Springfield Avenue merchant news for March 4

Sidewalk Seating Permit

Reminder that sidewalk seating requires a new permit each year from the Township.

The application can be found at this link under "Township Clerk"   

This link also has other permits that businesses might need.

https://eforms-main.govpilot.com/NJ/maplewood

MayFest Vending and Sponsorship

MayFest Street Fair returns on Sunday, May 19, 2024. 

Vendor and sponsorship information is on our website

Maplewood-based businesses get a discounted rate!

Graphic Design RFP 

We have issued an RFP for Graphic Design work for Springfield Avenue Maplewood. 

It can be downloaded from our website.

Responses are due March 15.

Grants

NJ Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Grants

The Small Business Improvement grant is for businesses making capital improvements (furniture, fixtures, and equipment) to their space. This grant applies to expenses from the past 2 years. 

Please reach out if you want additional information on this grant or to talk to an NJEDA representative.

E-Commerce/Website Support Program

NJEDA is funding website makeovers or e-commerce consulting. 

The business has to have a physical storefront to qualify. These sites are done by professional design firms at no cost to the local business. 

If you are interested in a website makeover (retail/restaurant/personal care businesses only), please reach out and we can see if you are eligible. 

Amex Small Business Grant Program

This grant program goes live on March 14 and will fund 500 small businesses with community reach.

I’ll be attending a webinar on March 13 and will provide an update.

From the website: 

What Do We Mean by "Community Reach"?

A small business with community reach is involved in and critical to the surrounding community or serves a cultural- or ability-specific need. These businesses are often long-standing or legacy businesses that provide continuity and a sense of identity to a neighborhood or specific cultural group. Businesses with community reach have also been intentional about developing core values and a business model that supports their communities or addresses an acute community need. For example, a business that regularly hosts free concerts featuring local artists, or a shop that provides goods or services that uniquely serve a customer base in the community.