Borough of Point Pleasant – According to Mayor Sabosik, “Our Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders have partnered with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) to provide $10 million in grants to small businesses throughout Ocean County impacted by COVID-19.  Through the CARES Act, our Freeholders have put aside $10 million that the County received and have in turn created their own grant program where businesses and non-profits can apply for a grant up to $10 thousand dollars.  I would like to personally thank Freeholder Director Joe Vicari and the rest of the Freeholders for their foresight and creativity in using their funds in this capacity to help our small businesses.”

According to Freeholder Vicari, “By working with the NJEDA to administer these grants, the process will be business friendly and we will get this money dispersed in a timely manner so it will help during these very challenging times.  This $10 million in grants is exclusive for Ocean County businesses, in addition to the $45 million in grant money available to all state businesses from the NJEDA.”

According to Borough Administrator Frank Pannucci, “It is our understanding that funds will be dispersed to Ocean County businesses from the NJEDA on behalf of Ocean County because they already have the infrastructure to handle a grant program like this.  Business owners will be able to apply by going to https://forms.business.nj.gov/grant-2. We want Point Pleasant’s businesses that qualify to apply for this as soon as they can because it is on a first come, first serve basis.  It has been relayed to us that this County program has been established for businesses and non-profits with fewer than 25 employees to apply for the grant and that applications are live and are due in by June 30th.”

Freeholder Director Vicari said that “The Ocean County business community faces some unique challenges related to tourism and hospitality representing such a high percentage of its economic activity.  These businesses were hit earliest and hardest by the pandemic and these grants will help to sustain them as we enter the busy summer season.”

Mayor Sabosik added that “The Borough Council and I want our businesses to take advantage of this opportunity.  Our local economy is the backbone of our community.”