Trenton, Lawrenceville,Mercer
Metuchen Downtown Alliance*MetuchenMetuchenMiddlesex
Mid-Atlantic States Career and Education CenterPennsvillePennsville, SalemSalem
Morristown Rotary ClubMorristownMorristown, VeronaMorris, Essex
New Jersey Chaplains Association*LakewoodLakewoodOcean
New Jersey Farmers CooperativeCape MayCape MayCape May
Our Community Dinner TableSouth HackensackBergenfield, Englewood, Fort Lee, Palisades ParkBergen
Power Changes LivesMorris PlainsBergenfield, Bordentown, Bridgeton, Clark, Clementon, Clinton, Englewood, Englishtown, Freehold, Jersey City, Keyport, Linwood, Mahwah, Monmouth, Montclair, Morristown, New Brunswick, Newark, Ocean City, Parsippany, Princeton, Ringos, River Vale, Rochelle Park, South Amboy, Teaneck, Washington, Wayne, West WindsorAtlantic, Burlington, Bergen, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Passaic, Union
Rescue Mission of TrentonTrentonTrenton, EwingMercer
Share My MealsPrincetonPrinceton, Skillman, Montgomery,Mercer, Somerset
Soup Kitchen 411 (FeedNJ)HightstownMontclair, Union, Hightstown, Belmar, Ringwood, Metuchen, Linden, Ewing, Englishtown, New Brunswick, Tinton Falls, Morristown, Hoboken, Toms River, Piscataway, Belford, Hamilton, Asbury Park, Freehold, Middletown, Jersey City, Roselle, Camden, Lawrenceville, Medford, Morristown, Penns Grove, Cranford, Englewood, Fairview, Perth Amboy, Vineland, Glassboro, Haddon, Newark, Raritan, Belleville, Summit, Sayreville, Eatontown, Princeton, Leonardo, Branchville, South River, Bayonne, East Brunswick, Wharton, Brick, South Amboy, West Windsor, Long Branch, Neptune, Monroe, Nutley, Netcong, Parsippany, Westfield, Scotch Plains, Red Bank, Elizabeth, Bradley Beach, Ridgewood, Shrewsbury, Wallington, Fairview, HaledonEssex, Hudson, Monmouth, Mercer, Passaic, Middlesex, Union, Ocean, Camden, Burlington, Salem, Cumberland, Gloucester, Bergen, Somerset, Sussex
Toni’s Kitchen, a food ministry of St. Luke’s ChurchMontclairMontclair, CaldwellEssex
TASK Inc (Trenton Area Soup Kitchen)TrentonEast Windsor, Ewing, Hamilton, Lawrenceville, Pennington, Princeton, West WindsorMercer
The Cliffside Park Hall of Fame FoundationCliffside ParkCliffside Park, Hillsdale, Northvale, River Vale, Rochelle Park, South Hackensack, Washington Township, Westwood Bergen
The Foundation for University HospitalNewarkBelleville, Newark, Rutherford Bergen, Essex
The Summit FoundationSummitSummitUnion
Family Food Relief of New Jersey (Tomchei Shabbos D’Lakewood)*LakewoodLakewoodOcean

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 FacebookTwitterInstagram and LinkedIn.

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Los cambios a la última fase mejorarán el programa que ya ha apoyado la compra de casi 3.3 millones de comidas a más de 400 restaurantes

TRENTON, N.J. (9 de febrero de 2022) – La Autoridad para el desarrollo económico de New Jersey (NJEDA, por sus siglas en inglés) anunció hoy que abrirá el proceso de aplicaciones para una nueva tanda de fondos del programa Sustain & Serve NJ a principios del mes que viene. El anuncio se da después de que la Junta de la NJEDA aprobara hoy las mejoras al programa.

El programa Sustain & Serve NJ de la NJEDA proporciona a entidades elegibles subsidios de hasta $2 millones para apoyar la compra de comidas a restaurantes de New Jersey que han sido afectados negativamente por la pandemia de COVID-19 y para apoyar la distribución de esas comidas sin costo alguno para los beneficiarios. Según lo previsto, el proceso de aplicaciones abrirá el 1 de marzo de 2022 y finalizará el 1 de abril de 2022. La aplicación estará disponible en https://www.njeda.gov/sustain-and-serve/.

