COVID Relief Grants Still Available To Small Biz In Middlesex

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ – More than $19 million is still available in grants for small businesses in Middlesex County who suffered losses due the coronavirus pandemic.

The Small Business Relief Grant (SBRG) program awards businesses in the county with funds to reimburse loss of revenue and other costs associated with adapting business operations due to COVID-19.

The deadline to apply for the next round of funding is Dec. 30.

“As the head of the county’s Economic and Business Development office, I work every day with small business owners. From contacting them and encouraging them to apply, to working with them step by step to complete the application, I witness firsthand the impact this pandemic has had on our small business community,” Carla Cefalo, division head, Middlesex County Economic and Business Development said in a statement.

SBRG utilizes funds from the federal CARES Act.

In the latest round of funding awarded Nov.30, businesses received grants ranging from $1,018 to $30,000, with an average grant payment of $26,030.

Recipients included restaurants, hair and nail salons, retail facilities, healthcare offices, manufacturing, construction, educational services, transportation companies and fitness studios.

Middlesex County announced its first round of funding in October. Over $3 million in grants were given to 123 businesses in 22 municipalities. In November, 140 businesses received a total of $3,572,882 in the second and third rounds of funding.

“I would like to thank all of our small businesses for continuing to serve the community during this time. As a County, we are committed to helping you stay afloat as you navigate the challenges and changes this pandemic has brought,” Freeholder Leslie Koppel, chair of the Finance Committee, said in a media release.

There’s still time to apply.

To be eligible for the grants, businesses must employ fewer than 50 employees, must have an net annual income of less than $1,000,000, based on their 2019 federal tax return. They must document business interruption as well as loss as a result of the pandemic.

You can find more information on the grant application here: http://www.middlesexcountynj.gov/mcsbrg.

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