The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) in consultation with the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control is developing a new $10 million grant program aimed at supporting small businesses obtain inactive plenary retail consumption liquor licenses. This program, pending approval from the NJEDA Board, will become part of the Main Street Recovery program under the Economic Recovery Act of 2020.
The program, expected to open for applications in early 2025, will offer grants of up to $100,000, but no more than 50% of the liquor license purchase price, for small businesses to offset the purchase of inactive liquor licenses. Eligible small businesses must have acquired an inactive license and been operational for at least 12 months before the application.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis for three years or until the funds are depleted.
The League will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
Contact: Andrew LaFevre, Legislative Analyst, alafevre@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x116.