Burlington County Launches Grant Program to Help Military and Veteran-owned Businesses
MOUNT HOLLY – Veteran-owned and military personnel-owned businesses located in Burlington County can now apply for a grant up to $20,000 to assist them with their economic recovery and growth.
The Burlington County Military and Veteran-owned Business Grant Program launched this month and is now accepting applications from eligible businesses. The program was created by the Burlington County Commissioners to assist businesses owned by veterans or active-duty, Reserve or National Guard service members.
A total of $500,000 of Burlington County’s American Rescue Plan Act funding has been dedicated to the program.
“Burlington County is the chosen home of tens of thousands of veterans, along with thousands more active-duty and reserve service members. These heroes deserve our gratitude, respect and support and we continue to prioritize programs to help them and their families,” said Burlington County Commissioner Director Felicia Hopson. “Creating this grant program will aid businesses owned by veterans and military-personnel to grow and thrive and send a message that Burlington County welcomes and supports those who bravely defended our nation.”
To be eligible for a grant, businesses must meet the following criteria:
- Located in Burlington County
- Majority ownership (51% or more) must be a veteran or military service member, including members of the Reserve or Guard forces
- Have incurred a COVID-19 related loss or hardship.
Applications are now being accepted and awards will be made on a rolling basis until funding is exhausted. The County contracted with Community, Grants, Planning and Housing to help administer the grant program so applications are thoroughly reviewed and awards made quickly.
For more information about the program and how to apply, visit https://www.co.burlington.nj.us/2063/VeteranMilitary-Owned-Business-Grants or call 609-755-5711 or email [email protected] .
“We all have a responsibility recognize the sacrifices made by our military men and women and do all we can to support them and their families,” said State Senator Troy Singleton. “Providing financial assistance to our local veteran- and military-owned businesses is one way we fulfill that responsibility. These grants will support our veterans who stood watch and guarded our nation while aiding Burlington County businesses that provide jobs, goods and services for our local communities.”
The Military and Veteran-owned Business Grant Program is one of several initiatives launched by the County to help small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing economic downturn.
Near the start of the pandemic in 2020, the Commissioners created the Health Emergency Loan Program, also known as HELP. That program offered zero-interest loans to assist them to continue operating through the health emergency. It provided a lifeline for many Burlington County businesses that failed to qualify for or exhausted federal or state assistance.
The County also launched a Business Portal on the County website to provide a single location for new and established businesses to go for information and links to business assistance, financing, workforce development, business promotions and other resources.
The Business Portal has an online map and directory of veteran-owned businesses operating in Burlington County so residents can easily locate and support these enterprises. Veteran- and military-owned businesses that want to be listed should contact the Commissioners’ Public Information Office at [email protected].
Burlington County also has one of the most active and successful Military and Veterans Services offices in New Jersey. The office works closely with veterans organizations and officials at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst to keep veterans and service members informed about initiatives and events that might benefit them. Staff advocate for county veterans and assist them with casework related to their benefits.
Last year the office helped over 2,700 veterans obtain nearly $15 million in compensation and benefits.
In 2021, Burlington County became one of the first counties in New Jersey to receive a Governor’s We Value Our Veterans Community Award.
“Burlington County strives to be a premier destination for all residents, but especially our veterans and military families,” said Hopson. “These men and women stepped forward to protect and defend our nation and we owe it to them and their families to provide as much assistance as we can.”