TRENTON, NJ — The Urban Enterprise Zone Authority (UEZA), under the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, has announced significant advancements in Camden’s economic landscape, propelled by an investment exceeding $2 million to foster small business development in the past year.
Focusing on urban revitalization, the UEZA has implemented programs such as the Camden Strong Façade initiative and small business loans, coupled with marketing support to enhance the local commercial scene. Acting Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez credited the UEZA’s Zone Assistance Funds for aiding Camden’s entrepreneurs in upgrading their storefronts and promoting their services, contributing to job creation and neighborhood improvement.
A flagship of the recent efforts, the Camden Strong Façade program, with a $1.2 million grant, has offered up to $50,000 for business exterior renovations, requiring matching funds from recipients. Joe Thomas, Camden’s UEZ coordinator, noted the program’s popularity and its role in leveraging additional resources for broader enhancements.
The UEZA’s strategies are not limited to aesthetic upgrades; they also include financial incentives and marketing campaigns, aiming to attract new customers and investment. Membership expansion in the UEZ program has been a target as well, with Thomas reporting a rise from 110 businesses in 2021 to 174 current members.
Further details about Camden’s UEZA offerings and its impact can be found on the City of Camden’s UEZ webpage. The program’s legacy, dating back to its 1983 inception, has been bolstered by recent legislation, allocating $42.5 million in funds for urban development and offering participating businesses reduced sales tax rates and tax exemption on specific purchases.
The UEZA continues to be a cornerstone in New Jersey’s strategy for urban economic development, with Camden remaining a pivotal participant since its establishment. For more information, visit the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs’ UEZ page.