On August 11, Governor Murphy announced the first phase of the
NJ Small and Micro Business PPE Access Program (the
"PPE Program"). The goal of the PPE Program is
to provide small businesses and non-profits with access to the
fairly priced personal protective equipment (PPE) necessary to
facilitate safe working conditions during the COVID-19
pandemic.
Under the PPE Program's first phase, the State will launch a
new website that provides micro and small businesses with the
information needed to make easier and better PPE sourcing decision.
The website will also offer a vetted list of online retailers that
have agreed to verify the quality of the PPE they are selling and
offer at least a 10% discount to businesses who
enter through the State's website.
Online retailers will be vetted on a first-come, first serve
basis by the NJEDA, and must agree to certain performance standards
for their site (e.g., transparent pricing, high-quality products,
etc.). Vetted online retailers will also be eligible to access an
NJDEA grant pool of up to $3.5M to support the
purchase of PPE that is manufactured in New Jersey or sourced from
a small wholesaler based in a historically underserved
community.
Applications to become one of the NJ PPE Access Program Designated
Vendors are expected to open in the near future.
Guidelines for practically all sectors require businesses to provide PPE to their employees. This new NJEDA program is geared toward smaller-sized businesses that have few funds to spare for the new costs.
This first phase of $4 million in funding is meant to encourage wholesalers' purchase of PPE made or assembled in New Jersey. They would be eligible for subsidies of up to 20 percent of what they spent to get the equipment if it's sourced in New Jersey, or from wholesalers in "historically underserved communities."
A second funding, of approximately $11 million, is meant to cover the costs for smaller-sized and microbusinesses to purchase the equipment. The NJEDA expects 50,000 separate New Jersey businesses to spend a combined $45 million on PPE, with support from the new state subsidy.
Interested parties can also reach out to NJEDA staff at: www.SmallBusinessPPE@njeda.com.
Disclaimer: This Alert has been prepared and published for informational purposes only and is not offered, nor should be construed, as legal advice. For more information, please see the firm's full disclaimer.
