Camden's Micro Business Emergency AssistanceProgram
Mayor Frank Moran and the City of Camden
Announce Micro Business Emergency Assistance Program
CAMDEN, NJ – Mayor Frank Moran, the City Administration and the Department of Planning and Development announce the introduction of the Micro Business Emergency Assistance Program (MBEAP) to assist small business owners and operators within the City of Camden impacted as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of the Micro Business Emergency Assistance Program is to provide short-term financial relief to business owners and business operators within Camden to help offset their operating costs and qualified capital (inventory) expenses. The Camden MBEAP offers grants up to $5,000.00 per operator and or owner/operator location. The City of Camden Community Development Block Grant Program will provide funding for the Micro Business Emergency Assistance Program as part of the City’s Consolidated Plan/Action Plan.
“This program will enable those small businesses most effected by the COVID-19 pandemic some much needed relief during this challenging time,” said Camden Mayor Frank Moran. “These micro businesses collectively employ a large number of Camden residents. The City’s small business community has been the backbone of the local economy and we are pleased to help provide support. We urge our local businesses to apply. We are thankful to our U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross for his advocacy for this critical funding which is making a tremendous difference in the daily lives of so many.”
“I am glad this grant funding is being offered to those small businesses who need help the most,” said Camden City Council President Curtis Jenkins. “The COVID-19 pandemic has stifled our community not only from a public health perspective but economically too. Our Camden residents and businesses face economic struggles on a daily basis. As elected officials, we advocate for those who cannot help themselves. Camden City Council and I are pleased to pledge our full support behind Mayor Moran’s worthy initiative.”
“The CARES Act that we passed in Congress is delivering federal resources to employers and families during this difficult time, and I’m grateful for Mayor Moran’s efforts to direct Community Development Block Grant funding to Camden City’s small businesses,” said Congressman Norcross. “This new program will help keep Camden City residents employed by providing critical support to small local businesses impacted by COVID-19.”
To qualify, applicants must satisfy a list of criteria which includes: possess a certified/mercantile licensed business located in the City of Camden, and or possess the required NJ business license to operate a personal service business. In addition, eligible businesses must employ Camden City residents. Applicants may also be required to provide additional supporting documentation like mortgage statements or an executed lease with the property owner. Funding will be provided on a first come, first serve basis.
Priority will be given to those businesses operating in low and moderate-income areas, opportunity and promise zones, and those Camden small businesses directly impacted as a result of COVID-19. Consideration will also be given to retail commercial establishments without drive through capacity. Eligible grant expenses include, but not limited to: business lease payments, mortgage payments, utility payment, payroll, inventory and business debt payments.
Businesses can submit applications and questions to the City of Camden Department of Planning and Development Office located in Room 224, Camden City Hall, P.O. Box 95120, Camden, NJ 08101 or via email to MicrobusinessDevelopment@ci.camden.nj.us. The program application and additional information about the Micro Business Emergency Assistance Program (MBEAP) can be found on the City of Camden website at www.ci.camden.nj.us.