Now Available: Stronger NJ Business Grant Program
 
Beginning May, 1st, 2013, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) will begin accepting applications for the Stronger NJ Business Grant program. This program provides up to $50,000 per impacted location and up to $250,000 per entity to eligible small businesses and non-profit organizations which sustained a minimum of $5,000 in physical damage from Superstorm Sandy.
 
Governor Chris Christie has tasked the NJEDA to administer $460 million of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding to support the recovery of storm-impacted businesses. Of this total, $260 million will fund the Stronger NJ Business Grant program.
 
For more information regarding the Stronger NJ Business Grant program, including 
eligibility information and application instructions, please visit: http://application.njeda.com/
strongernjbusinessgrant.
 
The NJEDA Office of Recovery Superstorm Sandy hotline is also open at 1-855-SANDY-BZ to answer any questions business owners may have regarding the program and application process. Download Frequently Asked Grant Questions. 

The NJEDA is asking business owners help spread the word about the launch of this critically important program, so that impacted businesses can receive the assistance they need. The NJEDA Office of Recovery is also happy to work with business organizations to familiarize them with the new programs by serving as guest speakers and participating in scheduled events or sharing program tool kits that include key information. The NJEDA Office of Recovery can be reached through the Superstorm Sandy hotline at 1-855-SANDY-BZ.
 
Para español marque 1-855-SANDY-BZ.

Volunteer Lawyers For Justice To Be Available In April & MayTo Help Victims of Superstorm Sandy

Residents with legal issues from Hurricane Sandy are eligible to receive FREE legal counsel and advice and brief services from volunteer attorneys from Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLI).

Clinics will be held from 6pm to 8pm on Wednesdays, April 10th, April 24th, May 1st, and May 15th, at the Barrow Mansion, 83 Wayne Street. Download flyer and list of documents to bring.

If you cannot attend one of the clinics below in person, call the VLI's toll free hotline at (855) 301-2525.

Disaster Recovery Centers To Change Hours On Monday, April 8th 

New Jersey disaster recovery center hours will change to 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday on Monday, April 8. Saturday hours will remain 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Nine disaster recovery centers are open throughout New Jersey and are located in Atlantic, Cape May, Hudson, Monmouth and Ocean counties. Survivors can find their closest center online at FEMA.gov/DRC.  


NJSBDC Adds More Expert Pro Bono Counselors And Advisors To Help Businesses Hurt By Super Storm Sandy; New Temporary Offices Being Set Up And At Your Door Service Possible

A cadre of consultants, funded through a special grant, are now available to help small business owners directly focus on innovation and strategies to reopen, restore and rejuvenate businesses through the myriad of regulation and red tape.

Administered by the New Jersey Small Business Development Centers Network, the program experts will provide pro bono one-on-one, up to date, realistic advice at an existing or temporary NJSBDC service center, or your own business site when appropriate. The priority is to help businesses in the “red zone” hit hardest by the storm.

The NJSBDC experts will help identify the needs of the particular business and customize an approach that helps sustain growth. This special outreach program, which focuses on Monmouth,Ocean, Cape May, Atlantic, Hudson and Bergen Counties, is made possible by a grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Read more. Download Flyer.

FEMA EXTENDS DISASTER ASSISTANCE DEADLINE FOR NEW JERSEY HURRICANE SURVIVORS TO MAY 1

Survivors of Hurricane Sandy in New Jersey now have until May 1 to register for disaster assistance throught the Federal Emergency Management Agency and return Small Business Administration disaster loan applications.

People with storm losses in all counties in New Jersey can register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. Registration is also available by calling 800-621-3362, TTY 800-462-7585 or 711/VRS. The toll-free telephone numbers operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. 

FEMA disaster assistance for individuals and families can include money for rental assistance, essential home repairs, personal property and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance. 

The simplest way to complete an SBA application is online by using the electronic loan application. Go to DisasterLoan.SBA.gov/ELA. More information is available by calling the SBA customer service center at 800-659-2955 or TTY 800-877-8339. SBA disaster loans are the largest source of federal recovery funds for individuals with property or content losses.
 
The deadline was extended one month at the request of the state of New Jersey. Through March 29, more than 60,000 storm survivors have been approved for help through FEMA’s Individual Assistance program in New Jersey.

Help is available by visiting a disaster recovery center for one-to-one assistance. Centers can be located by going to FEMA.gov/DRC.

