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SMALL BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT GRANT

Now Accepting Applications
The NJEDA has received a significant number of applications for the Small Business Improvement Grant. Please note this program is receiving a high volume of applications.  Expected time for processing is 8 months from application date.

Please be advised, New Jersey State law prohibits most cannabis license and certification holders from receiving or continuing to receive an economic incentive from the NJEDA, including the Small Business Improvement Grant. If the applicant, or any person who controls the applicant or owns or controls more than one percent of the stock of the applicant, has applied for or received a license or a certification from the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (NJ-CRC), the applicant is ineligible for this program and should not proceed with an application. If an application is received from an applicant that meets this criteria, the application will be declined. 

NJEDA is currently developing financial assistance products to support cannabis and cannabis-related businesses – more information will be shared on the NJEDA website, when available.

The Small Business Improvement Grant offers reimbursement for costs associated with making building improvements or purchasing new furniture, fixtures and equipment.

AMOUNT

50% of eligible total project costs up to $50,000










BENEFITS

Businesses may be reimbursed for capital improvements, or purchase and/or installation of new furniture, fixtures, and equipment







ELIGIBILITY

Open to small businesses and nonprofits
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Minimum project cost of $5,000
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Applicant must rent or own facility being improved

*Additional terms apply. See eligibility below.

PROGRAM DETAILS

The Small Business Improvement Grant provides reimbursement for costs associated with making building improvements or purchasing new furniture, fixtures and equipment. A total of $60 million of Main Street Recovery Finance Program funding will be utilized to capitalize the Small Business Improvement Grant.

40 percent will be reserved for businesses and nonprofits located in Opportunity Zone eligible census tracts.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until funding is exhausted.

ELIGIBILITY

Businesses and nonprofits may be reimbursed for capital improvements, or purchase and/or installation of new furniture, fixtures, and equipment. Landlords are not eligible.

Applicants are limited to one application per federal Employer Identification Number (EIN). Applicants operating from multiple locations under a single EIN would be limited to one application under the sole EIN, but may pool project costs from multiple locations into a single application.

Applicants:

  • Rent or own and operate from facility.
  • Meet SBA definition of a Small Business – determined by employee count and NAICS code.
  • Project cost must be at least $5,000.
  • Project must have commenced on or after March 9, 2020 and within the 2 years prior to your application date.
  • Payment must have been made within the 2 years prior to your application date.
  • Provide a current tax clearance certificate prior to approval.
  • Be in good standing with Department of Labor and Department of Environmental Protection.
  • Certify at time of application that they are not in default of any other EDA or State assistance.
  • Certify at application the applicant is willing to pay wages that are the greater of $15/hour or 120% of the minimum wage rate. Tipped employees are required to be paid only 120% of minimum wage rate.
  • Remain in the location for at least two years for grants up to $25,000, or at least four years for all other grant award amounts.

Improvement project must meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • Interior or exterior building improvements, or purchase and/or installation of furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FFE).
  • Total project cost must be at least $5,000.
  • Work must be complete on or after March 9, 2020, and or within 2 years of application date.
  • Projects with total costs over $50,000 are subject to Green Building Standards for lighting and/or mechanical work.
  • Projects utilizing contractors with 4 or more employees (total workforce, not specific to project) may be subject to Affirmative Action requirements.

Home-based businesses are not eligible for reimbursement for renovation or improvement projects. Applicants are responsible for all applicable local approvals (i.e. zoning and building permits). If applicant leases space, then landlord’s permission to make improvements is required.

“Capital improvements” shall not include site acquisition; vehicles and heavy equipment not permanently located in the building, structure, facility, or improvement; any capital improvement for which the business received any grant financial assistance from any State source; costs of a lease, including any capital lease; or any soft costs.

AWARD SIZE

Reimbursement of up to 50% of total project costs incurred up to $50,000. Only one award is allowed per EIN for the life of the program.

FEES

Approval Fee: $100

Payable at the time of approval and prior to execution of grant agreement

NJ ECONOMIC RECOVERY ACT OF 2020

The full statutory text of the program can be found in sections 82-88 of the Economic Recovery Act of 2020. 

Additional information can be found in Appendix C-Small Business Improvement Grant Program Specifications document.

TAX CLEARANCE CERTIFICATE

Division of Taxation Tax Clearance Certificate required. Certificates may be requested through the State of New Jersey’s Premier Business Services (PBS) portal online.

Under the Tax & Revenue Center, select Tax Services, then select Business Incentive Tax Clearance. If the applicant’s account is in compliance with its tax obligations and no liabilities exist, the Business Incentive Tax Clearance can be printed directly through PBS.