In response to significant demand for support through the program, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) today announced that the deadline for companies to receive nearly 70 percent discounts on purchases of personal protective equipment (PPE) through the NJ Small and Micro Business PPE Access Program has been extended one week to Thursday, December 17th, 2020. To date, more than 7,500 businesses and organizations have been approved for more than $6.4 million in discounts through the program. More information is available at https://ppe.covid19.nj.gov.
The NJ Small and Micro Business PPE Access Program allows New Jersey businesses to purchase discounted PPE through NJEDA identified and vetted “Designated Vendors.” Current Designated Vendors include Boxed, Office Depot, and Staples. These suppliers have created “microsites” where any New Jersey-based business or nonprofit can purchase PPE at a 10 percent discount.
In addition to the 10 percent discounts available to all businesses, the NJEDA has also made $20.4 million available to provide additional discounts of 65 percent to businesses and nonprofits with 100 or fewer employees that make purchases from Staples or Office Depot. These discounts are available in addition to the 10 percent discounts available to all businesses; meaning businesses with 100 or fewer employees can receive nearly 70 percent off PPE purchases, up to a program cap of $800 for all eligible businesses or $1,000 for businesses located in one of New Jersey’s 715 census tracts that were eligible to be designated as Opportunity Zones.
Small businesses and organizations interested in receiving these additional discounts on PPE purchases must apply at https://ppe.covid19.nj.gov. Once the NJEDA has confirmed their eligibility, they will receive vouchers for purchases from a Designated Vendor of their choice. Vouchers will expire on December 17th, 2020. Businesses and nonprofits will still be able to receive 10 percent discounts on PPE purchases after this date.