Cumberland Empowerment Zone Corporation (CEZC) Microloan Program

Cumberland Empowerment Zone Corporation (CEZC) Microloan Program is sponsored by Cumberland Empowerment Zone Corporation (CEZC). While a loan program and not a grant, the CEZC offers flexible, low-cost financing to micro businesses, including nonprofits, in Cumberland County. This could be a relevant funding source for operational costs or equipment.

Cumberland Empowerment Zone Corporation A Catalyst for Economic and Community Development in Cumberland County The Cumberland Empowerment Zone is a non-profit organization whose focus is to serve as a catalyst for economic and community development in Cumberland County, New Jersey.

Since 1999, the Cumberland Empowerment Zone Corporation (CEZC) has invested more than $20 million in Empowerment Zone funding in the County, leveraging more than $250 million in private/public funding. The program has been recognized as one of the most successful Empowerment Zones in the nation. The CEZC works to bring people and places together in a concerted effort to reclaim neighborhoods and build economic strength.

This goal is accomplished through a variety of impactful projects and programs. Cumberland County’s Empowerment Zone consists of targeted areas in Bridgeton, Millville, Vineland, and the County’s Bayshore region.

The mission of the Cumberland Empowerment Zone Corporation (CEZC) is to be a catalyst for the community and economic development by providing loans to start up and existing small businesses in the disadvantaged communities of Cumberland County’s Bridgeton, Millville, Vineland and Bayshore region.

To achieve this mission, the CEZC focuses on partnerships that have been developed among residents, businesses, local organizations, and various levels of government. Our vision is to i ncrease economic vitality in key sectors of the County, by identifying and recruiting new industry for business development, creating new jobs, and promoting the retention of existing businesses.

We envision thriving businesses that create financial stability, assets, and wealth for business owners and their families and that provide quality jobs and employment opportunities for those that seek them, as well as pathways for financial growth. The CEZC currently administers several loan programs to benefit individuals and businesses throughout Cumberland County.

They include a Micro Loan Program, a Business Loan Program, as well as the Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) Program administered for the City of Vineland, City of Bridgeton, and City of Millville. For assistance in determining which CEZC loan program best meets your business needs, please contact the CEZC.

CEZC Business Loan Program Vineland UEZ Loan Program Bridgeton UEZ Loan Program Millville UEZ Loan Programs NJ Main Street Micro Loan Program NJ Main Street Business Loan Program The Micro Loan Program is most frequently used for small business start-ups and expansions. This program provides small businesses with the financial assistance needed to give them the best opportunity for success.

In the case of new business start-ups, applications are evaluated on a realistic business plan. Micro loans for business expansions are based upon the history of the business and the realistic expectation that the expansion will generate additional profits. Eligibility: Businesses located within the Cities of Bridgeton, Millville, Vineland, and the Cumberland County Bayshore.

Use of Funds: Inventory, supplies, furniture, fixtures, machinery, equipment, minor renovations and working capital. The funds cannot be used to refinance existing debt. Loan Amounts: Up to $35,000 Borrower’s Equity: A minimum of 10%; however, use of funds determines the amount required.

Rates and Terms: Fixed and is set by the CEZC Board of Directors dependent upon use of funds, risk, and collateral. Personal Financial Statement Small Business Plan Checklist CEZC Business Loan Program The CEZC Business Loan Program is designed to support businesses by providing flexible financing that enhances their opportunity for long-term success.

Loan decisions are based on the business’s operating history and a realistic assessment of its ability to generate additional revenue and sustain growth. This program can also be used in conjunction with primary financing from a bank or other lender. CEZC offers subordinate or gap financing to help larger projects and expansions move forward when traditional funding alone is not sufficient.

Our staff work closely with both borrowers and primary lenders to ensure a smooth, efficient application process. Eligibility: Businesses located within the Cities of Bridgeton, Millville, Vineland, and the Cumberland County Bayshore. Use of Funds: Acquisition of land and buildings, new construction and site improvements, renovations, acquisition of machinery and equipment, and working capital.