Update 3/12 - Rebuild NJ - The Jersey City Fund Offers Small Businesses Loans To Rebuild After Sandy

The Jersey City Fund will help small businesses in Jersey City overcome the devastating effects of Hurricane Sandy by offering quick access to low-interest working capital loans and lines of credit. The Jersey City Fund was established by New  Jersey Community Capital in partnership with a grants from Goldman Sachs Gives and JP Morgan Chase & Co. and funding from the Jersey City Economic Development Corporation, which is utilizing Urban Enterprise Zone reserves. Download Flyer and read more here. 


Update 3/01 - SBA Extends Deadline for Hurricane Sandy Survivors in New Jersey; Centers Remain in Cape May, Monmouth and Ocean Counties

The U.S. Small Business Administration has extended the deadline for Hurricane Sandy survivors in New Jersey to return applications for physical damage to April 1, 2013.  

Individuals and businesses will continue to be served one-on-one when the existing Disaster Recovery Centers located in Cape May, Monmouth and Ocean counties transition to SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Centers on Friday, March 1.

 “Survivors who receive a SBA disaster loan application should submit it as soon as possible to receive consideration for a loan to help with their recovery,” said Frank Skaggs, director of SBA Field Operations Center East.  “SBA’s Customer Service Representatives are available at the centers to provide one-on-one assistance in completing their applications.”

Read more.




Update 2/26 - Christie Administration Announces Insurance Mediation Program to Expedite Sandy-Related Claims

Continuing the Administration’s commitment to assist New Jersey residents in swiftly resolving their Sandy-related insurance claims, Governor Chris Christie and New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance (DOBI) Commissioner Ken Kobylowski announced the release of a Request for a Qualification (RFQ) to establish a new mediation process that gives consumers the option to settle disputed cases without resorting to costly and time consuming lawsuits.

“This process is needed to help alleviate the hardship being experienced by residents whose property was damaged or destroyed by Sandy,” said Governor Christie. “As of February 15, the percentage of claims closed is now 87% overall and 91% for homeowners. This mediation program is an opportunity to expediently resolve outstanding claims so that residents can continue to rebuild their lives.”

The new program will allow property owners to submit homeowner’s, automobile and commercial property claims to a mediator who will review the case and assist in settlement discussions. Disputed non-flood Sandy-related claims greater than $1,000 that do not include a reasonable suspicion of fraud and are based on policies in force at the time Sandy made landfall will be eligible for mediation. Insurance carriers will pay for the cost of the mediator.

“Safeguarding the interests of policyholders is part of this Department’s mission to protect consumers,” said DOBI Commissioner Kobylowski. “We know that other states facing the aftermath of weather-related disasters and storms, such as Hurricane Katrina, successfully operated similar mediation programs. New Jersey’s program will help rapidly and amicably resolve claims to help residents recover from Sandy.”

The Mediation Program will not include flood insurance claims at the inception of the program because those claims are handled by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) pursuant to federal regulations. However, the Department continues to monitor and assess the viability of securing NFIP participation in certain mediations at a later date.

State regulated insurers are required to notify insureds with open or unresolved homeowner’s, auto and commercial claims that they can ask for a mediation conference and detailed instructions for filing that request. Participation by policyholders is completely voluntary. Insurers authorized or admitted to transact business in New Jersey and the New Jersey Insurance Underwriting Association will be required to participate in the Mediation Program. Surplus lines insurers and risk retention groups (RRGs) may elect whether or not to participate in the mediation process on a case-by-case basis.

Update 2/25/13 - Only 5 Days Left To File With FEMA & SBA. Midnight On March 1st, 2013, Is The Final Deadline To Apply For Sandy-Related Assistance

Hurricane Sandy survivors in New Jersey have five days remaining to register for recovery assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Survivors can register by phone until 10:00 p.m. March 1st or online until midnight.

March 1st is also the deadline to return applications to the U.S. Small Business Administration for low-interest disaster loans, which is the primary source of federal funds for long-term rebuilding.

The quickest way to apply for an SBA disaster home or business loan is to fill out an online application.
 
New Jerseyans who applied for federal disaster assistance are urged to stay in touch with FEMA
and SBA. Applicants should notify FEMA and SBA of changes to their mailing addresses, phone numbers or email addresses. Read more.

Update 2/22/13 - Stay In Touch With Fema To Continue Temporary Housing 

Survivors should mail packets to:

FEMA
National Processing Service Center
P.O. Box 10055
Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055

They also can fax requests to: 800-827-8112. The registration and disaster numbers should be clearly visible on each page.

Update 2/13/13 - FEMA Workshops Give Advice On How To Rebuild Safely

Getting free advice on how to repair or rebuild your home to minimize future disaster damage is as easy as visiting your local home improvement store. Specialists from the Federal Emergency Management Agency will offer their expertise on building techniques that can help protect your home, business or other property. This free service also offers information and publications on topics such as:

•   Ridding a home of mold and mildew.
•   Understanding flood- and wind-resistant building methods.
•   Knowing the benefits of flood insurance.
•   Elevating or anchoring utilities.

