FA119 Small Business Empowerment Fund

FA119 Small Business Empowerment Fund is sponsored by FA119 Solutions (Bridgeton UEZ). This opportunity supports mission-aligned projects and measurable outcomes.

The FA119 Small Business Empowerment Fund is a community-powered initiative that provides direct services—not cash grants—to small businesses in New Jersey's Urban Enterprise Zone.

Instead of writing checks and hoping for the best, we partner with business owners to offer professional support in: * Branding and visual identity * Business administration and organization * Print materials and signage * Access to market and pop-up opportunities Our goal is to remove barriers so New Jersey entrepreneurs can focus on what they do best: serving the community. ### Who Can Apply for Support?

We prioritize businesses that are: * Located within the New Jersey**Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ)** * Minority-owned, immigrant-owned, LGBTQIA+-owned, women-owned, or student-run * Family-owned or community-centered businesses in Bridgeton * Startups, micro-businesses, home-based businesses, and storefronts serving Bridgeton residents **Not sure if you're in the UEZ? ** Apply anyway or contact us—we can help you check eligibility.

How UEZ serves the community #### Distinctive and Bold New Jersey’s **Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) Program** is a state initiative designed to support economic growth in designated cities—including **Bridgeton**—by helping local businesses thrive and encouraging community development.

UEZ communities receive special benefits that strengthen both **businesses** and the **public**, making it easier for entrepreneurs to grow while creating jobs and improving the local economy. #### **How the UEZ Helps NJ Businesses** Businesses registered in the New Jersey UEZ may receive: Qualified UEZ businesses can charge customers a reduced state sales tax rate, making their products and services more competitive.

**Tax Credits & Incentives** UEZ businesses may be eligible for: * Tax credits for hiring local workers * Tax deductions for investing in equipment, renovations, or storefront improvements **Business Development Support** UEZ programs often include: * Help navigating licensing, registration, or hiring **Eligibility for Grants & Funding** Businesses operating in the UEZ may qualify for: * Local development grants * Community improvement investment programs **Support from Local Government** Bridgeton’s UEZ office works directly with business owners to: * Promote storefront vitality * Encourage economic growth * Improve business stability and longevity #### **How the UEZ Helps the Public & Community** The New Jersey UEZ doesn’t just help business owners — it benefits the **entire community**: UEZ incentives encourage local hiring, giving residents more access to employment right in their neighborhoods.

**Stronger Local Economy** When small businesses succeed, money stays inside Bridgeton, supporting: * Neighborhood revitalization * Community development programs **More Accessible Goods & Services** Lower sales tax and more business resources help create: * Affordable shopping options * More diverse storefronts * Better access to services for all community members **Community Revitalization** UEZ investment strengthens: * Downtown business districts * Cultural and creative centers * Public events, markets, and pop-ups **Preservation of Local Culture** New Jersey's diverse, multicultural business community reflects the spirit of the city.

UEZ support helps keep that culture alive. ### Why Bridgeton’s Urban Enterprise Zone? #### Giving back to our hometown Bridgeton is full of family-owned shops, immigrant-led businesses, creatives, and small enterprises that keep our city alive.

Many of these businesses operate inside Bridgeton’s Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ), where the potential is high—but resources are limited.

By focusing this fund on Bridgeton’s UEZ, FA119 aims to: * Strengthen local businesses that anchor our neighborhoods * Support underrepresented and under-resourced entrepreneurs * Encourage local hiring and local spending * Keep culture, creativity, and opportunity rooted in Bridgeton When Bridgeton businesses thrive, Bridgeton thrives.

### What Kind of Support You Can Receive * Logos, visual identity, brand systems, and creative direction. * **Marketing & Strategy** * **Business Administration Support** * Light operations help, basic planning, and organizational guidance. * **Print Products & Collateral** * Flyers, menus, posters, stickers, banners, and other essentials.

* **Market & Pop-Up Access** * Support with vendor events, markets, and pop-up opportunities when available. Support is customized based on your needs, our capacity, and fund availability. 1.

**Community Contributes** 2. Individuals, partners, and supporters donate to the Fund. 3.

**Bridgeton Businesses Apply** 4. Small businesses fill out a short application explaining who they are and what they need. 5.

**FA119 Reviews Applications** 6. We review based on need, impact, alignment with our mission, and UEZ focus. 7.

**We Provide Direct Services** 8. Instead of sending cash, we deliver design, marketing, admin, and print support to maximize impact. Every contribution goes toward services that increase visibility, stability, and opportunity for Bridgeton businesses.

### Impact & Transparency **Impact & Transparency** We believe in being clear about where support goes. As the Fund grows, FA119 will share: * Number of Bridgeton businesses supported * Types of services delivered * Stories and highlights from local entrepreneurs We plan to publish **quarterly or annual summaries** so contributors and community members can see the impact in Bridgeton’s UEZ. **Q1: Is this a cash grant?

** **A:** No. The FA119 Small Business Empowerment Fund provides services such as design, marketing, admin support, and print products—not direct cash payouts. This helps ensure resources go directly into tools that help businesses grow. **Q2: Does my business have to be inside the Bridgeton UEZ?

** **A:** Priority is given to businesses located within the Bridgeton Urban Enterprise Zone. However, businesses that primarily serve Bridgeton residents or partner on UEZ-focused projects may also be considered. **Q3: Is support guaranteed if I apply?

** **A:** Not automatically. Applications are reviewed based on need, impact, and available capacity. Our goal is to help as many Bridgeton businesses as we can, as meaningfully as we can.

**Q4: Are contributions tax-deductible? ** **A:** FA119 is currently structured as an LLC and exploring nonprofit options. At this time, contributions may not be tax-deductible.

Please consult a tax professional for guidance. ### Ready to Get Involved? Need help with branding, marketing, or business operations?

Apply for the fund now. Want to strengthen small businesses in In New Jersey’s UEZ? Help us help them by contributing to the FA119 x UEZ Small Business Empowerment Fund.

Reach out to us and let us know if there is anything we can do for you You may receive marketing and promotional materials. Contact the merchant for their privacy practices.