Spring is here, which means it’s time to check in on small business loans and grants offered by our state. Many of the current offerings are non-competitive, which means that, as long as you apply on time and meet all the eligibility criteria, you get the money. NJEDA says these programs are amply funded, although they admitted that it may take up to seven months before they even review your application. Given the upside of these programs, however, it can be well worth the wait and the time spent organizing for the application.
This issue of our newsletter will focus on the grants and loans currently available, with an emphasis on grants. Because who doesn’t like free money? But seriously, remember the reason these programs are available is that our elected officials have concluded that small businesses are vital to the health and resilience of our local communities, and should be supported as such. This is not a hand-out but a hand up for small businesses.