Asbury Park Micro-Business Grant Program Introduced

ASBURY PARK – Asbury Park waterfront Master Developer, iStar, and Senator Vin Gopal’s Civic Association announced they will team up to support the local Asbury Park business community with micro-grants as they work to overcome the economic hardships caused by the COVID-19 global pandemic.

“Asbury Park’s small businesses help to make the city a vibrant and special community, and they need assistance in weathering the challenges caused by the COVID-19 crisis,” said iStar Senior Vice President of Land Brian Cheripka. “This program will provide direct financial support to assist local businesses as they work to cover some of their expenses throughout the reopening process.”

iStar is providing $10,000 which is being matched by the Vin Gopal Civic Association for a total of $20,000. Asbury Park small business owners and independent contractors can apply for a either a $500 or $1,000 grant through the Asbury Park Chamber of Commerce. Grant applications are available at vingopalcivic.org/ap-recovery-grant/.

“Our small businesses are the backbone of our regional and state economy,” noted Senator Vin Gopal. “Asbury Park has an incredible group of local businesses and independent contractors who are dedicated to reopening and moving forward. These grants will provide short-term relief to help them meet their financial challenges. However, sustained economic growth will only come from Asbury Park and all of New Jersey getting out and supporting our business community.”

“Whether it’s their support of AP Dinner Table or this new micro-grant business program, we are equally honored to work with organizations like the Vin Gopal Civic Association because of their commitment to community centered engagement,” added Cheripka.

“We are fortunate that Asbury Park is filled with community minded leaders like Senator Gopal and iStar who are always willing to step-up and offer help in difficult times,” said Asbury Park Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Sylvia Sylvia-Cioffi. “This micro-grant program is just what some of our smaller businesses need to address their immediate financial obligations.”