Younger People in New Jersey are Being Hospitalized for COVID-19 at Higher Rates 

Hospitalizations in New Jersey are up 28% over the past two weeks, state health officials said. Over that time, there has been a 31% increase in hospitalizations of those between the ages of 20 and 29 and a 48% increase of those between 40 to 49. New models show the pandemic’s latest wave may not peak until mid-May under a worst-case scenario. (nj.com)

A Guide for Restaurants and Bars Applying for Grants Under the New $28.6 Billion Federal Grant Program  

Restaurants and bars in need of pandemic relief can apply to receive a Restaurant Revitalization Fund grant. See how to qualify and get a piece of the $28.6 billion program. Most importantly, learn what you need to do now to prepare for the application. (U.S. Chamber of Commerce)

New Jersey Launches a Website Designed to Help Users Find COVID-19 Vaccination Appointments  

The site aggregates information from across multiple scheduling platforms, multiple times an hour, letting people know when slots are open, and helping them make an appointment. The state’s goal is to vaccinate 70% of its eligible adults by the end of May. So far, about 23% of the state’s 6.9 million adults have been fully vaccinated. (nj.com)

President Biden’s $2 Trillion Infrastructure Plan Could be a “Game Changer” for New Jersey

President Joe Biden’s proposal to spend $2 trillion on infrastructure would contribute money to build the long-sought Gateway Tunnel under the Hudson River, improve Amtrak, replace lead water pipes and clean Superfund sites, of which New Jersey has more than any other state. It’s a “huge game changer for us,” said Gov. Phil Murphy. “If you are investing heavily in things like infrastructure, climate, roads, bridges, rails, tunnels, because of our density, because of our location, because of our legacy assets, we are a disproportionate winner.” (nj.com)

Amtrak Chairman on What Biden’s Infrastructure Proposal Means for a New Rail Tunnel Under the Hudson River 

Tony Coscia, chairman of Amtrak, did not say that the President’s plan definitively means the Hudson River tunnel project — the once-in-a-century Gateway Program that would dramatically update commuter traffic — will get done. It just means enough potential funding to cover the expected costs of the Gateway Tunnel project is being proposed. And that’s a huge milestone. (ROI-NJ)

Gov. Murphy Signs Bill Providing $25 Million in Small Business Aid

Gov. Murphy today signed a bill (S-3523) that will provide $25 million in federal COVID-19 relief aid to New Jersey businesses with five or fewer employees. The aid will be administered by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, the governor’s office said. (The Governor’s Office)

So Much for the Optimism for Opening Day 

The New York Mets Opening Day game against the Washington Nationals scheduled for tonight has been postponed because of COVID-19 issues, Major League Baseball announced this morning. (ESPN)

Join Us April 7 for a Virtual Town Hall on Transportation in N.J.

Join the N.J. Chamber and NJBIA for a webinar with state Transportation Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti, NJ Transit President & CEO Kevin S. Corbett, and Port Authority Chairman Kevin J. O’Toole. They will discuss major infrastructure projects critical to N.J.’s economy, changes to mass transit and how the pandemic has altered the landscape. There will be a live Q&A following the discussion. Register here

Looking for Federal Grants or Loans? This “Swat Team” of Counselors Offers Advice to Small New Jersey Businesses  

The NJ Small Business Development Centers have created a “swat team” of capital funding experts with private sector experience to provide small businesses with free, confidential business advice. The advisors also help businesses find, apply, and get approved for federal funding, such as forgivable loans and grants. Click here to register your business. (NJ Small Business Development Centers)

Everything You Need to Know About Federal Aid Programs for Businesses that have Struggled During the Pandemic

Here is a complete breakdown of the federal aid programs for small businesses, including forgivable Paycheck Protection Program loans, new tax credits, and Restaurant Revitalization Fund grants. (U.S. Chamber of Commerce) 

A $16 Billion Grant Program for Concert Spaces, Movie Theaters and Museums is Expected to Kick Off on April 8  

Applicants can receive grants equal to 45% of gross earned revenue, up to $10 million. However, applying for these grants will take a little work so it is recommended that applicants prepare now. Here is a guide and more details. (U.S. Chamber of Commerce)

Check out the Emergency Assistance Eligibility Wizard-  The NJEDA wants to make it easy for organizations to understand what support programs are available to you to help stabilize your operations and get back on a pathway to growth. This online platform allows business owners, companies, and non-profit organizations to fill out a form and see what options are available for assistance. For more information about this and other emergency assistance options Click Here.

( New Jersey Economic Development Authority)

SBA HELP FOR VETERANS– Private organizations, colleges and universities, private sector firms, nonprofit organizations and state, local or tribal governmental agencies across Pennsylvania, Delaware, Washington, D.C., Maryland, Northern California, and Nevada are eligible to apply for funding from the U.S. Small Business Administration to provide training and counseling to aspiring and existing veteran small business owners as a Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC). The grant awardees will provide training to service members and military spouses through the Boots to Business entrepreneurship training program, which is part of the Department of Defense’s Transition Assistance Program. Additionally, applicants will provide counseling, technical and financial skill development, comprehensive business assessments, and mentoring services to veterans, transitioning and active-duty service members, Reserve, National Guard, and military spouses interested in starting or growing a small business. Click Here For More Information

 

Resources

Federal Grants for Restaurants and Bars (U.S. Chamber of Commerce) 

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Vaccine Guide for Businesses: From Communicating about Vaccines to Developing a Vaccine Strategy.

The U.S. Small Business Administration‘s website with guidance and details on forgivable business loans under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).

New Jersey small businesses can buy PPE at a 10% discount through this state program.

The state is offering assistance programs for New Jersey businesses.

The N.J. Economic Development Authority is offering assistance programs for New Jersey businesses. Information and applications can be found here.

For the U.S. Chamber’s return-to-work playbook for employers,click here.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s report on reopening and preparing workplaces for COVID-19.

The CDC’s recommendations for employers to prevent the spread of the coronavirus when they reopen their offices.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Survival Guide has a complete listing of coronavirus resources for small businesses.

 

The New Jersey Business Action Center’s guide to opening a business in N.J.

The state’s jobs and hiring portal matches employers and candidates.

For employers to participate, click here.

New Jersey’s website for information on all of the state’s business resources during the pandemic.

New Jersey’s website for up-to-date information about COVID-19.

Have Questions about the Status of an Unemployment Claim? – You can send a message to the state Labor Department through its website – www.myunemployment.nj.gov. Then follow these instructions:

  • On the top of the page, scroll to the right for “Need Help” and unveil the drop-down menu
  • Choose Send an Email
  • Choose Email: Submit a message through the new online form.
  • Follow the prompts

To report a scammer or suspected price gouging, alert the N.J. Division of Consumer Affairs at (973) 504-6240 or at http://njconsumeraffairs.gov.

The state set up a 24-hour hotline where health care professionals are answering questions about coronavirus. The toll-free number is 1-800-222-1222. From outside the state, call 1-800-962-1253.

Covid 19 Business Information | Finance opportunities | A live chat feature can assist with any questions a company may have| Starter kits for various types of businesses |

Registration/permit process| Click Here