The New Jersey Economic Development Authority has provided funding for five Passaic County businesses to help improve their facilities, it announced Tuesday.
The funding comes from the EDA’s Business Improvement Incentive Program, together with the Business Lease Incentive Program, to support the growth of ground-floor businesses operating in eligible commercial areas of Garden State Growth Zones. The program offers grants of up to 50 percent of total project costs for small businesses that are planning to make improvements to their property. The grant cannot exceed $20,000, with a minimum project cost of $5,000.
There are currently GSGZ’s in Passaic, Paterson, Atlantic City, Camden and Trenton.
A BII grant of $19,200 was provided to BD Supermarket, a Bangladeshi market in Paterson owned by brothers Akkas Ali and Ismat Ali. They are planning to use the grant to replace the roof on the property, pave the parking lot and install new front windows.
Robertiello’s Auto Body in Paterson received a $10,050 BII grant. Owner and Operator Robert Moore plans to use it to add new a new stucco facade, new signage and a new garage door.
“These improvements will enhance Robertiello’s visibility and curb appeal and will open the door for new opportunities,” Moore said. “The availability of the BII Program made the decision to move forward with these upgrades an easy one.”
Farrar Filter Co. in Paterson is an air filter related services provider owned by Keith Muller and Kristine Schmidt Muller. They plan to use a $13,400 BII grant to renovate the business’s exterior facade.
In Passaic, a $6,200 BII grant went to Amigo Deli to replace old signage and an awning.
El Rodeo Bar, a restaurant and bar combo owned by Amelia Zepeda, was approved for a $20,000 BII grant. The funds will be used to construct an outdoor patio, a new front canopy and repair the first floor.
“Through these programs, the EDA is helping entrepreneurs establish and enhance their businesses, supporting the revitalization of downtown areas in communities around the State,” said Christina Fuentes, senior GSGZ development officer, who manages the BII and BLI programs for the EDA. “Small business owners are a driving force within New Jersey’s economy, and we encourage them to learn how these programs can help them prosper and add to existing economic momentum in key downtown areas.”