Loan Amounts: Loan amounts vary depending on the total project cost and available funding. The borrower’s ability to leverage other public or private funding sources. The project’s financing gap after primary funding is secured, Potential job creation and overall community impact.

CEZC works with each borrower to provide the appropriate financing that supports both business growth and positive community development. Borrower’s Equity: Applicants are required to provide at least 10% equity contribution to the project. Rates and Terms: Based upon the structure of the financing and the EZ resident benefit.

Business Loan Application Personal Financial Statement Small Business Plan Checklist Vineland UEZ Loan Program The objective of the Vineland UEZ Loan Program administered by the CEZC is to provide favorable financial incentives which, when coupled with private financing, will stimulate business expansion in the Vineland UEZ. To qualify for a loan, an applicant must be certified as a UEZ business.

Certification is issued by the State of New Jersey through the Enterprise Zone Development Corporation Vineland. To be certified, a project under consideration must be located within the UEZ geographic limits of the City of Vineland.

Eligibility/UEZ Certification: Borrower must remain a UEZ certified business within the City of Vineland, and maintain all outstanding tax obligations to the State of New Jersey, throughout the entire loan term. Use of Funds: Acquisition of land and buildings, new construction and site improvements, renovations, acquisition of machinery and equipment, and working capital.

These funds cannot be used to refinance existing debt or to purchase property. Loan Amounts: Up to $125,000, determined based on availability of funding, the borrower’s ability to utilize other public/private funding sources, and the project’s gap in financing. For loans in excess of $50,000, preference is that funding be subordinate to a Primary Lender.

Borrower’s Equity: A minimum of 10%; however, use of funds determines the amount required. Rates and Terms: Interest rates and terms are based on the structure of the financing and the resident benefit. Want to know how you can become UEZ certified?

Contact Email Nilsa Vineland UEZ Micro Loan Application Personal Financial Statement Small Business Plan Checklist Bridgeton UEZ Loan Program The objective of the Bridgeton UEZ Loan Program administered by the CEZC is to provide favorable financial incentives which, when coupled with private financing, will stimulate business expansion in the Bridgeton UEZ. To qualify for a loan, an applicant must be certified as a UEZ business.

Certification is issued by the State of New Jersey through the Bridgeton Urban Enterprise Zone “UEZ” program. To be certified, a project under consideration must be located within the UEZ geographic limits of the City of Bridgeton.

Eligibility/UEZ Certification: Borrower must remain a UEZ certified business within the City of Bridgeton and maintain all outstanding tax obligations to the State of New Jersey, throughout the entire loan term. Use of Funds: Site improvements, renovations, acquisition of machinery and equipment, and working capital. These funds cannot be used to refinance existing debt or to purchase property.

Loan Amounts: Up to 50,000 with loan amounts based on job creation. Borrower’s Equity: A minimum of 10%; however, use of funds determines the amount required. Rates and Terms: 5% Fixed Rate is set and dependent upon use of funds, risk, and collateral.

Want to know how you can become UEZ certified? Contact Email Stephanie Bridgeton UEZ Loan Program Application Personal Financial Statement Small Business Plan Checklist Millville UEZ Loan Programs The objective of the Millville UEZ Loan Program administered by the CEZC is to provide favorable financial incentives which, when coupled with private financing, will stimulate business expansion in the Millville UEZ.

To qualify for a loan, an applicant must be certified as a UEZ business. Certification is issued by the State of New Jersey through the Enterprise Zone Program Corporation of Millville. To be certified, a project under consideration must be located within the UEZ geographic limits of the City of Millville.

Millville UEZ Micro Loan Program: The Micro Loan Program is most frequently used for small business start-ups and expansions. This program provides small businesses with the financial assistance needed to give them the best opportunity for success. In the case of new business start-ups, applications are evaluated on a realistic business plan.

Micro loans for business expansions are based upon the history of the business and the realistic expectation that the expansion will generate additional profits. Up to $75,000. Millville Business Loan Program: Up to $150,000.

Eligibility/UEZ Certification: Borrower must remain a UEZ certified business within the City of Millville and maintain all outstanding tax obligations to the State of New Jersey, throughout the entire loan term . Use of Funds: Site improvements, renovations, acquisition of machinery and equipment, and working capital. These funds cannot be used to refinance existing debt or to purchase property.

