Small Business Improvement
The Small Business Improvement program supports existing East Trenton business owners and residents who are interested in starting a new business to provide goods and services in the neighborhood. Led by a resident advisory committee and offered on a rolling basis as funding becomes available, the program prioritizes projects that build a positive visual environment, improve the overall look of the neighborhood, and allow businesses to expand their ability to provide goods and services.
ETC recognizes that neighborhood businesses are partners in the neighborhood’s revitalization, providing goods and services as well as employment opportunities, which in turn support the neighborhood’s economic development. Additionally, businesses’ physical presence alongside homes and public spaces is an integral part of the neighborhood’s overall look and feel. ETC also believes that resident leadership, expressed through residents’ shared investment and participation in neighborhood improvement activities, is an equally important component. Besides improving the physical aspects of East Trenton businesses and their capacity to provide goods and services to the neighborhood, the Small Business Improvement program also seeks to provide opportunities for resident leadership and collaboration between residents and business owners.
More specific details and requirements about the program and grant applications can be found below.
Program Details
There are two grants available as part of ETC’s Small Business Improvement program. The Small Business Improvement grant is available to existing businesses in the East Trenton neighborhood, and the Small Business Startup grant is available to those who are looking to start a new business in the East Trenton neighborhood.
Who is eligible?
Small Business Improvement Grant - Existing businesses, with 5 or fewer employees including their owner, currently operating in the East Trenton neighborhood are eligible to apply. Examples of such businesses include but are not limited to restaurants, bars, grocers or other retailers, auto mechanics, hairstylists, and other service providers, as well as industrial businesses. East Trenton residents interested in acquiring residential properties to maintain and operate as rental units may also be eligible. Assistance purchasing residential properties for rental is available only to East Trenton residents who currently live in East Trenton and who are seeking to purchase properties in the East Trenton neighborhood. Assistance is available to others seeking to purchase mixed-use, commercial or industrial businesses who are currently operating businesses in the East Trenton neighborhood.
Small Business Startup Grant - Prospective entrepreneurs starting a business or nonprofit organizations working to create a social enterprise that will operate in the East Trenton neighborhood are eligible to apply. This also includes East Trenton residents who are looking to formalize an already existing “side hustle.” Applicants must have an existing business plan, have completed a business development course or be enrolled in a business development course in order to apply for the small business startup grant. Entrepreneurs should understand this program as an investment leading to their eventual physical, visible presence in East Trenton.
What types of projects are eligible?
Three types of projects are eligible through the Small Business Improvement grant program: (1) Physical improvements to existing storefront or street-side presence, such as renovation or improvement of interior storefronts or facades, including sidewalls that face the street, as well as signage, awnings, lights, or other security equipment. (2) Acquisition of space for conducting business. (3) Improvements to Business Operations and Capacity, such as training or consulting services to strengthen the business; technology; or purchase or repair of equipment that is critical to the business. This list is not exhaustive, and applications will be reviewed individually.
The eligible expenses for the Small Business Startup grant program include: attaining necessary permits, licenses, or training to formalize a new business; investment in equipment and infrastructure for starting a new business; cost of obtaining space for conducting business; necessary supplies, materials or initial inventory; or the roll out of an initial marketing campaign. This list is not exhaustive, and all applications will be reviewed individually.
What is the maximum award for the mini-grant?
The maximum award is $6000 for the Small Business Improvement grant, and $2000 for the Small Business Startup grant. Applicants determine the scope of work and cost for their project and submit an estimate with their application. Any project balances beyond the maximum award amount for each grant must be paid by the awardee.
Program Application
Download the Small Business Improvement grant program application in English here and Spanish here.
Download the Small Business Startup grant program here.
sMALL BUSINESS IMPROVMENT COMMITTEE:
The Small Business Improvement Committee is a resident advisory committee that reviews and updates program guidelines, issues program applications, and reviews applications to select awardees.
Questions? cONTACT:
klituma@isles.org
609-393-1625
kURT lITUMA
ETC Program Coordinator
