Public Information - Press Release: County announces new grant program for small businesses, microenterprises and nonprofits

For Immediate Release:
October 27, 2021

County announces new grant program for small businesses, microenterprises and nonprofits
CDBG-CV Program will provide reimbursement for COVID-19 expenses

FREEHOLD, NJ – The Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce a new Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program for small businesses, microenterprises and nonprofits that are located in or provide services to eligible low- or moderate-income areas throughout the County.

The CDBG-CV Program will provide up to $20,000 per business or organization for the reimbursement of eligible expenses associated with preparing, preventing and/or responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are proud to be able to provide additional financial support to our small business and nonprofit communities in Monmouth County and help them as they continue to recover from the devastating impact of COVID-19,” said Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone. “The Board encourages all small businesses and nonprofits to see if your organization is eligible by visiting www.monmouthcountynj-cdbgcv.org.”

“These CDBG-CV grants will cover costs including but not limited to staffing, rent, operating expenses, materials and supplies, utilities and/or renovations to facilities for the protection of employees, customers, clients and patrons during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Commissioner Deputy Director Susan M. Kiley. “These grants will offer organizations an opportunity to recover eligible expenses and continue to serve our communities.”

Eligible expenses for microenterprises and small businesses include:

Payroll
Rent
Supplies, machinery, and/or equipment including PPE, and materials needed to operate and/or maintain a safe work environment for staff and patrons from COVID-19
Utilities
Employee training
Building renovations, rehabilitation, or alterations for the protection of employees and clients/patrons from COVID-19
Expenses necessary for the long-term establishment, stabilization, and expansion of microenterprises

Eligible expenses for nonprofit public service purposes include:

Staff cost for program delivery that benefits low-and moderate-income households
Rent of space for program operations
LMI program costs including supplies, machinery, equipment including PPE, and materials needed to operate and/or maintain the portion of a facility in which the public service is located
LMI program capacity expansion
Utilities
WIFI/communication enhancements, upgrades, or expansions
Building renovations and/or alterations for the protection of employees and clients/patrons from COVID-19

The County has received direct funding in the amount of $7,289,244 from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the State of New Jersey Department of Community Affairs. Funds will be administered through the County’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program and are subject to HUD program rules and requirements.

It is important to note that small businesses, microenterprises and nonprofits located in Asbury Park, Long Branch and Middletown are not eligible for the CDBG-CV program at this time as all three communities have their own separate and distinct CDBG grant program.

For more information, visit www.monmouthcountynj-cdbgcv.org or call 732-624-6570 between 8:00 am and 6:00 pm Monday through Friday or 8:00 am and 1:00 pm on Saturday.

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