Small Business Grants Coming Soon For Morris County Businesses

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — Details are being finalized for a grant program, through the County of Morris, for small businesses that have 25 or fewer full-time employees.

The Morris County Small Business Grant Program, is planning give grants to small businesses and non-profit groups that apply and meet the criteria, for up to $15,000 as reimbursement for small business owners and entrepreneurs that incurred some types of “pandemic recovery expenses” on or after March 3, 2021.

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The Morris County Board of County Commissioners recently announced the program, that will be geared for “small companies and entrepreneurs impacted by the pandemic.”

The timeline for the county grant program being created is in sync with the American Rescue Plan Act, which is where the $5 million for the grant funding is coming from.

This is what’s known so far about the grant program the county is developing:

• Businesses must be located within Morris County
• They need to have 25 or fewer full-time employees
• They need to have begun operating by Jan. 1, 2019
• Their sales and revenues need to be less than $5 million.
• They will need to show proof of sales declines and increased expenses because of COVID.

As the online application development process is underway for the grant program, the Morris County Chamber of Commerce plans to reach out to businesses that may be eligible, according to the county.

“Small business in the county have been hit particularly hard by the pandemic and its lingering effects,” Meghan Hunscher, President and CEO of the Morris County Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development Corporation, said in a news release from the County of Morris.

“Unlike larger companies, they had less margin for absorbing the revenue losses and costs required for reopening,” Hunscher added. “At the same time, they have made every effort to keep their employees working while fulfilling the needs of their customers.”

“We look forward to working closely with the County Commissioners to connect qualifying small businesses throughout the county with this grant program,” Hunscher also said.

“Small businesses are not only vital to our economy but they are a key part of the unique identity of every town,” said Morris County Commissioner John Krickus, who has been a part of developing the program with the COVID-19 Strategic Planning Advisory Committee

“We look forward to launching a small business grant program, as we ensure we are meeting federal regulatory requirements,” said Krickus.

Questions or comments about this story? Have a news tip? Contact me at: jennifer.miller@patch.com.