Middlesex County awards an additional $4.2M in funding to small businesses

via Small Business Relief Grant (SBRG) program

$19.1M still available as deadline looms on December 30, 2020 – apply now!

MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ – With Middlesex County’s latest disbursement of $4,246,819 in grant funding to small businesses, the total amount awarded through the Small Business Relief Grant (SBRG) program is $10,859,415 to a total of 421 businesses. The SBRG program, which utilizes federal CARES Act funding, serves to reimburse costs and loss of revenue associated with adapting business operations in a COVID-19 environment.

The deadline to apply for funding from the SBRG program is December 30, 2020.

In the latest round of funding awarded on November 30, businesses received payments ranging from $1,018 to the maximum $30,000, with an average grant payment of $26,030.

“As the head of the County’s Economic and Business Development office, I work every day with small business owners. From contacting them and encouraging them to apply, to working with them step by step to complete the application, I witness firsthand the impact this pandemic has had on our small business community,” said Carla Cefalo, division head, Middlesex County Economic and Business Development. “The County is putting its small business owners first, offering them relief during this difficult economic downturn, and I am proud to play a role in that process.”

Recipients of this round of federal funding include restaurants, hair and nail salons; retail facilities; healthcare offices; manufacturing; construction; educational services; transportation companies; and fitness studios.

“The grant the Ad Cafe received basically gave our company financial room to breathe. It gave us the opportunity to pay our vendors in the timely manner which they were always accustomed to. It also gave us the opportunity to restart and redirect our marketing efforts that were cut short by the pandemic,” said an SBRG recipient, Kevin Berta, owner and president of Ad Cafe in Edison. Berta also added that he is encouraging people around the County to shop local to support small businesses in any way possible.

In October, Middlesex County announced its first round of SBRG funding, awarded to 123 businesses in 22 municipalities, totaling over $3 million. In November, 140 businesses received a collective $3,572,882 in the second and third rounds of funding.

“I would like to thank all of our small businesses for continuing to serve the community during this time. As a County, we are committed to helping you stay afloat as you navigate the challenges and changes this pandemic has brought,” said Freeholder Leslie Koppel, chair of the Finance Committee. “I would also like to thank those at the County, particularly those in our Department of Finance and Economic and Business Development Office, for continuing to work every day to provide our small business owners with the relief they desperately need.”

STILL TIME TO APPLY

Among other qualifications, to be eligible for the grants these businesses must employ fewer than 50 employees, must have a net annual business income of less than $1,000,000 based on their 2019 federal tax return, and must document business interruption as well as loss as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

With millions still available in the SBRG grant to be distributed to small businesses in the County, those eligible to apply for grants are encouraged to do so at the new CARES Act Small Business Relief Grants Portal. In total, the County intends to award $30 million to small businesses, with grants up to $30,000 available for each business. For more information, please visit: http://www.middlesexcountynj.gov/mcsbrg. This program will be administered by the Middlesex County Department of Finance.

For more information on helping your business during COVID-19, please visit www.middlesexcountynj.gov/covid19 and visit our list of business assistance resources under the “resources” section.

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MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ

Middlesex County is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies, three universities, 18 park systems, and world-class healthcare and research facilities making it one of the nation’s most dynamic regions and a leader in technology, transportation, the arts, and food innovation. As one of the most diverse populations in the country, Middlesex County is home to over 832,000 residents living throughout 25 municipalities and employing nearly 40,000 people. Ranked #1 in the state for best schools, the County offers an award-winning vocational school system, a county college, and workforce development creating a unique ecosystem in which opportunities abound. Conveniently located between New York and Philadelphia, Middlesex County is a leading destination for businesses and residents alike to live, work, and play – and has been since the 17th century. For more information, visit www.middlesexcountynj.gov and find us on Facebook and Instagram.