Loan Amounts: Up to $150,000 with loan amounts based on job creation and community impact. Borrower’s Equity: A minimum of 10%; however, use of funds determines the amount required. Rates and Terms: 5% Fixed Rate is set and dependent upon use of funds, risk, and collateral.

Want to know how you can become UEZ Certified ? Contact Email Nilsa Millville UEZ Loan Application Personal Financial Statement Small Business Plan Checklist NJ Main Street Micro Loan Program The Micro Loan Program supports small business start-ups and expanding businesses throughout Cumberland County. We provide the financial assistance entrepreneurs need to grow, strengthen operations, and build a strong foundation for success.

Eligibility: Borrowers must provide a current NJ Business Tax Clearance Certificate. Use of Funds: Working capital, equipment, marketing, payroll, and inventory. Loan Amounts: Up to $25,000 Borrower’s Equity: Applicants are required to provide at least 10% equity contribution to the project.

Rates and Terms: 5% Fixed Rate is set and dependent upon use of funds and risk. NJ Main Street Micro Loan Application Personal Financial Statement Small Business Plan Checklist Tax Clearance Certificate Instructions NJ Main Street Business Loan Program The Business Loan Program is designed to support businesses by providing flexible financing that enhances their opportunity for long-term success in Cumberland County.

We provide the financial assistance entrepreneurs need to grow, strengthen operations, and build a strong foundation for success. Eligibility: Borrowers must provide a current NJ Business Tax Clearance Certificate. Use of Funds: Working capital, equipment, marketing, payroll, and inventory.

Loan Amounts: Up to $100,000 Borrower’s Equity: Applicants are required to provide at least 10% equity contribution to the project. Rates and Terms: 5% Fixed Rate is set and dependent upon use of funds, risk, and collateral.

NJ Main Street Business Loan Application Personal Financial Statement Small Business Plan Checklist Tax Clearance Certificate Instructions There are several tax incentives available for businesses located within Empowerment Zone census tracts or who employ residents of the Zone. Businesses are advised to work with their accountant to ensure that they are taking advantage of all tax benefits.

Work Opportunity Tax Credit Allows businesses to take a credit up to $2,400 against federal taxes for each new hire from groups that have high unemployment rates or other special employment needs, including: youth ages 18 to 24, who live in an Empowerment Zone, and summer hires ages 16 to 17 who live in an Empowerment Zone.

For the purposes of tax incentive eligibility, Cumberland County’s Empowerment Zone census tracts consist of the following: Cumberland County Empowerment Zone Map Bridgeton Census Tracts 201, 203, and 205 Vineland Census Tracts 401 and 402 Millville Municipal Airport Map Vineland Industrial Park Map What is a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI)?

A Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) is a mission-driven financial organization dedicated to expanding access to capital and financial services for individuals, entrepreneurs, and businesses in underserved communities. CDFIs help create economic opportunity by providing financing that may not be available through traditional financial institutions. What it Means to be CDFI?

CEZC is a non-profit, mission-driven community lending organization, also known as a CDFI – Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) that offers a range of loan products and support services to entrepreneurs to meet your existing and start-up business needs. We offer transparent, fair, and competitive interest-rate business loans with low fees to small businesses throughout Cumberland County New Jersey.

We can make loans directly to your business and in partnership with banks and other lenders to help you get the capital you need, and we offer convenient repayment plans. Our professional staff works one-on-one with you to tailor a financing package that meets your unique business needs.

We also blend the resources and experiences of our partners with our programs and services to provide your business with customized coaching, training, and technical assistance. CEZC Testimonials: Success Stories from Our Entrepreneurs Cumberland Empowerment Zone has been a part of so many success journeys. We are privileged to walk alongside small business owners as they pursue their goals and bring their visions to life.

Hear directly from our entrepreneurs as they share their experiences and how CEZC supported them along the way. “We are incredibly grateful to the Cumberland County Empowerment Zone for their invaluable support in helping us secure funding for our business. We truly could not have done it without the guidance and dedication of Denise Jackson and her amazing team.