Durante las dos primeras fases del programa Sustain & Serve, la NJEDA otorgó más de $34 millones a 31 organizaciones en todo el estado, lo que generó la compra de más de 3.3 millones de comidas a más de 400 restaurantes participantes desde marzo de 2021.  

“Sustain & Serve NJ ofrece muchísimos beneficios a las comunidades de New Jersey mientras trabajan para recuperarse equitativamente de la pandemia”, expresó el Gobernado Phil Murphy. “Además de apoyar a las organizaciones sin fines de lucro que desempeñan un rol fundamental en sus comunidades, el programa también ayuda a los restaurantes locales a mantener sus puertas abiertas y a que sus empleados reciban su salario a la vez que conecta a las personas que afrontan inseguridad alimentaria con las comidas que tanto necesitan. Creemos que Sustain & Serve NJ puede ser un modelo nacional para otros estados a medida que van saliendo del impacto económico de la pandemia”.

Esta última fase de Sustain & Serve NJ será financiada por $10 millones en fondos de la Ley del Plan de Rescate Estadounidense que estarán disponibles para organizaciones sin fines de lucro en New Jersey. Las organizaciones elegibles recibirán subsidios de entre $100,000 y $2 millones para realizar compras al mayor de comidas a restaurantes de New jersey. Luego, las entidades distribuirán las comidas sin costo.

“Bajo el liderazgo del Gobernador Murphy, New Jersey está adoptando un enfoque holístico, con múltiples agencias uniéndose para combatir el hambre, y Sustain & Serve NJ es una pieza fundamental de esa estrategia”, expresó el Director Ejecutivo de la NJEDA, Tim Sullivan. “Este programa no solo ayuda a incentivar la recuperación económica general de nuestro estado al permitir a los restaurantes contratar y conservar personal, sino que también apoya a las organizaciones que están proporcionando comidas nutritivas a personas en todo el estado que, de otra manera, no tendrían acceso a ellas”.

La NJEDA ofrecerá un seminario web informativo el 2 de marzo de 2022 a las 10:00 a.m. para compartir sugerencias y consejos útiles con los interesados en aplicar al programa para cuando vayan a completar su aplicación. El seminario web también incluirá una guía de la aplicación. Se puede acceder al seminario web aquí: https://tinyurl.com/SSNJPhase3. También habrá disponible una grabación del seminario web en https://www.njeda.gov/sustain-and-serve/.

La NJEDA realizó varias mejoras a los programas Sustain & Serve NJ entre la Fase 2 y la Fase 3 en función de los comentarios de los beneficiarios de Sustain & Serve NJ y la comunidad. Esto incluye aumentar el máximo que la NJEDA proporcionará por comida de $10 a $12 por comida, además de permitir a los beneficiarios usar una parte de su subsidio para apoyar la implementación organizacional y los costos operativos. También incluye limitar la elegibilidad a entidades sin fines de lucro con los siguientes códigos NAICS:

  • Código NAICS 611 (servicios educativos)
  • Código NAICS 62 (organizaciones de asistencia social y atención médica)
  • Código NAICS 813 (organizaciones religiosas, que otorgan subsidios, cívicas, profesionales y similares)
  • Código NAICS 92 (administración pública)

En la Fase 3, la NJEDA también está bajando el umbral de las compras anteriores que establece que los solicitantes deben presentarse para demostrar elegibilidad para el programa. Los solicitantes ahora deben demostrar un historial de compras de al menos 1,500 comidas por un costo de al menos $25,000 entre el 9 de marzo de 2020 y la fecha de inicio del proceso de aplicaciones; lo que se redujo de las 3,000 comidas y los $50,000, respectivamente, en fases anteriores. Hasta el 50% de las compras anteriores (esto es, hasta 750 comidas y $12,500) puede ser de comidas donadas de restaurantes si el solicitante puede presentar facturas de los restaurantes donantes que verifiquen la cantidad de comidas y el valor monetario de las comidas donadas. 

Los requisitos completos de elegibilidad y los cambios en el programa se pueden encontrar en: https://www.njeda.gov/sustain-and-serve/.

“Las mejoras anunciadas hoy para el programa Sustain & Serve NJ reflejan la demanda continua y en aumento de servicios que las organizaciones sin fines de lucro afrontan en la actualidad y el compromiso de la NJEDA para apoyar a estas organizaciones vitales que brindan servicios a los habitantes de New Jersey”, manifestó la Vicepresidenta de Seguridad Económica de la NJEDA, Tara Colton. “Estos cambios en el programa para la Fase 3 fortalecen nuestra capacidad de distribuir comidas en las diversas comunidades de New Jersey a medida que continuamos avanzando hacia la meta de crear una New Jersey más fuerte y más justa para todos sus residentes”.

