Below are the Small Business Opportunities that have crossed our desk over the past year. Perhaps some will re-appear or re-open in the future, depending on how the economy is improving.
Small Business Opportunities!
“We are sharing two important messages for the small businesses in your town or anyone who might find this information helpful!”
Regards,
Liz Verna, Director, Economic Development & Regional Planning Office
Burlington County Bridge Commission
Message #1
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Grant Opportunity for
Black and Minority-Owned Businesses
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UCEDC received the following message from AEO. We are sharing it with you in case you or anyone you know can take advantage of this opportunity!
In response to the economic challenges brought on by COVID-19 and civil unrest,Fiserv will award grants in the amount of $10,000 to Black- and minority-owned businesses that have been impacted by COVID-19 and social unrest. The grant, which will be offered to select cities, is now open for New York and surrounding areas, including all of New Jersey.
The Back2Business Grant is a part of a larger Fiserv initiative to equip minority-owned small businesses with vital education, coaching, and capital to truly fuel growth of our communities, creating sustainable business and shared value for all. In addition to the grant, the program will include opportunities for mentorship and access to technology solutions that enable revenue generation.
Grant applications are now open for eligible small businesses in New York and New Jersey. Applications are due by February 26th, 2021, but the sooner you apply, the better.
Applicants can find more information and apply for the grant at https://aeoworks.org/fiserv/
Message #2 
NJEDA today announced that pre-registration for Phase 2 of the Small Business Emergency Assistance Loan Program will be deferred:
https://www.njeda.com/njeda-defers-pre-registration-for-phase-2-of-small-business-emergency-assistance-loan-program/
En Espanol: https://www.njeda.com/la-njeda-difiere-la-preinscripcion-para-la-fase-2-del-programa-de-prestamos-de-emergencia-para-pequenas-empresas/
Calling All Food Entrepreneurs!
Accepting Applications for Spring 2021
Application Deadline 2/15/21
Santander Bank’s Cultivate Small Business program is designed to help early-stage entrepreneurs like you!
· Industry Specific Education - Fully virtual program focused on Food Industry Entrepreneurs
· Food Industry Mentors - Participants are matched with mentors with food industry expertise.
· Food Industry Networks - Participants network with a wide-variety of food entrepreneurs and professionals
Capital Grants - Participants who complete the course will have the opportunity to apply for a capital grant for their business.
As of November 24th, New Jersey has expanded & extended its discount PPE Program until December 17th, especially for small businesses (100 or fewer employees). You must qualify NOW, by Dec. 17, 2020.
New 0% Interest HELP Loans... 
Offered to Burlington County Small Businesses Affected by COVID-19
The Burlington County Bridge Commission’s Economic Development & Regional Planning (EDRP) Department will administer new Zero % loans for Burlington County small businesses affected by COVID-19.
Click here or go to this website to find information about these new loans:
http://www.bcbridges.org/covid19-resources/ .
Once you are on the website:
- Click on the “SEE IF YOU QUALIFY!” button and you’ll see a page with 5 statements.
- If you are able to check all 5 boxes, citing that those statements are true, then you may qualify.
- After checking all 5 boxes, a questionnaire will appear.
- After you fill out that information, you’ll receive an email with an application for the HELP loan.
Loan amounts of $20,000 to $50,000 are available.
What if you don’t qualify for the HELP loan?
You may qualify for one of the other loans offered by the Burlington County Bridge Commission (BCBC)… although having sufficient collateral is key to qualifying for all BCBC loan programs. See this page: http://www.bcbridges.org/financial-resources-programs/ for more details.
Click here to read full press release.
ALERT from Mayor Azunnah “Charles” Amutah…
Small Landlord Emergency Grant Program
The application portal for the Small Landlord Emergency Grant Program opens on Wednesday, August 18, 2020 at 9 am!
Tomorrow, applications open for NJHMFA's Small Landlord Emergency Grant (SLEG) Program, which will reimburse small residential rental property owners for lost rent revenue due to COVID-19 between April and July 2020.
Although applications are not first come, first served and are open for a week, we urge you to prepare your documents and make sure you're ready to apply.
It is more important to have your application be correct and accurate than it is to submit early.
View the Application Checklist
(https://njhousing.gov/rentals/sleg/checklist/)
“We (DCA – the NJ Department of Community Affairs) anticipate high application volumes. If you are unable to submit your application, please try again later. Please note that the application period ends August 26.”
On behalf of Edgewater Park Township Committee and Administrator Tom Pullion, I strongly urge all small landlords in our township to apply for this grant.
Good luck to all!
(former) Mayor Amutah