New Jersey Business and Commerce Grants

The New Jersey Department of Agriculture invites applications for the Underserved Farmers Mini Grant, funded through the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service Specialty Crop Block Grant Program and the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. The program enhances the competitiveness of specialty crops in New Jersey by supporting projects led by underserved farmers, including socially disadvantaged, beginning, and military veteran farmers. Grants of up to 5,000 dollars may support activities such as researching new cultivars, outreach to youth and communities on specialty crops, targeted marketing, personnel, purchase of special purpose equipment, educational workshops, planting specialty crops, and distribution of promotional materials. Projects must conform to USDA AMS guidelines and general terms and conditions. Eligible applicants include qualified businesses and producers, as well as nonprofit and community based organizations developing projects that increase the production, marketing, and research of specialty crops in New Jersey. The grant period runs from June 1, 2024 through September 29, 2025. Applications are due May 3, 2024. Additional information is available from the New Jersey Department of Agriculture.

This funding opportunity supports New Jersey-based nonprofit organizations in hosting large-scale, multi-day events that engage fans and boost local economies in connection with the FIFA World Cup 2026.

This program provides financial support to small- and mid-sized farm and food businesses in the Northeast to enhance their operations, expand markets, and strengthen regional food supply chains.

This program provides financial support to small, for-profit businesses in Atlantic City that have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, helping them cover essential operational costs and promote economic recovery.

The Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC) is offering the New Dairy Processor Start-up Grant program to support new dairy processing projects across the Northeast. The core mission of this program is to foster competitive dairy processing businesses with long-term viability. This aligns with a broader strategic objective of strengthening the regional dairy industry by enabling operations of all sizes to successfully launch and sustain their products in the marketplace. By focusing on start-up operations and tangible implementation, the NE-DBIC aims to facilitate direct economic impact and product innovation within the dairy sector. The program targets several key beneficiaries, including dairy farmers ready to begin processing, value-added entrepreneurs with proven experience in dairy processing or business startups, and dairy processors established after January 1, 2023, who are in their start-up phase. The impact goals are centered on developing these businesses, supporting their entry into the market, and ultimately contributing to the economic vitality of the Northeast dairy industry. By providing financial assistance for start-up operations, the program seeks to create new opportunities for dairy-related businesses and products. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly on tangible implementation rather than earlier stages like research and development, concept development, or initial planning. This indicates a strategic emphasis on getting products to market and establishing sustainable business models. Eligibility criteria further refine this focus, requiring applicants to be headquartered or based in the Northeast, demonstrate proof of concept, have a robust business plan, obtain necessary licenses, and show commitment from buyers or distributors by the end of the grant period. Expected outcomes include the successful launch of new value-added dairy products, the establishment of competitive and viable dairy processing businesses, and increased market access for Northeast dairy products. Measurable results would likely include the number of new businesses launched, the volume of new products brought to market, and the economic growth generated within the participating dairy sectors. The NE-DBIC's strategic priorities, as evidenced by this grant, involve direct investment in the operational start-up phase, aiming for a theory of change where targeted financial support leads to the successful commercialization and long-term sustainability of dairy processing ventures in the region.

This grant provides $50,000 to diverse-led small businesses in Pennsylvania and New Jersey that meet specific criteria, aiming to support underrepresented entrepreneurs in creating new jobs and fostering business growth.

This initiative provides funding and support to nonprofit organizations, local governments, and Tribal governments in coal-impacted communities to develop and scale innovative economic projects that create job opportunities and foster local economic transformation.

The Hudson County History Partnership Program (HPP), offered by the Hudson County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs/Tourism Development (HCOCHA/TD) in partnership with the New Jersey Department of State – New Jersey Historical Commission (NJHC), provides matching grants to non-profit organizations within Hudson County, New Jersey. This program aligns with the broader mission of preserving and promoting the history of Hudson County and its 12 municipalities through high-quality historical programming. The grants are administered by HCOCHA/TD, a unit of Hudson County government, under the authority of Hudson County Executive Craig Guy and the Hudson County Board of County Commissioners. The HPP targets Hudson County-based, non-profit history-related organizations, units of government (including schools, libraries, colleges, and universities), private non-profit universities offering local history programs, non-profit arts organizations presenting artistic history programming, and non-profit business organizations that engage in local history programs. The primary impact goals are to broaden, deepen, and diversify the audience for history in Hudson County; strengthen and develop existing history organizations; initiate new programming; improve management of historic sites; expand public understanding of historical resources; increase participation in historical programs; enhance accessibility for diverse communities; increase the body of historical information; and preserve materials for study. The program prioritizes initiatives that clearly demonstrate a commitment to preserving and promoting Hudson County's history, based on merit and financial need. For FY25, grants are offered in two categories: Program Support (maximum $12,500) and General Operating Support (maximum $15,000). The project period for these grants is January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025. Eligibility criteria include being incorporated in New Jersey, having been in existence for at least one year as of January 1, 2023, and being defined as a non-profit under IRS sections 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), or 501(c)(6). Non-profit arts organizations must allocate at least 20% of the grant cost to consultation with qualified historians for artistic history programming. Expected outcomes and measurable results include an increase in the number and diversity of individuals engaging with Hudson County's history, improved organizational capacity and programming quality among local history entities, the creation of new and innovative historical programs, better preservation and interpretation of historic sites and collections, and a greater public awareness and understanding of the county's historical resources. The HCOCHA/TD's strategic priorities, affirming those of the NJHC, underscore a theory of change that by investing in local history organizations and initiatives, public engagement, education, and preservation efforts will be significantly enhanced, leading to a more historically conscious and connected community.

The Cumberland County Cultural & Heritage Commission in New Jersey is inviting nonprofit groups to apply for its Arts and History Re-Grant Program, offering funding for special projects, general programming, and operating support for arts or history-related activities, with the aim to increase exposure to art in the community.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations in New Jersey to enhance digital literacy and access to training for low-income adults receiving public assistance benefits.

This funding opportunity supports licensed dairy processors and brands in the Northeast to initiate or expand co-packing arrangements, scale production, and enhance their product offerings.

This program provides financial support to individual craft, folk, and traditional artists across the U.S. to purchase essential tools and equipment that enhance their artistic practices.

This grant provides funding to nonprofits focused on community development initiatives in low- to moderate-income neighborhoods, particularly in the Northeast, Florida, and Texas.

This program provides support and resources to small business owners in New Jersey, particularly those from marginalized communities, to help them overcome systemic barriers and achieve growth.

This grant provides financial support to charitable organizations in New Jersey that focus on services for the visually impaired, homeless, unemployed, or substance-dependent individuals, as well as religious programs affiliated with the Protestant Episcopal Church.

This grant provides financial support to Black entrepreneurs who are positively impacting their communities, helping them grow and sustain their businesses.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit arts organizations, registered arts businesses, and individual artists in Jersey City to create accessible arts programs that benefit the local community and foster economic growth.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations in New Jersey that aim to improve the competitiveness of specialty crops through collaborative projects that benefit the entire industry rather than individual entities.

This program provides funding to New Jersey agricultural businesses to enhance their tourism activities, attract visitors, and promote local agricultural products.