The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) is set to begin accepting applications for the Route 80 Business Assistance Grant Program at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, April 22. This initiative targets small businesses within a five-mile radius of Exit 34 impacted by ongoing sinkhole repairs.
This $5 million grant program specifically caters to small businesses and nonprofits affected by the highway lane closures on Route 80 near Exit 34. Eligibility is restricted to entities located within certain ZIP codes, employing fewer than 50 full-time-equivalent employees, and having suffered at least $1,000 in revenue losses.
Qualifying businesses can receive grants ranging from $1,000 to $15,000, based on their losses and employee count. NJEDA advises applicants to register on their Online Application Center to expedite the process as funds will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
A session providing information about the grant program and application process is arranged for 6 p.m. on Wednesday, April 16. Additionally, a detailed NJEDA PowerPoint covering program specifics and eligibility requirements is available.
Initially, the program targets businesses within five miles of Exit 34. Should funds remain after the initial application phase, ending at 5 p.m. on April 28, the eligibility will expand to a 10-mile radius from April 29 to May 5. If funds are still available afterward, businesses throughout Morris County may apply beginning May 6.
