Official Site of The State of New Jersey

GEARING UP FOR A BIG SUMMER
As Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, New Jersey’s downtowns and business districts are preparing for one of the most eventful seasons in recent memory. The months ahead bring the Nation’s 250th anniversary and the 2026 World Cup, with matches at MetLife Stadium and Lincoln Financial Field drawing visitors from around the world. For Main Street programs and the small businesses, they serve, this is the moment to make sure storefronts, streetscapes, and programming are ready to welcome residents and visitors alike.

This edition rounds up timely funding, planning, and recognition opportunities (several with summer deadlines!) to help your district and its businesses make the most of the season. As always, NJBAC’s Business Enhancement Services are available at no cost to help you navigate any of these programs. Reach out anytime to get started.

FEATURED GRANT OPPORTUNITIES

• FTA Pilot Program for Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Planning
  The Federal Transit Administration has announced $28.4 million in competitive grants through its FY 2026 TOD Pilot Program, which funds comprehensive or site-specific planning studies. Eligible studies facilitate multimodal connectivity and accessibility, increase access to transit hubs for pedestrian and bicycle traffic, and enable mixed-use development. The maximum federal share is 80 percent of the net project cost. Applications are due July 10. For districts near rail stations or major bus corridors, this is a strong fit for advancing walkable, mixed-use growth. North Jersey applicants can also contact NJTPA for coordination support and letters of support.
  
  
• NJTPA Transportation Clean Air Measures (TCAM) Program
  NJTPA’s Transportation Clean Air Measures program (part of its Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) program) is now accepting applications on a rolling basis. Eligible activities include electric vehicle charging infrastructure, adaptive traffic signal technology, and bicycle and pedestrian facilities; all improvements that ease congestion, sharpen air quality, and make downtown corridors more comfortable to walk and bike. Because the solicitation is rolling, there is no single deadline; the application begins with a short “thumbnail sketch” of the project idea, after which eligible sponsors are invited to submit a full proposal. Eligibility extends to NJTPA member subregions and agencies, Transportation Management Associations, other public agencies, and public-private partnerships.
• Great American Main Street Award (GAMSA) — 2027 Applications Open
  Main Street America has opened applications for the 2027 Great American Main Street Award, the nation’s top honor for preservation-based downtown revitalization. The award is open to Accredited Main Street America programs with an active membership that have not previously won. Completed applications and the $150 application fee are due Friday, July 10 at 11:59 p.m. CT. Main Street America is hosting an informational webinar: an insider’s guide to applying, on Monday, June 1 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Semifinalists are recognized across Main Street America’s digital channels and receive media relations support. If your community runs an accredited Main Street program, this is a chance to put its success story on a national stage.
• SBA Empower to Grow (E2G) Program – Deadline in June 15
  SBA announced a new funding opportunity offering up to $50 million in grant awards to as many as 10 eligible applicant organizations who will provide training and technical assistance to support small manufacturers in the SBA’s Empower to Grow (E2G) Program. The Manufacturing in America E2G Grant Initiative will empower qualified awardees to deliver regional support to small manufacturers in critical industries, in support of the agency’s ongoing effort to rebuild domestic supply chains, bring back American jobs, and promote industrial dominance.
• SBA Freedom 250 — Patriot Pitch Competition (Apply by June 10)
  As part of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Freedom 250 initiative marking America’s 250th anniversary, the Patriot Pitch Competition invites innovative small businesses that have used SBA-backed capital to compete for a share of up to $1 million in awards, with individual prizes of up to $400,000. Finalists pitch live in Washington, D.C. Applications close June 10 at 11:59 p.m. EST. This is a great opportunity to share with standout small businesses in your district. Encourage eligible owners to apply and tell their story as part of the national celebration of 250 years of American free enterprise.

BEST PRACTICES CORNER

Test Before You Invest: Quick-Build Street Demonstrations

Permanent streetscape changes like new bike lanes, curb extensions, or crosswalk upgrades, can be costly and, at times, politically sensitive. Demonstration projects offer a smart alternative. Using low-cost, temporary materials, communities can test an idea in place, so residents and business owners experience the change before any permanent commitment is made. With summer foot traffic ramping up, now is an ideal time to pilot improvements that make a district safer, calmer, and more walkable.

A new, free resource makes this easier for South Jersey communities. The South Jersey Transportation Planning Organization (SJTPO) Complete Streets Demonstration Library lends materials communities can borrow to build temporary infrastructure and test traffic safety measures for all road users. Available demonstrations include:

• Bike lanes: protected, buffered, and more
• Mini roundabouts
• Crosswalks and curb extensions
• Pedestrian refuge islands
• Bicycle boulevards
• And additional traffic-calming treatments

Communities in the SJTPO region (Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, and Salem counties) can learn more at sjtpo.org/demolibrary or by contacting DemoLibrary@SJTPO.org. Districts elsewhere in New Jersey can apply the same demonstration approach with locally sourced materials or through the NJTPAs similar program. As always, NJBAC is glad to help you think through how to structure and message a pilot in your downtown.

RECOMMENDED READING

NJTPA Federal Grant Programs — A Transportation Funding Hub

For municipalities and districts weighing an infrastructure project, NJTPA’s Federal Grant Programs page is a useful bookmark. The regularly updated hub tracks federal transportation funding tied to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, including the TOD Pilot noted above as well as the Bridge Investment Program, the Railroad Crossing Elimination Program, CRISI, Safe Streets and Roads for All, and dedicated FIFA 2026 World Cup transit funding. The page also explains how NJTPA can support North Jersey applicants with letters of support, regional data, and coordination. All practical help that can strengthen a competitive application.

Whether you are refreshing a storefront, planning a summer event, or piloting a safer street, NJBAC’s Office of Business Enhancement is here to help your district and its businesses make the most of the season ahead. Please share this newsletter with colleagues and partners who would find it useful.

Wishing you a safe and successful start to the summer.

Ryan
Manager, Office of Business Enhancement
NJ Business Action Center 
Ryan.Gleason@sos.nj.gov 
609.633.6942