On Friday, August 11th, Commissioner Deputy Director Ed McDonnell joined Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen, elected officials and several Camden City organizations announced two grant programs for Camden based small businesses.
The Downtown Improvement Matching Grant Program is a matching grant program available to small businesses and non-profit organizations within the boundaries of the Camden Business Improvement District. And the Camden UEZ – Camden Strong Facade Program, aims to enhance the visual appearance of commercial corridors citywide. This program offers assistance of up to $50,000 for exterior improvements to a commercial building within the boundaries of the City UEZ.
“These programs will create and foster economic growth here in Camden City,” McDonnell said. “Small businesses and nonprofits are the keystone to our communities, our biggest employer and investing in them is crucial.”
The first Downtown Improvement Matching Grant has been allocated to Norie’s Lunchbox, located at 39 N. Fourth Street in Downtown Camden. The $25,000 in matching grant funds were utilized by the woman-minority-owned business to install a commercial kitchen and hood system, allowing them to transition from a popular food truck to a new brick and mortar location.
To learn more and to apply for the CSSD Downtown Improvement Matching Grant Program, head to www.mydowntowncamden.com/for-small-businesses/ or contact the CSSD/CBID directly at camdenbid@camdenssd.com.
For more information and to apply for the City of Camden UEZ – Camden Strong Facade Program, visit: www.ci.camden.nj.us/uez-facade-program or contact Ruben Peres with Saint Joseph’s Carpenter Society via email: rperes@sjcscamden.org or phone: 856-966-8117.