Hello all,

As a reminder, Our next NJLibsGrowBiz Virtual Discussion will be held on Thursday, October 29 from 11am-12pm.  Please register in advance: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEuceuvrT0vHdMJ-APbLJIbcY09zBE7wYp8

Here are some updates and news items to be aware of:

o   Governor Murphy Announces Launch of Spanish Language Business.NJ.gov:  Governor Phil Murphy announced the launch of the Spanish language version of Business.NJ.gov — the State’s new digital front door for businesses looking to start, operate, and grow in the Garden State. 

o   Got less than $50K of PPP money? SBA has announced guidelines for loan forgiveness: “The rules and regulations for applying for forgiveness of Paycheck Protection Program loans continue to befuddle small business owners in New Jersey — and the banks that processed them… the U.S. Small Business Administration released what it is calling a simpler application process for those who got loans of less than $50,000.”

o   The Library as a Ballot Box: “Voters turn to libraries as nation faces a pandemic, wildfires, and uncertainty with postal service”

o   Georgia Public Library Service Is Empowering Libraries | Marketer of the Year 2020: “The GPLS team is dedicated not only to getting the word out about the many services public libraries offer beyond books, and creating tools that make it easy for individual libraries to reach their own audiences with effective messaging, but to building capacity and confidence in those libraries’ workers to market themselves. That triple play is what makes GPLS LJ’s 2020 Marketer of the Year, sponsored by Library Ideas.”

o   N.J. launches Get Covered New Jersey, its state-based health insurance marketplace: “The state’s official health insurance marketplace, Get Covered New Jersey, was launched Wednesday and is now open to residents to browse health plans, compare prices and find out if they may qualify for financial help ahead of the Affordable Care Act Open Enrollment Period that begins Nov. 1, the Governor’s Office said.”

o   Notice of Funding Availability: Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant Program – Phase 3: Notice of Funding Availability:

§  Applications will open for restaurants at 9:00 am on Thursday, October 29, 2020.

§  Applications will open for micro businesses at 9:00 am on Friday, October 30, 2020.

§  Applications will open for all other eligible businesses at 9:00 am on Monday, November 2, 2020.

§  Applicants must pre-register prior to 5pm on Tuesday, October 27, 2020.

Best,

Andrea

Andrea Simzak Levandowski (she/her/hers)

Library Consultant for Small Business Development & Technology

New Jersey State Library

P.O. Box 520

Trenton, NJ 08625

(609) 278-2640 x190

alevandowski@PROTECTED