Si bien los restaurantes no pueden presentar una solicitud directamente para los subsidios de Sustain & Serve NJ, aquellos que estén interesados en proporcionar comidas a través del programa pueden elegir que su información se anuncie de forma pública en el Centro de información comercial durante la pandemia de COVID-19 de New Jersey en https://forms.business.nj.gov/ssnj/restaurants/ ; o bien pueden completar el formulario de restaurante interesado en Sustain & Serve NJ en https://forms.business.nj.gov/ssnj/restaurants/interest/. Los restaurantes también pueden comunicarse con una entidad que ofrezca un programa establecido de compra y distribución de comidas al mayor para consultar sobre una posible participación. Los interesados en aplicar para los subsidios podrán consultar este registro y comunicarse con los restaurantes acerca de la participación en el programa Sustain & Serve NJ, aunque la inclusión en la lista no es un aval de la NJEDA con respecto a la elegibilidad para Sustain & Serve NJ.

Acerca de la Autoridad para el desarrollo económico de New Jersey

La Autoridad para el desarrollo económico de New Jersey (NJEDA) es la agencia principal del Estado para impulsar el desarrollo económico. La NJEDA tiene el compromiso de hacer del Estado de New Jersey un modelo nacional para el desarrollo económico inclusivo y sostenible al centrarse en estrategias claves para ayudar a construir comunidades fuertes y dinámicas, crear buenos trabajos para los residentes de New Jersey y ofrecer oportunidades para una economía más sólida y justa. Mediante asociaciones con diversas partes interesadas, la NJEDA crea e implementa iniciativas para mejorar la vitalidad económica y la calidad de vida en el Estado y para fortalecer la competitividad económica a largo plazo de New Jersey.

Para obtener más información acerca de los recursos de la NJEDA para empresas, llame a la línea de atención al cliente de NJEDA al 609-858-6767 o visite https://www.njeda.gov y siga a @NewJerseyEDA en Facebook, Twitter, Instagram y LinkedIn.
 

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TRENTON, N.J. (February 9, 2022) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board today approved proposed rules for the Historic Property Reinvestment Program (HPRP), a new tax credit program to incentivize rehabilitation of designated historic structures, or structures in designated historic districts, throughout New Jersey. Created under the New Jersey Economic Recovery Act of 2020 (ERA), the HPRP is designed to work in conjunction with the Federal Historic Tax Credit Program.

As authorized by the ERA, the Board approved proposed rules that will be published for public comments, enabling the NJEDA to launch the program this year. The Board will consider final adoption of the rules after completion of the public comment period.  The HPRP is part of the suite of programs created under the ERA to address the ongoing economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and build a stronger, fairer New Jersey economy.

The HPRP’s main focus is historic preservation as a component of community development, aiming to attract long-term private investment into New Jersey while preserving properties throughout the state that have historic value.  The program encourages smart, targeted investments in communities in the form of durable and sustainable investment in the state’s economic infrastructure. The revitalization of these historic structures will help to bring these often-underutilized properties back to productive use, thereby reducing the need for new development at these locations.

“The HPRP is a key component of Governor Murphy’s broader economic development plan, which includes a focus on attracting investment toward the revitalization of the state’s iconic cities,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “The rehabilitation of dormant historic properties in cities like Paterson, Trenton, Camden, Newark and Jersey City into new housing and innovation spaces will translate into long-term economic benefits and improved quality-of-life for these communities and their residents.”

“This exciting new program will serve as an important component in the revitalization of entire communities and will have a significant impact on the historic fabric of New Jersey.” said NJEDA Director of Historic Preservation Aidita Milsted. “Investing in and revitalizing these historic properties will have a long-term positive impact on neighborhoods and communities across the state.”

“The Historic Property Reinvestment Program will be pivotal in the state’s efforts to restore and preserve New Jersey’s history,” said DEP’s Historic Preservation Office Administrator and Deputy Historic Preservation Officer Katherine Marcopul. “The revitalization of these iconic properties will further help us to spotlight the historic value they have for the state and the communities they serve far into the future.”  

