COVID-19: Breaking News for the Business Community

​NJEDA Launches Free Consulting Program for Businesses Impacted by COVID-19
 
The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) has announced the Business Consulting for COVID-19 Recovery Program, a free consulting program to help small businesses address the challenges they are facing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and prepare for a strong long-term recovery. The program is open to all businesses with five or fewer employees that maintain a physical storefront or office in one of New Jersey’s Opportunity Zones. Currently in the pilot phase, the NJEDA anticipates expanding the program soon to accommodate more businesses.
 
Business owners interested in participating in the program should complete the intake form at http://forms.business.nj.gov/covid-recovery-consulting/. After submitting the form, an NJEDA representative will be in touch to provide more information on the next steps in the sign-up process. Business owners that need language assistance should send their name, spoken language, and telephone number to languagehelp@njeda.com.
 
The Business Consulting for COVID-19 Recovery program will provide businesses with free access to expert advisory services and staff support to assist them in overcoming their current challenges and preparing for long-term success. Through partnerships with the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) and the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (SHCCNJ), the NJEDA will provide up to 25 hours of free, one-on-one coaching and support implementing solutions to help make businesses more profitable while complying with public health protections the State has instituted to slow the spread of COVID-19. Participating businesses will receive advice and assistance in securing grants and loans, adapting their business models to current needs, crafting long-term business strategies, evaluating their financial health, and improving accounting and bookkeeping systems, as well as many other topics that can help them build a stronger, more sustainable business.
 
Depending on a business’s specific needs, the AACCNJ and SHCCNJ will connect them with one of five specialized subcontractors: Main Street Advisory LLC, Dina Gonzalez, Ospino Consulting, GG CPA Services, or Greenberg and Associates.
 
During the pilot phase, eligibility for the program is limited to businesses with five or fewer employees that maintain a physical storefront or office space in one of New Jersey’s 169 Opportunity Zones. Businesses interested in this opportunity should complete the NJEDA’s intake form. Applicants will be connected with consultants on a first-come, first-served basis, so any interested business should complete the form as soon as possible. The NJEDA anticipates expanding eligibility for the program soon.
 
The NJEDA administers a variety of programs providing support for larger businesses impacted by COVID-19. More information about these programs and other State support is available at https://covid19.nj.gov.
 
To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses call NJEDA Customer Care at 609-858-6767 or visit https://www.njeda.com and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.