FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JUNE 18, 2020

PASSAIC COUNTY ANNOUNCES $10 MILLION GRANT PROGRAM FOR SMALL BUSINESSES AND NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

(Passaic County, New Jersey) – The Passaic County Board of Chosen Freeholders will launch a $10 million dollar grant program to help Passaic County small businesses and non-profit agencies financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Passaic County has partnered with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) to offer up to $10,000 of grant funding for eligible businesses and agencies.

“Passaic County is known for being one of the most diverse counties in the state, and this extends into our local businesses and organizations. This pandemic has taken a toll on so many of our local entrepreneurs and grass roots organizations,” stated Freeholder Director Lazzara. “In addition to increasing resources like testing and food assistance, the county freeholder board is making sure our local businesses and social service agencies are given the support they need in these difficult times.”

The $10 million grant program allocated for Passaic County businesses and organizations is part of Phase 2 of the NJEDA’s Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant Program. The county grant program will allow businesses and non-profits with fewer than 25 employees to apply for the grant, on a first come, first serve basis. The deadline to apply for the grant is June 30^th, 2020.

“The NJEDA and Passaic County share Governor Phil Murphy’s commitment to getting funding to recovering small businesses quickly and efficiently. We are also committed to ensuring funding goes to businesses that need it the most,” said NJEDA CEO Tim Sullivan. “The COVID-19 outbreak created unprecedented challenges for all businesses, but the data shows it hit minority- and women-owned businesses particularly hard. Our collaboration with the County will maximize our collective resources to assist businesses that need help recovering from this crisis while bringing us closer to Governor Murphy’s vision of a stronger and fairer New Jersey economy.”

“Our residents rely on many of the services and resources that our local businesses and organizations offer on a daily basis.  Our partnership with the NJEDA will help ensure that our small businesses and support agencies have funding to keep serving our residents and families,” stated Freeholder Director Sandi Lazzara.

The grant application is live and available at https://forms.business.nj.gov/grant-2/.