Freeholders Announce Allocation Update For Small Business Grants

FREEHOLD, NJ – Monmouth County businesses hit by the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic may be eligible for grant money to assist with bills, rent and mortgages, according to Monmouth County Freeholder Director Tom A. Arnone at a conference Wednesday morning. Through the CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security) Act, the funding will be used to assist small businesses with less than 50 employees up to $10,000 in grants.

The Freeholders are currently looking to partner with an organization that can develop an online grant application process to efficiently handle requests, Arnone said on Wednesday.

“Businesses should start to put together their receipts for expenses they have incurred because of the pandemic, including rental expenses and utility expenses,” said Arnone. “Having your paperwork prepared will give you a head start when the process begins.”

Federal dollars will also be used to bolster the Monmouth ACTS (Assisting Communities Through Services) Financial Recovery Initiative and Task Force, an outreach and support initiative aimed at connecting residents with community services.

“The intent of the County’s Financial Recovery Initiative is to equally meet residents’ needs in the most effective and helpful way possible,” said Freeholder Deputy Director Susan M. Kiley, a liaison to Human Services. “The FRI brings together and builds upon the strong foundation of public and community organizations, which has already been established through Monmouth ACTS and its Financial Empowerment Hub. The initiative includes a clearinghouse, which will provide residents with access to information about the many public-private programs and benefits that are becoming available almost daily from anchor organizations.”

Businesses can find more information on the county website.