Denise was assertive, efficient, and deeply knowledgeable—providing clear direction and connecting us with the right resources every step of the way. She made the loan process seamless and stress-free, guiding us through each step without ever overwhelming us. Her professionalism and commitment made the entire process smooth and successful.

Thanks to their efforts, we’re now able to move forward with confidence and continue growing our business. We highly recommend the Cumberland County Empowerment Zone to any entrepreneur looking for genuine support and effective results. ” “Cumberland Empowerment Zone has been with us every step of the way.

Their trustworthiness and unwavering support provided invaluable guidance throughout the entire process. They consistently went above and beyond, and thanks to their dedication, our family was able to turn a dream into a reality. We are incredibly grateful for their exceptional service and commitment.

” “From the very beginning, the entire process was smooth, professional, and much easier than I expected. Every step was clearly explained, and I always felt supported throughout the process. I would especially like to thank Denise Jackson for the incredible guidance and assistance you provided.

Your patience, professionalism, and willingness to answer every question truly made a difference. It was clear that you both genuinely care about helping small businesses succeed. Receiving this loan will have a very positive impact on my business.

It will allow me to move forward with expanding operations, improving inventory, and continuing to grow. Most importantly, this opportunity will also allow me to create additional job opportunities within the community as the business expands. I am truly grateful for the support and confidence CEZC has shown in my business.

Programs like yours make a real difference for entrepreneurs and small business owners who are working hard to grow and serve their communities. Thank you again for all your help and for making this process such a positive experience.

” Gateway Community Action Partnership Economic Deveopment Director for the City of Vineland Director Vineland Urban Enterprise Zone Owner- Inka Chicken Restaurant /Mexico Travel Business Administrator for the City of Millville Gateway Community Action Partnership Vice President/Business Development Owner- State Farm Insurance NJSBDC- offers free educational and business resources to help small business owners finance, market, and manage their companies.

Clients are assisted in exploring their business ideas, developing and assessing their business plans, making cash flow projections, preparing accurate financial statements, and formulating marketing strategies. UCEDC- is a private, non-profit economic development corporation, dedicated to boosting local economies and strengthening communities through business development and job creation.

Since 1977, they have been helping small business by making loans, training and mentoring business owners, helping businesses obtain government contracts, and providing accurate and relevant business information.

LAEDA- is a not for profit economic development organization dedicated to assisting emerging entrepreneurs and small business owners to start and grow their businesses in Camden, Burlington, Gloucester, Atlantic and Cumberland counties in New Jersey. LAEDA is a continuous support, mentoring and technical assistance as ways to improve the likelihood of long-term success.

NJEDA- The New Jersey Economic Development Authority grows the state’s economy and increases equitable access to opportunity by supporting high-quality job creation, catalyzing investment, and fostering vibrant, inclusive community development.

NJEDA works in partnership with a diverse range of stakeholders to implement programs and initiatives that improve quality of life, enhance economic vitality, and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness. NJBAC- is here to help businesses thrive, grow, and succeed across New Jersey.

Tapping into our deep understanding of the current business landscape, we are able to connect you with the appropriate experts to reach your goals. Our business advocates are available to work closely with you and find solutions for your unique business needs. We can help get the answers you need from government and regulatory agencies at the local, state and federal level.

We can facilitate your meetings and handle the follow-ups – confidentially and at no cost to you. SCORE- is here to help partner with you one-on-one, SCORE mentors support your success by providing experienced advice, consulting on best practices, and educating you on small business topics. They offer workshops to help you in your business journey at low cost or no cost to you.

Urban Enterprise Zone – The UEZ offers many benefits that businesses can receive if certified, reduced retail sales tax of 3.

5% for retail vendors, exemption from state sales tax for property and services at business locations, including construction materials, unemployment insurance tax offset for first four years, credit against the corporation Business Tax Act liability of $1,500 per employee, priority in state financing programs, job skill training, six-year municipal real estate tax abatement program.

For more information on how your business can be UEZ certified click on the links below. Constant Contact Use. Please leave this field blank.