While the HPRP focuses on rehabilitating and preserving the structure, the program generally supports long-term economic benefits as these properties are re-used for job creation opportunities, transit-oriented development, and housing that includes affordable housing. Furthermore, a developer cannot utilize tax credits until the project, or a phase for certain phased projects, is completed. The legislation ensures substantial economic protection by requiring a developer to repay as taxes any tax credits received for earlier phases if the developer does not complete the rehabilitation project.

Eligible projects must include rehabilitation of a previously identified historic structure that is listed in, or a structure that is in a district designated by, the National or New Jersey Register of Historic Places, designated as historic by the Pinelands Commission, or identified as historic by a municipality in accordance with criteria approved by the Historic Preservation Officer.  The amount of tax credits a project is eligible to receive is a percentage of the project’s eligible costs, subject to a cap that is determined by the project’s location, other financing available, and other aspects of the project. Most eligible projects can receive tax credits worth up to 40 percent of eligible costs, with a maximum of $4 million for eligible properties. Projects located within a qualified incentive tract or in government-restricted municipalities can receive tax credits worth up to 45 percent of eligible project costs, with a maximum of $8 million for qualified properties. 

Additionally, transformative projects (which must meet additional specific requirements regarding project location, economic impact and historic designation of the historic property) can receive tax credits worth up to 45 percent of eligible project costs, with a maximum of $50 million.  The HPRP is subject to an annual program cap of $50 million for a total of $300 million for a period of six years. Annual unused amounts may be included in the amounts available for approval in the subsequent year. Full details on the program are available here. Applications are currently under development and an announcement about the application period will be forthcoming.

In addition to the HPRP, the ERA creates a suite of programs that includes tax credits to incentivize job creation, new construction, and revitalization of brownfields; financial resources for small businesses; support for new supermarkets and healthy food retailers in food desert communities; new funding opportunities for early-stage companies in New Jersey; and support for the growing film and digital media industry. More information about these programs is available at https://njeda.com/economicrecoveryact.

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 609-858-6767 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on FacebookTwitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

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This latest version of The Economist’s Corner focuses on trends in New Jersey’s manufacturing sector. The report shows manufacturing in recent years is gaining an increased share of New Jersey’s economy following years of contraction. Moreover, recent trends towards job reshoring provide further impetus behind New Jersey’s manufacturing sector continuing to increase share of New Jersey’s dynamic economy.

New Jersey’s Manufacturing Sector: Industrial Vigor, as Viewed Through Four Charts

Manufacturing industry Gross State Product – Trending upward since 2018

Over the past four years, manufacturing has been one of New Jersey’s fastest expanding industries, growing at a 5.6 percent annualized pace. The strength has been concentrated in non-durable manufacturing – areas such as food and chemical products. This recent strength in manufacturing is quite a contrast to what the experience was in the aftermath of the 2008-09 recession, when manufacturing contracted at a 3.0% annualized rate through 2016.


Manufacturing, along with some other high value-added industries,
is increasing as a share of New Jersey’s economy

Not only is manufacturing expanding at a solid clip, but it is becoming an increasing share of New Jersey’s overall economy. This chart looks at how shares of GDP have changed since the period right before the pandemic to today. As the chart shows, manufacturing as a share of the economy has increased by approximately 0.5 percentage points. Manufacturing currently accounts for around 11.3 percent of private-sector GDP.


Labor market indicators and Federal Reserve surveys point to continued solid growth

Economists are always on the lookout for leading indicators that provide information on how economic activity is performing now and into the future. These next two charts do just that.

This is a chart of year-over-year changes in both the manufacturing index of hours worked and manufacturing GDP for New Jersey. The manufacturing index of hours worked is the product of the number of manufacturing employees and the hours they have worked. Essentially, it provides a measure of the amount of labor input in a given quarter. Given labor is a significant input in the manufacturing process, tracking labor output can tell us about manufacturing output. Here we see, through Q3, that manufacturing labor input continued to grow at very strong rate in line with manufacturing GDP near 10 percent year over year growth. Thus, manufacturing output continued to grow at a solid clip in Q3.

This chart shows data from two very useful surveys of manufacturing activity run by the Federal Reserve Banks of New York and Philadelphia. Here we are focused on indices for new orders, which is extremely helpful data for understanding near-term manufacturing activity because today’s orders become tomorrow’s production. Thus, when new orders are growing at a strong pace, it is a clear sign future production will, in turn, be strong.

