News

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Emily Manz

SVP of Business Development

Office: (973) 273-1040
Email: emanz@investnewark.org

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NEWARK LAUNCHES PROGRAM TO ACTIVATE VACANT RETAIL SPACES IN DOWNTOWN COMMERCIAL BUSINESS DISTRICT

Newark, NJ – September 6, 2023—Mayor Ras J. Baraka announced today that the City of Newark and Invest Newark, the city’s leading economic development corporation have launched a program to help business and not-for-profit organizations locate in Newark’s burgeoning downtown core. The program, known as the Newark Retail Reactivation Initiative, aims to support businesses that are looking to bring more retail, cultural and food experiences to downtown, improve aesthetics, safety, and quality of life in the heart of the city, and turn long vacant storefronts into amenities for Newark residents, workers, and students.

Newark Partnership Helps 4 Families Become First-time Homeowners

NEWARK, N.J. — Officials in New Jersey’s largest city are trying to expand opportunities for low- and moderate-income families to become homeowners.

Newark ribbon-cutting as low-income renters become homeowners

Less than a quarter of Newark residents own their home. City officials have steadily been working to turn that tide, using a program that helps low-income renters become first-generation homeowners without all the usual hefty costs.

The Newark Land Bank Section 8 Homeownership Conversion Program takes formerly blighted properties and transforms them into homes.

Invest Newark Launches 'Language of Capital' Series to Support Newark-Based Entrepreneurs

(NEWARK, NJ) — Invest Newark, the City of Newark’s Economic Development Corporation, has announced the launch of the ‘Language of Capital’ series, in partnership with Valley National Bank. The course provides Newark-based entrepreneurs with instruction to build business acumen, equipping them to make the most informed decisions to achieve their entrepreneurial goals. Topics covered in the series include business insurance, using merchant services, business planning, equipment financing and more.

Invest Newark Receives Award for Excellence in Economic Development from the International Economic Development Council

Newark, NJ (October 5, 2022) – Invest Newark, the City of Newark’s Economic Development Corporation, has received the Excellence in Economic Development Bronze Award from the International Economic Development Council for Economic Development Organization of the Year. The prestigious award recognizes Invest Newark’s extensive work on equitable economic development throughout the city, including the organization’s programs such as the Newark Land Bank, Newark Fiber and the Language of Capital class.

FROM MAKING LOANS TO SEEKING THEM, CHASE EXEC TO HEAD NEWARK'S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AGENCY

Newark, NJ – (March 31, 2022) – The new head of Newark’s economic development corporation will be a key player in the effort to close an affordable housing shortfall put at 16,000 homes. But coming from the private sector, where he had been on the lending side of affordable housing projects with an eye toward meeting company goals and human needs, Marcus Randolph believes he has the right experience to help him in his new public sector job.

$9M ARTS EDUCATION AND RESIDENCE REDEVELOPMENT OPENS IN NEWARK

Newark, NJ – (March 31, 2022) – An artist housing development will provide Newark’s Clinton Hill neighborhood with a new cultural art, education, residential and social center following the March 29 ribbon cutting of the Gant-Gilbert Arts Collective at 505 Clinton St.

INVEST NEWARK RECEIVES $500K FROM JP MORGAN CHASE

Newark, NJ – (March 24, 2022) – Invest Newark, the City of Newark’s Economic Development Corporation, has received a $500,000 investment from JPMorgan Chase. Through this support, Invest Newark intends to grow its current customized lending, technical assistance and business development programming.

MAYOR RAS J. BARAKA ANNOUNCES PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT IN “NEWARK360: SHAPING OUR CITY TOGETHER,” THE CITY’S 10-YEAR MASTER PLAN

NEWARK, NJ (December 2, 2021) – Pledging that Newark’s next master plan will be a national model for how residents can consciously shape the future of their cities, Mayor Ras J. Baraka today began an intense phase of community involvement in “Newark360, Shaping Our City Together.”

Initiative Aimed to Prepare Local Business Owners for Upcoming State Paper, Plastic Bag Ban Could Help Newark

NEWARK, NJ (October 19, 2021) – New Jersey organizations are coming together to outline what business owners across the state, including in Newark, need to know when a ban on paper and plastic bags at larger stores goes into effect in May 2022.

New Tech House In Newark Aims to Close Digital Divide

NEWARK, NJ (September 30, 2021) – New Tech House In Newark Aims to Close Digital Divide

NEWARK, NJ — A 19th-century Victorian home in Newark’s Fairmount neighborhood that has been repurposed through a partnership between the city and community partners is now planned to bring technology training and education resources to underserved residents right in their backyard.

