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Whelan-Sarlo Bill To Establish ‘Small Business Loan Program’

A view of the Senate Chambers from the 2010-2011 Senate Reorganization.

Provides much needed funds to expand small business’ employment

TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senator Jim Whelan and Senator Paul A. Sarlo which would create a “Small Business Loan Program” to provide low interest loans to small businesses that commit to increase their workforce was approved by the Senate Economic Growth Committee by a unanimous vote of 7-0.

“By providing low interest loans to New Jersey’s small businesses, we have real potential to create new jobs and stimulate the growth of small businesses and the economy throughout the State,” Senator Whelan (D-Atlantic) said. “Small businesses have been hit hard during these tough economic times and are finding it difficult to obtain financing to expand their workforces. The ‘Small Business Loan Program’ will provide these businesses, who want to help employ New Jerseyans, an option for financing.”

The bill (S-3052) would direct the New Jersey Economic Development Authority to establish the “Small Business Loan Program” and provide two percent or lower interest loans of up to $250,000 to New Jersey small businesses who commit to increase their employment levels by at least 10 percent within the next four years. These loans can be used for capital purchases, employee training and salaries for new positions.

“With unemployment over 9 percent, the ‘Small Business Loan Program’ would not only help small businesses looking to expand, but would also create new jobs and opportunities for many of New Jersey’s unemployed,” Senator Sarlo (D-Bergen, Essex and Passaic) said. “By increasing their workforces by 10 percent, these small businesses are helping to revitalize our economy and put New Jerseyans back to work.”

In order to be eligible, the small business must:

• Be independently owned and operated;

• Be for-profit with a place of business located in the State;

• Be primarily operated within the State;

• Not be dominant in its field;

• Employ less than 100 full-time employees

• Have not raised $10 million or more in equity financing; and

• Have not received $10 million or more in financing from any source.

In order to implement this program, the EDA would establish a “New Jersey Small Business Loan Fund” that could be credited with existing EDA funds, which would be self-sufficient and revolving based on loan repayments and fees and therefore would not require the State to incur any cost.

The bill now heads to the Senate for full consideration.

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