In this context, anything above 0 indicates growth, so current levels near 20 signal double-digit growth. The one disclaimer is that it depends on whether demand is being filled by new production or previously produced inventories. However, given that inventories are stretched fairly thin currently, the ongoing growth of new orders signals a solid pace of manufacturing sector activity in Q4 and, likely, beyond.


A New Jersey Geography of Manufacturing Jobs, 2010-2019

This section provides an analysis of New Jersey residents who are manufacturing industry workers, as reported by the United States Census Bureau. The data presented here pertains to New Jersey residents and where they live, in contrast to where the manufacturing jobs or employers are located.

In the nine years just prior to the COVID-19 pandemic (2019 vs. 2010), New Jerseyans employed in manufacturing decreased from 396,000 (8.6 percent of the work force) in 2010 to 361,000 (7.7 percent of the work force) in 2019 — a 9.9 percent decrease in residents employed in manufacturing. However, there are some interesting trends throughout the state, including some places where the number of residents employed in manufacturing has increased. Moreover, as the analysis above shows, manufacturing in New Jersey in recent years is growing at a solid clip, which may reverse the shifts of the past nine years.

Top five municipalities in manufacturing worker residents in New Jersey,
by percentage of workforce, 2019 vs 2010

Looking at the raw numbers of residents in each municipality, the most populous cities unsurprisingly have the largest numbers of residents employed in manufacturing. The top five municipalities for manufacturing worker residents in 2010 included Paterson (9,884), Newark (9,327), Jersey City (7,953), Elizabeth (7,269), and Clifton (6,402). These rankings stayed mostly the same through 2019, except for the fifth spot, which switched from Clifton to neighboring Passaic. Clearly, the center of New Jersey manufacturing workers remains the northeast urban areas near New York City. The following map shows manufacturing worker density by municipality, both in levels and as a percent of labor force.


Map of manufacturing worker residents in New Jersey, levels and share of work force, 2019

Looking at the following map related to changes across the state, rural areas generally saw decreases in manufacturing employees. Whether this is caused by changes in manufacturing locations, movement of residents, or a combination of factors would need further study support. However, there is evidence from the 2020 Census that indicates rural communities are losing population.

Map of percent change in manufacturing worker
residents in New Jersey, 2019 vs 2010

Outside of the northeastern manufacturing area, there is a notable increase in manufacturing employees in Atlantic County and Southern Ocean County. It will be of interest to follow how New Jersey’s new wind port, which is being built in Salem County, supports further manufacturing sector employment in and around the region.

The towns that saw the biggest decreases in residents employed in manufacturing from 2010-2019 share some similarities to those above. Plainfield (-1,537), Newark (-1,441), Woodbridge (-1,431), and Linden (-1,265) are also in this concentrated northeast urban area, while Trenton (-1,341), which has the fourth most manufacturing residents in the state, is not.


Reshoring Jobs: a Pre-COVID Trend Accelerated by the Pandemic

Among the many lessons the world has learned from the COVID-19 pandemic is the is the vulnerability of the global supply chain. Estimates suggest the pandemic affected 98 percent of global supply chains.[1] Companies that had previously prioritized a lean supply chain model that prioritized cost reduction and just-in-time production were not well prepared for major worldwide disruptions.[2]

As a result of the pandemic, some firms started to consider “reshoring” – the practice of bringing manufacturing and services back to the United States from overseas.[3] A May/June 2020 survey of 750 North American manufacturing firms found that 69 percent were either “likely” or “extremely likely” to reshore their overseas operations.[4] It is worth noting that the pandemic did not seem to cause the sudden interest in reshoring – rather, it accelerated an existing trend.[5] Evidence shows, over the past decade, China has lost the most reshored U.S. jobs (40 percent), followed by Mexico (23 percent) and Canada (10 percent). Over the past several years, the number of jobs cumulatively reshored to the United States has increased from about 100,000 in 2013 to over 500,000 in 2020.[6] In 2020, reshoring logged a record high 109,000 jobs announced.

The pandemic was the main driver of this recent surge, but analysts also view this landmark development as a combination of other factors, including greater U.S. competitiveness due to corporate tax and regulatory cuts, and rising concern over China’s competitiveness.[7] In general, a number of variables unrelated to the pandemic factor into a company’s decision to reshore. Rising wages in hosting countries are one of the most frequently cited reasons. Other reasons include protection of intellectual property, shorter supply chains, and the value of the “Made in USA” label as factors in decisions resulting in reshoring.[8] Despite the impact of COVID-19 and some promising developments in recent years, it’s important not to assume that reshoring is inevitable. Decisions on supply chains are made based on business fundamentals such as production costs and access to large markets. COVID-19 will likely not significantly affect those factors.