First-ever Newark Restaurant Week hosted by Invest Newark now underway

NEWARK, NJ (August 16, 2021) — Newark Restaurant Week is now underway.

Invest Newark – Newark’s economic development organization – is hosting this first Newark Restaurant Week with eateries and restaurants offering prix fixe lunch and dinner menus from August 15 – August 22.

Three New Jersey families get keys to 1st homes thanks to new program

NEWARK, NJ (June 1, 2021) — Three families received the keys to their first homes in Newark Tuesday as part of the city’s newly operational “Section 8 Homeownership Conversion Program.”

Mayor Ras Baraka joined Invest Newark, Newark’s Economic Development Corporation, and other dignitaries to host a ribbon cutting event where they handed over the keys of subsidized redeveloped properties to the three families.

THREE NEWARK FAMILIES TO RECEIVE KEYS TO THEIR FIRST HOMES FROM INVEST NEWARK’S SECTION 8 HOMEOWNERSHIP PROGRAM ON TUESDAY JUNE 1, AT 11:30 A.M., AT 92 SOUTH 10TH STREET

NEWARK, NJ (May 27, 2021) — Mayor Ras J. Baraka, Deputy Mayor of Economic and Housing Development Allison Ladd, Invest Newark President and CEO Bernel Hall, and other dignitaries will host a ribbon cutting event for the organization’s “Section 8 Homeownership Conversion Program,” where they will hand over the keys of subsidized redeveloped properties to three families. The event will mark the beginning of the newly-operational program. The formerly blighted properties rehabilitated by Newark-based MWBE contractors are move-in ready for the families, who have been selected through a lottery.

MAYOR BARAKA SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER EXPANDING OUTDOOR DINING OPPORTUNITIES WITH “STREATERIES” AND PARKLETS AND REQUESTING IMPLEMENTATION OF MANDATORY VACCINE POLICY FOR LARGE INDOOR AND OUTDOOR VENUES

NEWARK, NJ (May 20, 2021) —Mayor Ras J. Baraka today signed an Executive Order that will enable Newark eating establishments to operate “StrEATERIES” and parklets. It also allows indoor dining establishments to remain open until 2 a.m., and outdoor dining establishments until Midnight. Music cannot be played after 10 p.m. at outside dining establishments.

NEWARK SETS NEW DATES FOR VIRTUAL COMMUNITY MEETINGS ON AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN RELIEF

NEWARK, NJ (May 20, 2021) —Mayor Ras J. Baraka announced today that the City of Newark is setting new dates for the virtual community meetings to discuss how the city will use the $88.3 million of its first installment of American Rescue Plan monies to overcome the impact of COVID-19 on the city’s economy. The monies will be used to stabilize the City’s finances due to lost revenue, and to get monies into the hands of residents and small businesses that suffered during the pandemic.

UBER, UNITED WAY OFFER FREE RIDES FOR NEWARK RESIDENTS TO GET COVID-19 VACCINES

NEWARK, NJ (May 20, 2021) —Mayor Ras J. Baraka announced today that the City of Newark is collaborating with Uber and the United Way to provide 10,000 free rides to local vaccination sites for residents living in the City of Newark. The rideshare company is working cooperatively with the United Way of Greater Newark, a non-profit that works to improve the lives of individuals, children and families within its footprint, to administer the rides and participants will be given free transit to and from vaccine sites for both required doses.

 

Newark residents can access the rides by inputting the promo code 10MVUWNewark in their Uber app, or by contacting the United Way of Greater Newark by phone at 973-624-8300 or by email at info@uwnewark.org.

NEWARK RECEIVES $88.3M IN AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN MONIES; PRIORITY FOR FIRST INSTALLMENT IS TO GET MONEY INTO HANDS OF RESIDENTS AND SMALL BUSINESSES

NEWARK, NJ (May 19, 2021) —Mayor Ras J. Baraka announced today that the City of Newark has received $88,333,803 in its first installment of American Rescue Plan monies to overcome the impact of COVID-19 on the city’s economy. The monies will be used to stabilize the City’s finances due to lost revenue, and to get monies into the hands of residents and small businesses that suffered during the pandemic.

NEWARK LAUNCHES SURVEY TO HELP SMALL BUSINESS RECOVERY FROM COVID-19

NEWARK, NJ (May 12, 2021) — Mayor Ras J. Baraka announced today that the City of Newark is launching the Newark Small Business Recovery Survey, an initiative to help guide the City in its plans to help small businesses regain their strength as Newark recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. By hearing directly from small businesses, the survey will help the City get a better understanding of their condition, challenges they’ve experienced over the past year, their experience interfacing with government, and how the City of Newark can better serve them. The survey is available to all Newark small businesses and can be accessed here or by scanning the QR code below.

