2-16-2023 12:00pm

Morris County Grants $11.3 Million to Small Businesses and Nonprofits, Marking Successful First Year of Program

County Commissioners present final grant approval to the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce on Valentine's Day 2023, one year after launching the Small Business Grant Program using federal ARPA funding to aid local small companies, entrepreneurs, and non

Valentine's Day marks a special occasion for the Morris County Small Business Grant Program, which launched one year ago in 2022 with the slogan, "We Love Small Businesses." The program was created to assist local small companies, entrepreneurs, and non-profits that were struggling due to the pandemic, using federal ARPA funding to aid those impacted by COVID-19.

On Valentine's Day 2023, the Morris County Board of County Commissioners gathered at the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce (PACC) headquarters to present one of the program's final grant approvals. The event was attended by local dignitaries and business owners, who came together to celebrate the success of the program.

At the press conference hosted by the PACC, the County Commissioners extended their heartfelt thanks to the county staff who made the program a success. They also expressed their gratitude to the Morris County Chamber of Commerce, the Morris County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC), Solix and Tetra Tech consulting firms, and Valley National Bank for their contributions to the program's success.

Representatives of the companies, the MCEDC, and the county Chamber attended the press conference to show their support for the program. The PACC, a nonprofit membership-driven organization, played a significant role in the program by distributing grant applications to businesses throughout the Parsippany Township region and linking them to other programs designed to help local businesses survive during difficult times.

Since its inception a year ago, the Small Business Grant Program has benefited businesses and non-profits throughout Morris County, with a total of $11.3 million allocated to the program. While approximately 850 applications are still being processed, the application portal officially closed on Friday, Sept. 30, 2022, marking the winding down of the program.

Parsippany Mayor James Barberio and Council President Loretta Gragnani were also in attendance and praised the Small Business Grant Program for its positive impact on the local community. The program has been a beacon of hope for small businesses that have struggled to stay afloat during the pandemic.

Today's event marked the last public, in-person delivery of a grant by the Commissioners, as the last few grants will be delivered by mail. The Small Business Grant Program has made a significant difference in the lives of many small business owners, and its impact will be felt for years to come.