NJEDA Launches Phase 2 of PPE Access Program
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Businesses with 100 or fewer employees can apply for 25 percent discounts on PPE purchases
TRENTON, N.J. (November 9, 2020) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) announced today that it will launch Phase 2 of the NJ Small and Micro Business PPE Access Program tomorrow, Tuesday, November 10, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. At that time, New Jersey-based small businesses and nonprofit organizations with 100 or fewer employees will be able to apply to receive 25 percent discounts on purchases of personal protective equipment (PPE) from NJEDA-approved vendors. More information is available at https://covid19.nj.gov/ppeaccess.
“Small businesses are the cornerstone of New Jersey’s economy. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, it is crucial that we help them make the necessary changes to reopen and continue operating safely,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “The NJ Small and Micro Business PPE Access Program is a creative solution that leverages government and private resources to help business owners who have been hit the hardest by the pandemic acquire the protective equipment they need at an affordable price.”
The NJEDA developed the NJ Small and Micro Business PPE Access Program in response to consistent concerns emerging from the Governor’s Restart and Recovery Commission, the nine sector-based committees of the Governor’s Restart and Recovery Advisory Council, and input from numerous small businesses indicating the need for readily available, fairly priced PPE. During Phase 1 of the program, the NJEDA identified and vetted “Designated Vendors,” including Boxed, Office Depot, and Staples, who have partnered with the Authority to create “microsites” where New Jersey-based businesses can purchase a curated selection of PPE products at a 10 percent discount. The NJEDA also collaborated with the New Jersey Department of Health to create an online PPE Planning Tool that helps businesses understand PPE product requirements and estimate their organizational PPE needs. Links to the Designated Vendor microsites and the PPE Planning Tool are available at https://covid19.nj.gov/ppeaccess
The second phase of the PPE Access Program makes $20.4 million available to subsidize small and micro businesses’ PPE purchases from Staples and Office Depot. During this phase, businesses with 100 or fewer full-time equivalent employees (FTEs) can receive grants equal to 25 percent of the cost of purchases made through these Designated Vendors. All eligible businesses can receive up to $400 in discounts, and businesses operating in one of New Jersey’s 715 census tracts that were eligible to be designated as Opportunity Zones can receive up to $500. These grants are applied in addition to the 10 percent discount offered to all businesses, meaning small businesses can save up to a third of the cost of their PPE purchases.
Small businesses and organizations interested in receiving 25 percent discounts must apply at https://covid19.nj.gov/ppeaccess. Once the NJEDA has confirmed their eligibility, they will receive vouchers for purchases from a Designated Vendor of their choice. This discount will automatically reduce the costs of online purchases the participating small business or organization makes from that Designated Vendor by 25 percent. The discounts will expire after 14 days or on November 30th.
In addition to the PPE Access Program, the NJEDA administers a variety of grant, low-cost financing, and technical assistance programs for small and mid-sized businesses impacted by COVID-19. Comprehensive information about these programs and other State support for businesses impacted by the pandemic is available at https://cv.business.nj.gov.
About the New Jersey Economic Development Authority
The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.
To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses call NJEDA Customer Care at 609-858-6767 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