Newark teaches America a lesson on lead pipes – and hiring local

NEWARK, NJ (May 3, 2021) — President Joe Biden has called to replace 100 percent of the country’s lead pipes as part of his American Jobs Plan, to prevent the toxic chemical from flaking off into our drinking water. Cities should take a page from Newark, which treated this like the health emergency it is, and got the job done way ahead of time.

Not only did Newark replace nearly all of its 18,500 lead pipes quickly – raising the money through a bond to speed things up and make it free for homeowners – it involved local people in the effort. The city created an apprentice program that trained 50 Newark residents, 32 of whom are still on the job, and provided help to local businesses so they could bid for pieces of the project.

Newark Resident Opens Second IHOP Restaurant in the City

NEWARK, NJ (April 8, 2021) — Multi-franchise owner Adenah Bayoh cut the ribbon in front of her second IHOP location in Newark on Wednesday, commencing the launch of her new business with help from the city and local investors.

Along with Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and representatives from Invest Newark and New Jersey Community Capital, Bayoh’s second Newark restaurant and her fourth overall, is located in the retail space of 915 Broad St., a new 84-unit mixed-income residence across from City Hall that she co-developed.

Invest Newark Launches Region’s First Land Bank to Revive and Provide Equitable Opportunity to City’s Abandoned Properties

NEWARK, NJ (March 2, 2021) — Invest Newark today launched the Newark Land Bank, an initiative championed by Mayor Ras J. Baraka to improve the quality of life for Newark residents. The Land Bank will lead the way to begin the post-COVID economic recovery of Newark by boosting home ownership and creating affordable and market rate housing.

CITY OF NEWARK AND INVEST NEWARK WIN $75,000 AWARD TO ADVANCE HOUSING AFFORDABILITY SOLUTIONS

NEWARK, NJ (January 25, 2021) — Mayor Ras J. Baraka announced today that the City of Newark and Invest Newark were named one of eight recipients of the 2021 CommunityWINS® grant program, a joint effort by the U.S. Conference of Mayors and Wells Fargo to advance housing affordability solutions in local communities. The grants totaling $1 million recognize outstanding mayoral-based initiatives that assist their city in reducing the cost burden of housing and increase access to safe, affordable places to live.

Invest Newark Launches Dedicated Website for the Newark Land Bank

NEWARK, NJ (January 21, 2021) — Invest Newark today launched a ​dedicated website​ for the Newark Land Bank, ​an initiative championed by Mayor Ras J. Baraka was created​ to improve the quality of life for Newark residents by boosting home ownership, reducing blight, creating affordable and market rate housing, increasing M/W/DBE developer or subcontractor capacity, and more.

New Jersey Devils Buy Black Program Now Accepting Applications From Local Black-Owned Businesses Through February 2

NEWARK, NJ (January 18, 2021) — The New Jersey Devils announced today, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, that the team will begin accepting applications for the Devils Buy Black Program in continuance of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment’s action plan and 20 million-dollar commitment to racial equity. All interested applicants may apply at NewJerseyDevils.com/buyblack. The Devils Buy Black Program was developed to promote local, Black-owned businesses and provide them with expert marketing consultation, advertising value, educational programs and additional tools to succeed. Applying businesses will become eligible for other resources such as grant opportunities, assistance accessing Payroll Protection Program loans, networking events, and future Devils business programs.

All applying businesses will be invited to participate in education and development programs as well as other Devils small business programs, including a partnership with Invest Newark, a local community nonprofit focused on supporting minority businesses and entrepreneurs, which will offer support applying for and accessing Payroll Protection Program loans.

Invest Newark Announces Three New Board Members

Newark, NJ (December 28, 2020) — Invest Newark is pleased to announce three new Board Members, Carlos M. Gonzalez, At-Large Council Member, Richard Cammarieri, Director of Special Projects for New Community Corporation (NCC) and Dr. Kevin Lyons, Associate Professor PP, Supply Chain Management Department and Director, Public Private Community Partnerships, Rutgers Business School.

United Way of Greater Newark Releases First-Ever Report on Impact of COVID-19 on Small Businesses in Newark (Invest Newark Partnership)

Newark, NJ (November 16, 2020) — Today, United Way of Greater Newark (UWGN) released its first-ever “COVID-19 Emergency Small Business Grants Program 2020 Report,” detailing the economic impacts of COVID-19 on small businesses, both nationally and in Newark, including the industries that were hardest hit by the pandemic, and next steps for rebuilding as the City faces a long road to recovery.

