Long Branch Small Businesses Can Receive $5,000 CARES Act Grants

LONG BRANCH, NJ — This November, the city of Long Branch will be giving out federal CARES Act grants to Long Branch businesses that were hurt due to the coronavirus.

Long Branch will be giving out several $5,000 grants to qualifying businesses; the money comes from CARES Act funding the city received this fall, said Long Branch Mayor John Pallone. These are grants; in most cases, the money does not need to be paid back.

To see if you can receive the grant money, please come to the Long Branch Business Resource Fair this Thursday, Nov. 12 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. outside Long Branch City Hall. Rain date is November 13. Local small businesses are encouraged to attend to find out about the grants as well as other resources that the city has to offer.

Here are just some of the resources offered Thursday:

1) CARES Act Funds: The City will be offering $5,000 grants to eligible businesses. These are for low to moderate-income people, families, groups, etc. who have been adversely impacted by the coronavirus pandemic or for low to moderate areas or businesses that have been harmed by the pandemic.

2) Learn more about Long Branch's Urban Enterprise Zone Program (UEZ) – Customers pay 3.475% in these zones instead of New Jersey state sales tax of 6.875%. This is a free sign-up program that allows participating businesses to increase customer purchases.

3) Tax Abatement Program - Business owners can apply for a 5-year tax abatement on their property assessment up to $100,000.

4) Shop Long Branch – Customers who sign up receive a discount on their property taxes. Sign up as a participating business. The program currently has 22 active businesses and growing!

5) Community Development Block Grant Funds: For very low to moderate-income individuals, groups and non-profits in certain areas within Long Branch.

“We are doing everything we can to assist our business community. We encourage our businesses to come to the fair on Nov. 12 or to call our Community Development Department. This is also the first set of CARES Act money that we have received. We anticipate more coming,” Mayor Pallone said.

For more questions, or if you are business that cannot attend the fair but still needs help, please call the Economic and Community Development Department at 732-923-2043.