FEMA specialists are available daily from Tuesday, Feb. 12, to Friday, Feb. 15, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 16, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the following home improvement stores:
 
•   Hudson County—Lowe’s, 400 Bayonne Crossing Way, Bayonne, NJ 07002
•   Union County—Home Depot, 399-443 Springfield Ave., Newark, NJ 07103

For additional information on rebuilding stronger visit FEMA's “Mitigation Resources.” 

Update 2/25/13 - FEMA & SBA Extend Deadlines To Register For Hurricane Sandy Assistance

People with storm losses in all counties in New Jersey can register online at   www.DisasterAssistance.govor via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. Registration is also available by calling 800-621-3362, TTY 800-462-7585 or 711/VRS. The toll-free telephone numbers operate from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. seven days a week. 

The deadline was extended one month at the request of the state of New Jersey. Through Wednesday, Jan. 23, more than 57,500 storm survivors have been approved for help through FEMA’s Individual Assistance program in New Jersey. 

The disaster registration process serves as a referral point for FEMA programs and those of partner agencies such as the U.S. Small Business Administration, American Red Cross and the Salvation Army.

FEMA disaster assistance for individuals and families can include money for rental assis- tance, essential home repairs, personal property and other serious disaster- related needs not covered by insurance.    

The SBA has now set March 1 as the date for homeowners, renters and business owners to complete and return SBA disaster loan applications. Visit www.sba.gov or call 800-659-2955, TTY 800-877-8339 for more information.

• SBA Fact Sheet Disaster Loans and Application Deadlines
• Spanish Version Fact Sheet SBA Disaster Loans and Application Deadlines
• FEMA Assistance and Application Deadlines    

Jersey City Hurricane-Affected Small Businesses Urged to Attend
Open House for REBUILD New Jersey

REBUILD New Jersey - The Jersey City Fund was established by New Jersey Community Capital (NJCC) with grants from Goldman Sachs Gives and JP Morgan Chase & Co., and $500,000 in funding from the Jersey City Economic Development (JCEDC) which is utilizing its Urban Enterprise Zone reserve funds.

“Jersey City’s small businesses are the backbone of our community and securing the resources they need to recover and get back to business as usual is one of our top priorities,” said Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy. “The Jersey City Economic Development Corporation’s partnership with New Jersey Community Capital and Goldman Sachs Gives is a big step in helping Jersey City’s small businesses — and our community — and we are happy to be working with them.” Read more.

The application period began Monday, November 26 and will run 7 business days, which will be December 3rd or 4th, dependent on whether a county processes applications on Saturday.

NO NJ DSNAP applications are being taken in FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers.

For more information, call toll free: 1-800-687-9512.

For additional information please refer here and here. Read more here.

SANDY BUSINESS RECOVERY:  A toll-free hotline, 1-888-541-1900, is now available for NJ survivors facing legal issues because of Hurricane Sandy.  Disaster survivors with storm-related legal issues can call the hotline to request free legal assistance. Hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Following are new updates & links on important recovery information:

New Department of Banking and Insurance Mobile Offices

Updated list of FEMA and SBA disaster assistance locations throughout the state. 

Two types of Disaster Centers available for one-to-one assistance:

DRCs: A Disaster Recovery Center has staff from FEMA, SBA and other agencies.  It is designed to provide assistance to homeowners, renters and businesses.  FEMA/NJ determine the locations, hours of operation, etc.  SBA Customer Service Representatives are ALWAYS at these Centers to assist applicants.

BRCs: A Business Recovery Center is usually co-located with our partners with the Small Business Development Center, are staffed with SBA Customer Service Representatives and designed to assist business applicants. FEMA staff are NOT at these locations.

New hours beginning 11/23 - 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

For additional updates and resources related to Hurricane Sandy recovery please read more here. 

 
HURRICANE SANDY/ FEMA/EPA/NJ
STATE DOWNLOADS & SAFETY TIPS  

• JC FEMA DISASTER RECOVERY CENTER 
• EPA Guide: Flood Clean-up & Mold Prevention
• List of Business Recovery Services
• FEMA Information Flyer
• Download Safety Checklist
• PSE&G - Restoring Power A Complex Action
• disasterassistance.gov
• CDC Tips on Safe Sandy Clean-Up
• Disaster Unemployment Assistance
• EPA: A Brief Guide To Mold In English, Spanish, Arabic, Tagalog, Cambodian, etc.