[1] https://www.supplychaindive.com/news/supply-chains-reshoring-decisions-sourcing-manufacturing-china/597596/

[2] https://www.brookings.edu/research/reshoring-advanced-manufacturing-supply-chains-to-generate-good-jobs/

[3] https://www.brookings.edu/research/reshoring-advanced-manufacturing-supply-chains-to-generate-good-jobs/

[4] https://www.areadevelopment.com/BusinessGlobalization/Q1-2021/job-creation-through-reshoring.shtml

[5] https://www.areadevelopment.com/BusinessGlobalization/Q1-2021/job-creation-through-reshoring.shtml

[6] Reshoring Initiative 2020 Data Report

[7] Ibid

[8] https://www.areadevelopment.com/BusinessGlobalization/Q1-2021/job-creation-through-reshoring.shtml; https://www.supplychaindive.com/news/supply-chains-reshoring-decisions-sourcing-manufacturing-china/597596/

TRENTON, N.J. (12 de noviembre de 2021) – La Junta de la Autoridad para el desarrollo económico de New Jersey (NJEDA, por sus siglas en inglés) aprobó la creación del préstamo para microempresas Main Street, que proporcionará financiamiento de hasta $50,000 a las microempresas elegibles en New Jersey con diez empleados a tiempo completo o menos y no más de $1.5 millones en ingresos anuales.  El programa es el sucesor del programa de préstamos para microempresas establecido por la NJEDA en 2019.

El préstamo para microempresas Main Street es el producto más reciente del Fondo para recuperación Main Street—un conjunto de programas por $100 millones creados o ampliados en virtud de la Ley de recuperación económica de 2020 (ERA, por sus siglas en inglés), promulgada por el Gobernador Phil Murphy en enero de 2021.  La ERA incluye créditos fiscales para incentivar la creación de puestos de trabajo, nuevas construcciones y recuperación de áreas urbanas abandonadas y propiedades históricas; recursos financieros para pequeñas empresas; apoyo para nuevos supermercados y comerciantes minoristas de alimentos saludables en comunidades con escasez alimentaria; nuevas oportunidades de financiamiento para compañías de New Jersey que estén dando sus primeros pasos; y apoyo para la creciente industria del cine y los medios digitales.

“La economía de New Jersey depende de las pequeñas empresas en cuanto a los puestos de trabajo que proporcionan y el carácter único que aportan a nuestras comunidades, expresó el Gobernador de New Jersey, Phil Murphy. “A medida que salimos de la pandemia, debemos preparar el escenario para una recuperación más sólida y justa que cree oportunidades para las empresas que puedan haber quedado afuera anteriormente. El programa de préstamos para microempresas Main Street hace justamente eso al ayudar a las empresas más pequeñas a superar algunos de los obstáculos de larga data asociados al acceso al capital”. 

Con $20 millones en fondos asignados del Fondo para recuperación Main Street, el financiamiento que otorga el préstamo para microempresas Main Street cubrirá gastos operativos futuros como inventario, equipos (que no requieran instalación ni trabajo de construcción por un total de más de $1,999.99) y capital de trabajo para financiar los gastos operativos de la empresa. El préstamo tendrá un plazo estándar de 10 años, y la tasa de interés será del 2%, sin intereses ni pagos exigidos durante el primer año. 

“Las microempresas, que suelen estar dirigidas por mujeres y personas de color, son una parte esencial de la economía del estado, y una de las principales creadoras de puestos de trabajo. Lamentablemente, se enfrentan a menudo con desafíos desproporcionados a la hora de acceder a un financiamiento a bajo costo”, expresó el Director Ejecutivo de la NJEDA, Tim Sullivan. “En línea con la visión del Gobernador Murphy de una economía de New Jersey más justa, el programa de préstamos para microempresas Main Street garantizará que más empresas tengan acceso a los recursos que necesitan no solo para sobrevivir a los efectos económicos de la pandemia, sino también para recuperar su estabilidad económica y crear resiliencia para futuras dificultades económicas”.

