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The JCEDC helps local merchants to secure financing to help create or expand a business through a variety of programs, including Small Business Administration (SBA) loans, EDFF loans, UEZ revolving loan fund, and state Economic Development Authority loans. Through these various programs, businesses can qualify for loans up to $750,000 at below market rates. The loans help finance building purchase, repairs and renovations, inventory, machinery and equipment, or furniture and fixtures. The JCEDC also provides technical assistance and advice in the form of one-on-one counseling and group seminars to assist budding entrepreneurs through the process of starting a business. Developing business plans, financial proposals, feasibility studies, inventory control and cash flow projections are among the areas in which training is available. Business Programs Small Business Administration Loans EDFF UEZ Revolving Loan Funds NJ Economic Development Authority Loans Technical Assistance Seminars There are numerous other business assistance programs administered by the JCEDC. The major programs are listed and described briefly below: Small Business Loans: direct loans up to $50,000 at below-market rates. Businesses must have a detailed, credible business plan and demonstrate the ability to repay the loan. SBA Micro-Loan Program: JCEDC is the intermediate lender for loans under $25,000 to home-based businesses through the U.S. Small Business Administration. Business Information Center: Direct business guidance and technical assistance is provided to businesses with five or fewer employees. Experts teach preparation of business plans and speak on accounting, bookkeeping, merchandising, marketing, customer service, financing, and other pertinent topics. Community-Based Development: A program where neighborhood development groups have an "ownership stake" in a project and work with JCEDC for comprehensive reinvestment and redevelopment. Main St. Focus: Uses UEZ Assistance funds to help merchants develop and maintain the identity of their individual shopping districts. Business Improvement Districts: Business owners establish BIDs and assess themselves to raise funds that supplement City services and/or pay for marketing, promotion, and capital improvements. State UEZ matches funds, allowing BIDs to expand scope of their activities. Commercial Facade Program: Improves the appearance of shopping districts. Grants cover 75% of costs up to $2,000 per project. Streetscape Improvement Program: Matches available grants with projects to upgrade and improve appearance of entire blocks. JCEDC Economic Development Financing Fund: Loans at below-market terms from $100,000 to $500,000 for commercial and industrial businesses planning to relocate or expand in Jersey City.

Representatives of The Provident Bank and the Jersey City Economic Development Corporation celebrated the opening of Eden Baskets with owners Teresa and Jeffrey Gerlinger (second and third from right). The Gerlingers, who have been making designer gift baskets from 18 years, recently moved their business from Hoboken to Jersey City. They will now be located at 380-382 Marin Boulevard in the city's Downtown neighborhood where they are residents. BUSINESS LOAN PROGRAM BUSINESS INCENTIVE PROGRAMS COMMUNITY LENDING AND INVESTMENT OF CORPORATION FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

The JCEDC takes a "Holistic Urban Building" approach to helping businesses and matching programs to city needs, maximizing the potential benefits. The Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) Program, administered by the JCEDC, promotes development in designated areas of the city. UEZ certified businesses are eligible for tax incentives, reduced unemployment insurance, marketing support and business counseling. Certified UEZ retailers collect a sales tax of only 3 percent. These funds are reinvested in city business development programs.

Since the UEZ's full-time inception in 1992, the JCEDC has reinvested $56 million for 25 zone programs, which generated more than $4 billion in capital zone investments. About 35,000 new jobs were created in the UEZ.

Several areas in Jersey City have become Special Improvement Districts (SIDs), which are private, non-profit organizations of neighborhood business and property owners. Merchants pay voluntary special assessments to generate funds for supplemental security, sanitation services, special capital improvements, and promotional events. Funds can even be used to hire professional management to improve the shopping environment in the district and attract shoppers.

The JCEDC has established a process for assisting existing SIDs with their operations and continuing the formation of additional SIDs. JCEDC staff professionals assist SID boards of trustees in proposal writing, provide advice on budgeting and help recruit and hire a professional manager. They also start steering committees for retail districts interested in organizing new SIDs.