The attendees not only were able to get their questions answered about payroll, finances, HR, and more but the Esperanza Neighborhood Project announced its new Business Grant Program to boost.

Along with are offering a new support program for small businesses located in the French Street and Joyce Kilmer Avenue commercial corridor. The program connects business owners to free business coaching or mentoring services through one of our trusted partners and then gives you an opportunity to apply for one of our two new business grant programs. As the Esperanza Neighborhood Project continues to support the development of the French Street business district, is ensuring businesses thrive.

Coaching or mentoring services will be offered through community partners, Rising Tide Capital, SCORE, and Storefront Mastery. These partners will provide small businesses with an experienced business coach or mentor to evaluate their business needs and goals over two to three sessions. Throughout these sessions, the coach or mentor will help the business owner identify a use for the grant funds for their maximum benefit. For the convenience of our diverse community, mentor services will be offered in English or Spanish, virtual or in person, and accommodating for the busy schedules of the business owner.

After completing coaching, businesses can apply for either a business mini-grant of up to $2,000 or a storefront improvement grant. The business mini-grant reimburses approved business expenses. The types of expenses that would qualify are flexible for any business need or growth opportunity identified between the business owner and mentor. Meanwhile, the storefront improvement grant provides up to $15,000 to reimburse 60% of project expenses for exterior physical improvements. Whether it is changes or upgrades to facades, signage, or outdoor fixtures, this grant allows business owners to improve the visual appeal of their business to bring in more customers.If you’re a business owner interested in these new local business supports, apply to learn how to grow your business. Funds available through this Business Grant Program are limited.

For more information or to apply, contact Jovanny Belisario, Associate Director of Economic Development, New Brunswick Tomorrow, jbelisario@nbtomorrow.org or 732-715-6761.