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1. What is the Trenton Small Business Emergency Relief Fund?

In response to the Covid-19 crisis, the City of Trenton is providing low-interest loans to Trenton businesses to help them remain in business and protect jobs. Businesses will be able to apply for low-interest loans up to $20,000.

2. I have heard that businesses need to be in a certain zone to qualify. Is this true?

Not any longer. Urban Enterprise Zone funding will be used for loans to businesses inside the UEZ. Funds raised by Greater Trenton will be used for loans to businesses outside the UEZ.

3. Where is the Urban Enterprise Zone? How do I know if I am in it?

To view a map of the UEZ, click here.

To view a large copy of the Urban Enterprise Zone Map

• Go to https://map.govpilot.com/map/NJ/trenton
• Click “Urban Enterprise Zone” in the left-hand column
• Scroll to enlarge or shrink the UEZ map.

To check if your business is in the Trenton Urban Enterprise Zone

• Go to www.state.nj.us/njbusiness/financing/uez.
• Click “32 designated zones”
• Enter the address and zip code of any business,
• Click “Find Address”
• You will be told if the address is in the UEZ.

If you are still unsure if you are in the Urban Enterprise Zone or if you would like to become a Zone business, please contact Tom McGough at tmcgough@trentonnj.org.

4. Is my business eligible for the Trenton Small Business Emergency Relief Fund?

Loan Requirements:

• Businesses in the Urban Enterprise Zone must be qualified Trenton Urban Enterprise Zone participants for the full term of the loan. To do this, businesses must be in the UEZ and be up‐to‐date with State taxes.
• Business must have a current City Business License or applicable New Jersey Business Registration.
• Business must have been open and operating on March 1, 2020.
• If the applicant is also the property owner, property taxes and water must be current as of March 1, 2020.
• All owners with at least 20% ownership in the business must submit their most recent business and personal tax return, provide a personal guarantee, complete Personal Financial Statement SBA Form 413 and submit to a credit check. The primary owner’s score must be at least 625.
• The business must demonstrate need for the loan and must provide a detailed description of how the money will be spent. Eligible uses include payroll, rent, business property mortgage or utilities. Use of the loan for city, state or federal taxes, permits, fees or personal expenses is not allowed.
• The mayor, department directors, city council and staff of the Department of Economic Development, as well as their immediate families, are not eligible.
• Non‐profits are not eligible.
• The City of Trenton may change or clarify elements of these requirements and this loan program as necessary.

5. What are the terms of the loan?

• The maximum loan is $20,000. The minimum loan is $5,000. The actual loan amount approved will be based on need and available funding.
• The loan term will be 60‐months (5 year).
• No payments and 0% interest for the first 12 months
• During months 13‐60, interest will accrue and be charged at a rate of two (2.00) percent per annum, based on the amount of principal outstanding. Monthly payment of Principal and
• Interest will be made in a sufficient amount to repay the full amount of the loan over the remaining 48 months.
• Full repayment is expected after 60 months. No prepayment penalty.
• If accepted to the program, the business must submit quarterly reports detailing (1) How the money was spent (providing receipts for expenditures) and (2) the number of full time and part time employees.