Grant Program to Help Small Businesses Affected by Rt. 80 Shutdown

On Apr 7, 2025

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) plans to create a $5 million grant program aimed at supporting small businesses in Morris County that have experienced a decline in revenue due to the lane closures on Route 80 caused by the ongoing sinkhole repairs. The Route 80 Business Assistance Grant Program will provide grants to businesses and non-profits located in close proximity to Route 80’s Exit 34. The grant program will go to the NJEDA Board this week for approval.

The program will provide grants to small businesses and non-profits that have up to 50 full-time employees. Applicants must certify a negative financial impact of at least $1,000 for the first quarter of 2025. Pending the NJEDA Board’s approval, the Authority is expected to open applications for the grant program by the end of the month. Additional program details and eligibility requirements will be available once the Board approves. Interested parties can check the NJEDA’s website and social media pages for updates.

Additionally, the U.S. Small Business Administration has approved Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL), capped at $2 million, for Morris County and the contiguous counties of Hunterdon, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union, and Warren. The EIDLs are a working capital loans to help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes meet their ordinary and necessary financial obligations that cannot be met as a direct result of the disaster. These loans are intended to assist through the disaster recovery period.

“It’s been a grueling several weeks for Morris County business owners located off the Route 80 corridor. From Wharton to Roxbury, small businesses have had fewer customers, resulting in a decline in sales and revenue. I’m happy to announce today that help is on the way,” said Gov. Phil Murphy. “The NJEDA’s planned grant program, paired with the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans, will inject much-needed capital into small businesses. We are committed to doing this as swiftly as possible to ease the burden on local businesses.”

“From natural disasters like Hurricane Sandy and tropical storms Henri and Ida, to a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic like COVID-19, the NJEDA is committed to supporting small business owners during dire times,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “The NJEDA shares Governor Murphy’s sense of urgency as we work to get critical funds to businesses most impacted by the Route 80 detours. We look forward to launching the program, which will help relieve the financial burden on small businesses, allowing them to stay open and continue serving communities in Morris County.”

“Small businesses along the Route 80 corridor are suffering the economic aftereffects of the sinkholes and traffic diversions caused by repair work,” said Senate President Nick Scutari. “They need help and they need it as quickly as possible. These EDA grants will be a financial lifeline that will help small businesses and service organizations keep their doors open and continue to serve the residents of their communities.”

“The ongoing lane closures on Route 80 have severely impacted small businesses in Morris County, causing a sharp decline in revenue for many that depend on steady customer traffic,” said Senate Republican Leader Anthony M. Bucco. “These businesses are not just the backbone of our local economy—they are owned and staffed by our families, friends, and neighbors. Now, through no fault of their own, they are struggling to stay afloat. Thank you Governor Murphy and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority for working with us, recognizing this hardship, and taking swift action by implementing the Route 80 Business Assistance Grant Program. This $5 million initiative will provide much-needed relief to affected businesses, helping them weather the financial challenges caused by these prolonged repairs. I look forward to the NJEDA Board’s approval next week and will continue fighting to ensure our small businesses receive the support they deserve.”

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