New Jersey-based small businesses and nonprofit organizations with 100 or fewer employees can now apply to receive a 25% discount on purchases of personal protective equipment from vendors approved by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, starting at 9 a.m. Tuesday.
That’s in addition to a 10% discount offered to all businesses, who are able to take advantage of the volume discounts that come with the state-approved vendors.
The program is Phase 2 of the NJ Small and Micro Business PPE Access Program. And, while $20.4 million has been set aside for the program, EDA officials expect the money will go quickly. Grants will be made on a first-come, first-served basis.
Click here for information on how to apply.
During this phase, businesses with 100 or fewer full-time equivalent employees can receive grants equal to 25% of the cost of purchases — up to $400 in discounts. Businesses operating in one of the state’s 715 census tracts that were eligible to be designated as Opportunity Zones can receive up to $500.
Gov. Phil Murphy saluted the EDA, saying he knows of no other state which has taken on this type of program.
EDA head Tim Sullivan said the program is another way the agency can help small businesses.
“Small businesses are the cornerstone of New Jersey’s economy,” he said. “As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, it is crucial that we help them make the necessary changes to reopen and continue operating safely.
“The NJ Small and Micro Business PPE Access Program is a creative solution that leverages government and private resources to help business owners who have been hit the hardest by the pandemic acquire the protective equipment they need at an affordable price.”
