The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) has approved a new initiative to help eligible small businesses with liquor licenses. The newly approved Small Business Liquor License Grant Program will provide up to $100,000 in reimbursement grants to eligible businesses that have purchased inactive licenses within the past year.

This $10 million program, launching in early 2025, aims to revitalize over 1,300 inactive licenses statewide. Notably, 40% of funding will be reserved for businesses in Opportunity Zone census tracts, supporting equitable economic development across New Jersey.

The initiative is part of Governor Murphy’s broader effort to modernize New Jersey’s liquor license laws and supports the state’s Main Street Recovery Finance Program.

For complete details about the program, eligibility requirements, and application process, click here.  Read the full NJEDA press release here.

For those interested in learning more about this opportunity or other small business support programs through the Main Street Recovery Finance Program, please send an email to smallbusinessservices@njeda.com and an NJEDA team member will reach out to you.