At the start of the pandemic, UWGN partnered with the City of Newark and Invest Newark to launch its Community COVID-19 Fund to support local community members, organizations and small businesses impacted by the pandemic.

CITY OF NEWARK LAUNCHES $100 MILLION ‘NWK FAM FUND’

Newark, NJ (September 28, 2020) — In a first of its kind initiative, Mayor Ras J. Baraka, Invest Newark, and co-partners announced the launch of the “NWK FAM Fund” (Newark 40 Acres and a Mule Fund), with Reverend Al Sharpton standing in support of the Fund and the economic justice it will provide. The press conference took place in the Municipal Council Chambers in City Hall.

Black and employee-owned business born in Newark amid pandemic

Newark, NJ (August 27, 2020) — While many businesses are struggling to survive right now, one business in Newark started up in the middle of the pandemic.

It’s called the Newark Paper Company, which is structured to turn all profits over to the employees who work there. It’s the city’s first employee stock owned company.

Invest Newark and New Jersey Community Capital Launch the Invest Newark Infrastructure Fund

Newark, NJ (August 27, 2020) — Invest Newark, the City of Newark’s Economic Development Corporation, recently announced a partnership with New Jersey Community Capital (NJCC), the state’s largest Community Development Financial Institution, to launch the Invest Newark Infrastructure Fund (INIF), initially capitalized with $2 million.  INIF’s purpose is to stimulate economic development and infrastructure activities throughout the City of Newark, with the primary focus of providing capital and back-office support to Newark-based Minority and Women-Owned businesses (MWBE’s) that acquire government or quasi-government contracts for infrastructure projects in Newark and other municipalities.

CITY OF NEWARK, INVEST NEWARK AND NEWARK HOUSING AUTHORITY ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP TO ACHIEVE HOME OWNERSHIP FOR LOW-INCOME FAMILIES

Newark, NJ (July 17, 2020) — The City of Newark, Newark Housing Authority, and Invest Newark (Newark’s Economic Development Corporation), have launched a first-of-its kind program to provide eligible Section 8 recipients, with the opportunity to use their vouchers to purchase their first home.

Invest Newark to host webinar on Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ PPP initiatives

Newark, NJ (April 28, 2020) — Invest Newark announced on Monday it will host a webinar in partnership with Combs Enterprises to provide guidance for Newark minority- and women-owned small businesses on the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Payroll Protection Program.

Newark Mayor and Invest Newark Host Webinar Featuring Sean "Diddy" Comb's Payroll Protection Loan Initiative On April 28

Newark, NJ (April 27, 2020) — Invest Newark, Newark’s Economic Development Corporation, will host a webinar in partnership with Combs Enterprises to provide Newark minority-owned and women-owned small businesses with guidance on the SBA’s Payroll Protection Program (PPP).

Music mogul’s PPP iniative teams with Invest Newark, Baraka for webinar

Newark, NJ (April 27, 2020) —Invest Newark will host a webinar with Combs Enterprises to provide Newark minority-owned and women-owned small businesses with guidance on the Payroll Protection Program on April 28 at 4 p.m.

Big-city buy-in: Newark leaders say investing more B2B dollars locally would key post-pandemic recovery

Newark, NJ (April 17, 2020) — Invest Newark joins Newark Alliance, mayor’s office to create procurement portal to help long-term viability of small businesses, push Baraka’s ‘Buy, Live, Work’ initiative

Invest Newark, Audible and Newark Venture Partners Launch Small Business Guidance Program

Newark, NJ (April 13, 2020) — Invest Newark, Newark’s Economic Development Corporation, today announced a partnership with Audible and Newark Venture Partners to provide business owners with access to free virtual guidance to help them navigate the economic challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Invest Newark to take charge of city’s land bank redevelopment program

Invest Newark to take charge of city’s land bank redevelopment program A state law Gov. Phil Murphy signed in July would allow organizations such as Invest Newark, or local government bodies, to act as “land banks” and acquire abandoned and vacant properties and revitalize them into sites that benefit the neighborhood, be it housing or businesses.

Newark land bank effort: A plan to rebuild the Brick City

A series of forums is underway in Newark to get community buy-in for the city’s new “land bank” initiative, which proponents say will be a powerful tool in combating the abandoned properties and blight that afflict many of the city’s neighborhoods. “A land bank is basically a not-for-profit that assembles land that the city has had a…