Have A Need? NJBAC Can Help.

The NJBAC is offering no-cost technical assistance, training, and problem-solving – we are here to support all of your Business Enhancement needs. Whether you have a one-off resource question, are looking for a strategic assessment of a district, or could use some quick visualized tactical inspiration to foster visible and tangible change, NJBAC can help. Contact NJBAC Assistant Director Jef Buehler to start the conversation and move towards action.

Today’s email has information on assistance we can provide, as well as about technical and financial resources that may be a fit for your community or district.

Best Practices

Creating Smart Cities Conference:  The NJIT Hub for Creative Placemaking is bringing together a dynamic group of presenters for vibrant discussion and information sharing of the latest on planning for smart cities and municipalities. The event will take place on Friday, April 12th from 9 AM-12:30 PM in the NJIT Campus Center Atrium. The focus of this conference is on innovatively-designed and local place-based new projects in the state, infrastructure challenges and creative planning, new technologies and tools and funding mechanisms. To see the full agenda and to register, click here.

Much Success With Vison Zero in Hoboken: When people (residents, visitors, customers) can move around a community and its downtown easily and safely, that helps the local economy succeed while (literally) enhancing quality of life. The City of Hoboken now has 7 years in a row without a single pedestrian death. They embraced Vision Zero, and have implemented a number of changes in terms of speed limit reduction, bike lane placement, and intersection daylighting.  The pedestrian safety results speak for themselves. Hoboken’s success has garnered national/international attention. Jersey City and Princeton are also Vision Zero communities. Interested? Vison Zero startup resources can be found here.

Featured Grants & Support

NJEDA Grants to Small Businesses are Very Much Still Available: There are amazing grants at the EDA that are non-competitive, meaning that if your district’s or community’s businesses meet the criteria and correctly apply, they can obtain these resources!  All three grants accept applications on a rolling basis until their funding is used.  That said, one or more of these can benefit most small businesses in NJ, so please share this info with you businesses. And if you want EDA to come to speak with your businesses/district management/chamber organization, reach out to Kathy.Guzman@njeda.gov directly to set up an in-person or online walkthrough of these grants!

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.

Job Opportunity

NJBAC is hiring a Principal Public Information Assistant. If you are an experienced public relations professional and talented communications specialist, be sure to apply! The role includes managing all communications materials, including media relations, social media and digital marketing. Here is the application and position information.  The deadline to apply is March 29^th, so time is short!

NJBAC Can Work With All the Businesses in Your Community

We are here for your communities’ and districts’ businesses. NJBAC offers free online chat and telephone (800-537-7397) assistance in English and Spanish to any business in NJ – any size, any location, and any type. Our team can advocate for businesses, concierge them to funding and technical solutions, help them find locations for growth or developing export markets, guide them to navigating the commercial cannabis sector, and much more. Want to set something up online or on-site for your businesses? Reach out to NJBAC Assistant Director Jef Buehler to get plugged in to all of our business success services.