Small Black and LGBTQ businesses receive $1.2 million in grants

A gaggle of small businesses owned by people of color and members of the LGBTQ+ community in Newark, New Jersey, have been announced as recipients of roughly $1.2 million in grants as a part of the Newark Retail Reactivation Initiative.

Newark Retail Revival Initiative was created to assist construct the retail sector and support recent businesses in the world. City officials say the grants will help promote increased development in the town’s downtown.

Mayor Ras J. Baraka said in a press release, “This initiative galvanizes our progress toward infusing downtown Newark with the energy of diverse, local retail entrepreneurship. We are not only increasing the economic vitality of our city, but also creating spaces that reflect the rich culture and community spirit of Newark. Together, we are building a brighter, more inclusive future for residents and a dynamic mecca for travelers.”

In an Aug. 21 announcement, Invest Newark President and CEO Marcus T. Randolph explained that the grants are an investment in the community’s future.

Randolph said, “Each of these companies brings something unique to Newark.”

The Newark Retail Reactivation Initiative was created by Baraka and Invest Newark in September 2023. The program was designed to award grants to quite a lot of small businesses as much as $650,000, with the quantity determined by aspects reminiscent of square footage. The grants can be found to restaurants, shops, or other varieties of retail establishments that open in currently vacant storefronts in the downtown area. The only requirement for the Newark Retail Reactivation Initiative grant is that applicant businesses have to be open at the least five days every week, at the least five hours a day, and have a signed lease.

The grants themselves are funded through the state’s Urban Enterprise Zone program, and the funds awarded may be used for exterior improvements or equipment purchases.

This week, seven grant recipients have already been announced: 4 restaurants and three “education or entertainment businesses.”

Winners this round and their prizes include Melba’s Restaurant with a $650,000 prize, Mediterranean Grill & Thrill with a $149,600 prize, and Caribbean restaurant Isle 15 with a $127,060 prize. In addition to the restaurant’s “educational and entertainment” space, Bricks 4 Kidz Essex County received $112,000, nonprofit glass art studio GlassRoots received a $110,000 grant, Honeypot Montessori received $60,620, and Sweet Jeans Kitchen & Espresso Bar received $38,500.