Business Development Services

Newark Navigator Service

Program Objectives

The primary goal of the Newark Navigator Service is to provide small businesses in Newark with access to high-quality advice and support on how to adapt changing consumer behaviors and develop strategic plans to not only survive but also thrive and boost Newark’s economy. Additionally, the program aims to facilitate connections between small businesses and government agencies, so that business owners can focus on running their small business. A special emphasis is placed on supporting small, Black, and Brown-owned businesses across the City of Newark. Finally, the initiative seeks to develop and market a unified, impartial navigator and referral service. 

Partner Programs and Resources

New Jersey Office of Innovation
The Office of Innovation works collaboratively with government, academic, non-profit, and private sector institutions to drive innovation in the Garden State and improve the design and delivery of policies and services to the state’s residents, businesses, and institutions.

Resource
Want to make your side hustle official? The Office of Innovation made a simple way to register your business with the state and federal government. This is an important first step to both make your business official but also to be able to take advantage of the tax benefits, apply for grants, and build business credit.

Greater Newark Enterprise Corporation (GNEC)
GNEC, established in 2005, is a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). CDFIs aim to offer responsible and affordable lending services to financially disadvantaged communities nationwide. Unlike traditional banks, CDFIs also provide technical assistance support alongside their lending activities.

Programs

DreamMaker Loan
The GNEC DreamMaker Loan Program is a small business loan program offered specifically for New Jersey businesses seeking up to $30,000 in funding.

Business Builder
The GNEC DreamMaker Loan Program is a small business loan program offered specifically for New Jersey businesses seeking from $30,001 in $100,000 in funding.

New Jersey Economic Development Authority
The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Diversity & Inclusion Unit supports the Authority’s commitment to growing New Jersey’s economy and increasing equitable access to opportunity.

Programs

Emerging Developers Grant Program
The Emerging Developers Grant Program can provide support for up to 50% of your pre-development soft costs. Take our quick eligibility assessment and determine if you qualify for up to $250,000 in funding!

Small Business Lease Grant
The Small Business Lease Grant supports the growth and success of small businesses and non-profits by providing grant funding to cover a portion of lease payments for businesses and non-profits leasing new or additional space.

Small Business Improvement Grant
The Small Business Improvement Grant offers reimbursement for costs associated with making building improvements or purchasing new furniture, fixtures and equipment.

Partner Programs and Resources

New Jersey Office of Innovation
The Office of Innovation works collaboratively with government, academic, non-profit, and private sector institutions to drive innovation in the Garden State and improve the design and delivery of policies and services to the state’s residents, businesses, and institutions.

Resource
Want to make your side hustle official? The Office of Innovation made a simple way to register your business with the state and federal government. This is an important first step to both make your business official but also to be able to take advantage of the tax benefits, apply for grants, and build business credit.

Greater Newark Enterprise Corporation (GNEC)
GNEC, established in 2005, is a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). CDFIs aim to offer responsible and affordable lending services to financially disadvantaged communities nationwide. Unlike traditional banks, CDFIs also provide technical assistance support alongside their lending activities.

Programs:
• DreamMaker Loan – The GNEC DreamMaker Loan Program is a small business loan program offered specifically for New Jersey businesses seeking up to $30,000 in funding.

• Business Builder – The GNEC DreamMaker Loan Program is a small business loan program offered specifically for New Jersey businesses seeking from $30,001 in $100,000 in funding.

New Jersey Economic Development Authority
The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Diversity & Inclusion Unit supports the Authority’s commitment to growing New Jersey’s economy and increasing equitable access to opportunity.

Programs
• Emerging Developers Grant Program – The Emerging Developers Grant Program can provide support for up to 50% of your pre-development soft costs. Take our quick eligibility assessment and determine if you qualify for up to $250,000 in funding!

• Small Business Lease Grant – The Small Business Lease Grant supports the growth and success of small businesses and non-profits by providing grant funding to cover a portion of lease payments for businesses and non-profits leasing new or additional space.

• Small Business Improvement Grant – The Small Business Improvement Grant offers reimbursement for costs associated with making building improvements or purchasing new furniture, fixtures and equipment.