Gov. Murphy Signs Legislation For $25M Small Business Aid

NEW JERSEY – Gov. Phil Murphy on Thursday signed a bill providing $25 million in federal COVID-19 relief aid for small businesses throughout New Jersey.

The bill is meant to be a lifeline for "microbusinesses" with five or fewer employees, according to a release.

It's part of a five-bill, $100 million relief effort aimed at helping New Jersey’s economy recover from the year-long pandemic.

“Main Street businesses have always been the backbone of our economy and unfortunately have been the hardest hit during the pandemic,” said Gov. Murphy. “This bill, along with others I’ll sign later this month, will help thousands of businesses keep their doors open as we climb out of the economic hardships wrought by COVID-19.”

The relief aid will be administered by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, which so far has provided more than $250 million in aid to 55,000 New Jersey businesses.

“No more businesses should have to permanently close because of the pandemic, and this legislation will provide the assistance needed to prevent any more business closures," said Sen. Dawn Marie Addiego.

“Microbusinesses are facing unprecedented challenges through no fault of their own because of this ongoing public health crisis,” said Assemblymen Gordon Johnson, Roy Freiman, and John Armato.

“Small businesses are the heart and soul of our communities. While these businesses have been hit the hardest by COVID-19, the resilience and ingenuity of business owners and their employees throughout the pandemic has been inspiring,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan.

“Small businesses are not only the backbone of our economy, but are the center of our downtowns and local communities,” said Burlington County Commissioner Deputy Director Dan O’Connell.

The bill signing was held at Fond Memories, a boutique in Medford specializing in jewelry, handbags, and baby gifts. Fond Memories was opened in 1987.

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