Small Business Grant Awarded To Morris Co. Pizzeria

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — A popular pizzeria at the Rockaway Townsquare Mall was the latest recipient of a $15,000 check from the Morris County Small Business Grant Program today, as the Morris County Board of County Commissioners continues to assist businesses and nonprofits impacted by the pandemic.

Gio's Artisan Pizza, which opened in 2017 and is located on the lower level of the Rockaway Township mall, was visited by Commissioner Deputy Director John Krickus, who presented Gio's owner, Rosaria Massa, with a $15,000 check.

“It's great that you are helping out small businesses. Thank you. This is a great program. Things are still tough for small businesses. My costs have increased, and I still don’t have the amount of business I used to have,” said Massa.

Morris County Commissioners are personally delivering the grant checks to learn more about small business struggles, to see if the grant program can be improved and to spread the word that the program is still open.

“We tried to keep this program simple, and we are delivering some of the checks like this to get the word out. We have about $3 million that have not been committed,” Deputy Director John Krickus said.

The grant program was established by the Morris County Board of County Commissioners using pandemic relief funds provided by the American Rescue Plan Act.

The majority of applications awaiting final approval will award each qualified business and nonprofit the maximum grant amount of $15,000.

While the remaining applications are being reviewed, the program is still accepting new applications.

• Business has 25 or fewer full-time employees (or equivalent)
• In operation since Jan. 1, 2019
• Located within Morris County
• Less than $5 million in sales/revenue
• Proof of a decline in sales/increased expenses due to the COVID-19 pandemic

To apply, go to morriscountysmallbusinessgrant.com.

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