A fin de garantizar que todas las áreas elegibles como Zonas de oportunidad en New Jersey reciban oportunidades de inversión equitativas e inclusivas, habrá $8 millones disponibles para apoyar a las empresas y entidades sin fines de lucro elegibles cuya ubicación comercial principal se encuentre dentro de las 715 áreas censales designadas elegibles para ser seleccionadas como una Zona de oportunidad.

Las microempresas sin fines de lucro, las con fines de lucro y las administradas desde el hogar interesadas en solicitar el préstamo para microempresas Main Street deben reunir los siguientes requisitos de elegibilidad:

  • Deben tener menos de $1.5 millones en ingresos brutos anuales durante el año fiscal más actual (en la medida en que la empresa tenga ingresos anuales).
  • No deben tener más de 10 empleados a tiempo completo.
  • Deben estar legalmente registradas para llevar a cabo actividades comerciales en New Jersey, con una ubicación comercial (aparte de la oficina en el hogar) en New Jersey.
  • Deben existir, según lo demuestre la fecha de constitución, y estar operativas durante, como mínimo, seis meses antes de la fecha en la que la solicitud se pone a disposición del público.
  • Deben estar debidamente acreditadas en el Departamento de Trabajo y Desarrollo de la Fuerza Laboral (LWD, por sus siglas en inglés) y el Departamento de Protección Ambiental de NJ en el momento de la solicitud para ser elegibles para un préstamo para microempresas.
  • Deben proporcionar un certificado actual de pago de impuestos antes de la aprobación para demostrar que el solicitante está debidamente registrado en la División Fiscal de NJ.

El préstamo para microempresas Main Street no exigirá garantía, ya que el criterio de suscripción será en función únicamente de la calificación crediticia. Solo las organizaciones sin fines de lucro deberán tener una suscripción completa, y se les exigirá cumplir con una tasa de cobertura del servicio de la deuda del 1.0. En el caso de todas las demás entidades con fines de lucro, al menos un propietario debe tener una calificación crediticia de 600 o más para ser considerado elegible.  Se exigirán garantías personales de todos los propietarios o directivos de las entidades con fines de lucro, pero no de las organizaciones sin fines de lucro.   

Además, los prestatarios del préstamo para microempresas Main Street pueden ser elegibles para la condonación del saldo del préstamo al final del quinto año. Para calificar para esta condonación, el solicitante debe estar al día con todos los pagos del préstamo, sin morosidad de más de 90 días y debe poder certificar que la empresa sigue abierta y en actividad comercial como se detalla en el contrato de préstamo. Asimismo, reconociendo las circunstancias económicas extraordinarias que hacen que este programa sea necesario, la NJEDA redujo el cargo por solicitud no reembolsable a $100 y un cargo por formalización de $400.

Las aplicaciones para el préstamo para microempresas Main Street se procesarán en el orden en que se reciban, según la fecha y la hora en las que la Autoridad recibe la aplicación completada. Aún se puede continuar con toda solicitud pendiente para el programa anterior de préstamos para microempresas a fin de concretar el préstamo. Los beneficiarios anteriores del programa de préstamos para microempresas son elegibles para solicitar el préstamo para microempresas Main Street.  Debido a los plazos favorables de este producto, solo se permite una solicitud por EIN.  

Para más información sobre el préstamo para microempresas Main Street, ingrese a https://www.njeda.gov/microbusinessloan/.

Acerca de la Autoridad para el desarrollo económico de New Jersey

La Autoridad para el desarrollo económico de New Jersey (NJEDA) es la agencia principal del Estado para impulsar el desarrollo económico. La NJEDA tiene el compromiso de hacer del Estado de New Jersey un modelo nacional para el desarrollo económico inclusivo y sostenible al centrarse en estrategias claves para ayudar a construir comunidades fuertes y dinámicas, crear buenos trabajos para los residentes de New Jersey y ofrecer oportunidades para una economía más sólida y justa. Mediante asociaciones con diversas partes interesadas, la NJEDA crea e implementa iniciativas para mejorar la vitalidad económica y la calidad de vida en el Estado y para fortalecer la competitividad económica a largo plazo de New Jersey.

Para obtener más información acerca de los recursos de la NJEDA para empresas, llame a la línea de atención al cliente de NJEDA al 844-965-1125 o visite https://www.njeda.gov y siga a @NewJerseyEDA en FacebookTwitterInstagram y LinkedIn.

