Small Businesses: Resources during COVID-19

Local, State, and Federal agencies have made the following information and resources available to small/independent businesses in need of assistance due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Local

LuvLiv Local Grant Program

The Livingston Community Partnership (BID) has partnered with the Township of Livingston to help our local businesses devastated by the Coronavirus crisis. If a business qualifies for the LuvLivLocal Grant, they can obtain up to $1,500 to cover expenses that will be required for them to re-open their business forced to close due to the COVID-19 virus. Read more (PDF) and download the LuvLivLocal Grant application (PDF).

Relaxed Zoning Standards

The Township Council has relaxed local zoning standards to allow such things as expanded outdoor dining for restaurants, allowing:

increased signage for all businesses, such as window banners and signs and A-Frame signs letting customers know they are open for business and/or provide curbside pickup
sidewalk sales
outdoor fitness classes
other outdoor shopping opportunities for retailers
outdoor fitness classes

This also allows restaurants to expand their dining spaces onto sidewalks and/or parking areas in order to allow for proper social distancing, and allows them to put up temporary tents or awnings to protect customers from the elements.

The application process has also been simplified, and zoning fees have been waived to aid local businesses affected by the COVID-10 pandemic.

State

COVID-19/Novel Coronavirus New Jersey Business Information Hub

New Jersey has set up an information hub with FAQ regarding COVID-19’s impact on businesses. Find it at cv.business.nj.gov.

NJDOL and the Coronavirus (COVID-19): What Employers & Businesses Should Know

The New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development provides guidance for employers and retailers and information about economic assistance for businesses here.

NJEDA Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant and Loan Programs

Updated April 22, 2021: Phase 4 of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant Program provides grants up to $20,000 to small- and medium- sized businesses and non-profits that have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Interested business owners need to pre-register at programs.njeda.com between Monday, April 19, 2021 at 9:00 am and Thursday, April 29, 2021 at 5:00 pm. Read more...

An informational webinar about the program for Essex County will be held on April 26, 2021 at 10:00 am. Register here.

This NJEDA’s Small Business Emergency Loan Program made direct low-cost financing available to allow New Jersey small businesses and non-profits to cover operating expenses and ensure continuity of operations during the outbreak. This program is now closed.

To see whether you might qualify for these and other programs and to find out about the status, use the NJ COVID-19 Business Support Eligibility Wizard.

Federal

Coronavirus Emergency Loans

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has created a guide to help small businesses, independent contractors, and gig economy workers prepare to file for a coronavirus relief loan under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Read more...

View the guide here (PDF).

Guide to the CARES Act

The U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship has created a comprehensive guide to many of the small business provisions in the CARES Act that was passed by Congress on March 27. Read more...

View the guide here (PDF).

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA): Award Programs, Guidance, and Loan Resources

The SBA has created a Restaurant Revitalization Award Program to provide "direct relief funds to restaurants and other hard-hit food establishments that have experienced economic distress and significant operational losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic."

The SBA has provided a Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources page. Topics: Paycheck Protection Program; Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Loan Advance; SBA Debt Relief; SBA Express Bridge Loans; Guidance for Businesses and Employers; SBA Products and Resources; Government Contracting; Local Assistance.

Reopening Guidelines & Policies

As New Jersey begins to lift COVID-19 restrictions, businesses will be looking to reopen their establishments and return to normal operations. Find guidelines, policies, and information related to safely reopening here.