The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to gather insights from qualified entities on how to improve the Emerging Developers Grant Program, broaden eligibility, and better support small-scale developers. Originally launched in 2024, the program was created to help developers gain access to capital and build additional capacity to expand their existing portfolio by providing grants of up to $250,000 for pre-development soft costs.

“Under Governor Phil Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey has expanded resources for small businesses and small-scale developers, eliminating barriers to capital and creating a more equitable economic landscape,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “With an expanded Emerging Developers Grant Program, the NJEDA will be better positioned to open pathways to vital capital for new developers, catalyzing economic opportunity in underserved communities and bolstering small businesses throughout the state.”

“The NJEDA continues to support Governor Murphy’s goal of creating a more inclusive and equitable economy in New Jersey by expanding opportunities for small businesses and residents of underserved communities,” said NJEDA Chief Community Development Officer Tai Cooper. “The next iteration of the Emerging Developers Grant Program will break down barriers to capital and resources for small-scale developers, resulting in projects that will transform communities and contribute to the vibrancy of our main streets.”

To date, the NJEDA has awarded 50 grants totaling more than $5.4 million to small scale-scale developers through the initial phase of the Emerging Developers Grant Program. This funding is helping new developers across the state expand their portfolios and access much-needed capital.

Gotta Go Gaming, based in Jersey City, utilized $250,000 in funding to cover critical soft costs for its Sci Tech and Esports Hub, paying for architectural designers, funding consulting fees, and covering interior decorating and design work. Gotta Go Gaming previously received support through the NJEDA’s Main Street Micro-Business Loan and the Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant Program

“Without this support, many of these foundational elements would have been challenging to complete in a timely manner. Thanks to NJEDA’s assistance, we are well-positioned to bring this project to completion and to deliver on its vision for community impact,” said Gotta Go Gaming Chief Executive Officer John Robinson. “We greatly appreciate NJEDA’s commitment to supporting developers and community growth.”

MPMB Developers, based in Atlantic City, was also awarded $250,000 under the Emerging Developers Grant Program, which it used to complete an expanded storage facility for its bike rental business, create a much-needed trash and storage enclosure, and add a new residential unit. The project also received NJEDA funding through the Small Business Fund and the Small Business Improvement Grant Program.

“The critical funding provided by the NJEDA’s Emerging Developers Grant Program allowed us to expand North Beach Mini Golf and improve our services,” said MPMB Developers Co-Owner Nick Intrieri. “We look forward to continuing to serve the Atlantic City community and are grateful to the NJEDA’s commitment to supporting small-scale developers.”

While New Jersey has expanded resources for small-scale developers, access to capital continues to be a challenge due to predatory lending, excessive carrying costs, and predevelopment expenses. These deterrents in the development industry have created financial setbacks and limited portfolios for emerging development entities that do not have the capital to cover soft costs.

The NJEDA is interested in receiving comments, questions, and responses that will help the NJEDA better understand the scope and characteristics of access to capital and other forms of financing available to underserved real estate developers. Potential respondents may include, but are not limited to, applicants from the original Emerging Developers Grant Program, Community Development Finance Institutions, community development lending units of medium and large banks, state and local government entities, and other mission-based lenders. The RFI can be found here.

All questions concerning this RFI must be submitted in writing no later than October 28, 2025, via e-mail to: EmergingDevelopersRFI@njeda.gov. The subject line of the e-mail should state: “QUESTIONS-2025-264-RFI- Emerging Developers Program-Program Redesign and Expansion”. Answers to questions submitted will be publicly posted on the Authority’s website under the RFIs section on or around November 4, 2025.

All RFI responses must be submitted in writing no later than November 18, 2025, via e-mail to: EmergingDevelopersRFI@njeda.gov. The subject line of the e-mail should state: “2025-264-RFI-Emerging Developers Program-Program Redesign and Expansion”.

About the NJEDA

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn