Grow Your Business Grant Application

Trenton Downtown Association (TDA) is a nonprofit organization, located in the heart of New Jersey's state capital, devoted to strengthening and promoting downtown Trenton as a great place to live, work and visit. Established in 1986, TDA is dedicated to strengthening downtown Trenton through innovative programs aimed to promote economic growth and encourage investment in the city's future. TDA supports a wide range of activities designed to establish downtown Trenton as a competitive location for business owners, an engaging center for workers and visitors, and a wonderful place to live. Our activities include recruitment and retention, public relations, advocacy, marketing, referrals, partnerships, development and job creation.

TDA’s Grow Your Business (GYB) Grant was established to help businesses offset the costs of opening and operating a business and reduce retail vacancies within the Downtown Trenton Special Improvement District.

Entities eligible to apply for a GYB Grant include for-profit and nonprofit businesses within the boundaries of the Downtown Trenton Special Improvement District. Eligible entities must have a physical location within the district; new businesses are considered first. The grant program will provide up to $5,000 per applicant for eligible start-up costs.

Eligible businesses include for-profit and nonprofit businesses that have (1) leased or purchased a commercial space within the boundaries of the Downtown Trenton Special Improvement District within the last year and/or (2) businesses that plan to lease or purchase a commercial space within the boundaries of the district in the next year. Eligible businesses must have the lease and/or purchase agreement, certificate of occupancy, proof of business registration or business plan, service proposals, or renderings at the time of the application. For renters, any capital improvement plans must include written approval from the property owner. 

• Office/Retail Space
• Equipment and Supplies
• Communications Support (i.e.,website development, social media page development)
• Licenses and Permits
• Insurance
• Consulting Services (i.e. legal advice, accounting services, business development, interior and exterior design, construction, marketing and advertising, etc.)
• Technical Assistance & Employee Training
• Advertising and Marketing Expenses

If you have inquiries about other potentially eligible uses, please contact info@trenton-downtown.org. TDA reserves the right to determine eligible uses on a case-by-case basis. 

• Business Research & Development
• Employee Salaries
• Rent/Utilities

• Business Plan
• Business Registration, License or Nonprofit Formation Documents
• Certificate of Occupancy
• Intended Use of Funds
• Requested Grant Amount (up to $5,000)
• Proof of Rental or Purchase Agreement for a location within the boundaries of the Downtown Trenton Special Improvement District
• Proposals/Quotes for Services (include any renderings)
• Any applications for capital improvements to a business or property must include a letter of approval from the property owner.

• Applicants must complete a Grow Your Business Grant Fund Application and include all required documentation to be considered.
• TDA will review the application and send the applicant an Approval or Denial letter within 90 days.
• Service, purchase, and construction may begin upon receipt of a letter of approval from TDA and once all additional documents are submitted. 
• TDA will pay the vendor directly for approved projects. For work to be completed in the future, TDA will pay the vendor a 50% deposit. Final invoices and/or pictures of completed work must be submitted to disburse final payment.