The Ocean Wind Pro-NJ Grantor Trust announced that it will award nearly $520,000 to four small, women-owned and minority-owned businesses to help them reconfigure, adjust or expand their businesses to participate in the growing offshore wind industry.
“Despite the hurdles encountered by developers and the broader industry, the excitement around New Jersey’s offshore wind sector remains strong. The innovative ideas and projects put forth in this latest round of applications will bolster this emerging industry and its supply chain as it further develops in the Garden State,” Beverly McCall, esquire, chairperson of the Pro-NJ Grantor Trust, said. “A heartfelt thank you to all applicants, and congratulations to this round’s recipients!”
Following a comprehensive review led by the Trustees and the members of Advisory Committee, the Trust has identified the following businesses and projects as this year’s grant recipients:
Eastern Equipment Services, a certified small business enterprise and women-owned business enterprise located in Estell Manor – Funding will support specialized technical training for skilled staff, increased inventory of critical components and the acquisition of diagnostic tools and equipment to enhance service capabilities.
InGroup Inc., a certified small business enterprise, disadvantaged business enterprise and women-owned business enterprise located in Newark – Funding will support the development of digital collection of resource materials and evergreen educational videos on offshore wind training programs in New Jersey.
MAS Construction Services, LLC, a certified small business enterprise, disadvantaged business enterprise and women-owned business enterprise located in Camden – Funding will support a wind turbine commissioning department to upskill and cross-train current employees and train Rowan University students through an apprenticeship program.
Promatech, Inc., a certified small business enterprise and women-owned business enterprise, located in Mt. Laurel – Funding will support efforts to develop a comprehensive MWDBE (minority, women and disadvantaged business enterprises) Utilization Policy as well as implementation plans and compliance monitoring for offshore wind projects.
In addition to providing grants to businesses looking to support the offshore wind industry, the independent $15 million fund also provides funding coastal resiliency projects in Ocean, Atlantic and Cape May counties. Through its earlier rounds of funding, the Trust has awarded more than $3.2 million to small, women-owned and minority-owned businesses and infrastructure resiliency projects.