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TRENTON, N.J. (November 10, 2021) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board today approved the creation of the Main Street Micro Business Loan, which will provide financing of up to $50,000 to eligible micro businesses in New Jersey with ten or fewer full-time employees and no greater than $1.5 million in annual revenues.  The Program is the successor to the Micro Business Loan Program established by the NJEDA in 2019.

The Main Street Micro Business Loan is the newest product from the Main Street Recovery Fund—a $100 million suite of programs created or expanded under the Economic Recovery Act of 2020 (ERA), signed by Governor Phil Murphy in January 2021.  The ERA includes tax credits to incentivize job creation, new construction, and revitalization of brownfields and historic properties; financial resources for small businesses; support for new supermarkets and healthy food retailers in food desert communities; new funding opportunities for early-stage companies in New Jersey; and support for the growing film and digital media industry.

“New Jersey’s economy depends on small businesses for the jobs they provide and the unique character they bring to our communities, said New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy. “As we emerge from the pandemic, we need to set the stage for a stronger and fairer recovery that creates opportunities for businesses that may have been left out in the past. The Main Street Micro Business Loan Program does just that by helping the smallest of businesses overcome some of the longstanding hurdles associated with accessing capital.” 

With $20 million in funds allocated from the Main Street Recovery Fund, financing from the Main Street Micro Business Loan will cover future operating expenses such as inventory, equipment (that does not require installation or construction work totaling more than $1,999.99) and working capital to fund business operating expenses. The loan will have a standard 10-year term and the interest rate will be 2 percent, with no interest and no payments due for the first year. 

“Micro businesses, which are often led by women and people of color, are an essential part of the state’s economy, and a major creator of jobs. Unfortunately, they often face disproportionate challenges when it comes to accessing low-cost financing,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “In line with Governor Murphy’s vision for a stronger, fairer New Jersey economy, the Main Street Micro Business Loan Program will ensure more businesses have access to the resources they need to not only survive the economic effects of the pandemic, but to regain their economic stability and build their resilience to future economic disruptions.”

To help ensure all Opportunity Zone eligible tracts in New Jersey receive opportunities for investment that are equitable and inclusive, $8 million will be set aside to support eligible businesses and nonprofits with a primary business location within the 715 census tracts designated as eligible to be selected as an Opportunity Zone.

Nonprofit, for profit, and home-based micro businesses interested in applying for the Main Street Micro Business Loan must meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • Must have less than $1.5 million in annual gross revenue for the most current fiscal year (to the extent the business has annual revenues)
  • Must have no more than 10 full-time employees
  • Must be legally registered to do business in New Jersey, with a business location (other than a home office) in New Jersey
  • Must be in existence, as evidenced by date of formation/incorporation, and in operation for at least six months prior to the date of application being made publicly available
  • Must be in good standing with the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (LWD) and NJ Department of Environmental Protection at the time of application to be eligible for a micro business loan
  • Must provide a current tax clearance prior to approval to demonstrate the applicant is in good standing with the NJ Division of Taxation.

The Main Street Micro Business Loan will not require collateral, as the underwriting criteria will be based solely on credit score. Only not-profit organizations will need to be fully underwritten and required to meet a 1.0 debt service coverage ratio. For all other for-profit entities, at least one owner must have a credit score of 600 or greater to be considered eligible.  Personal guarantees of all owners or principals will be required of for-profit entities, but not from nonprofit organizations.   

Additionally, borrowers under the Main Street Micro Business Loan may be eligible for the balance of the loan to be forgiven at the end of the fifth year. To qualify for this forgiveness, the applicant must be current on all loan payments with no delinquency of more than 90 days and must be able to certify that they are still open and operating as detailed in the loan agreement. Furthermore, recognizing the extraordinary economic circumstances that make this program necessary, the NJEDA reduced the non-refundable application fee to $100 and a closing fee of $400.

Applications for the Main Street Micro Business Loan will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis, based on the date/time at which the Authority receives the completed application. Any pending applications to the prior Micro Business Loan Program can still proceed toward closing on their loan. Past recipients of the Micro Business Loan Program are eligible to apply for the Main Street Micro Business Loan.  Due to the favorable terms of this product only one application per EIN is allowed.  

For more information about the Main Street Micro Business Loan, go to https://www.njeda.gov/microbusinessloan/.

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 609-858-6767 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on FacebookTwitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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