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The New Jersey Devils and Citizens Financial Group Inc. kicked off the week announcing the opening of applications for the Jersey Shops presented by Citizens program.

The initiative aims to help New Jersey small businesses. It offers funding, promotional support and special business networking events during the remainder of the 2024-25 NHL season.

Four selected businesses will receive $5,000 from Citizens to support their growth. Some features include:

• One year of professional support and networking through Luminary (valued at $2,500) — a new feature for 2025
• A custom-crafted video vignette from the Devils content team. Devils and Citizens channels will amplify the reel, including with in-arena features, website inclusions and on social media
• Up to 50 additional spotlight businesses will also receive a dedicated listing on the official Jersey Shops webpage. Additionally, they will receive a Jersey Shops promotional kit, featuring “Made in Jersey” window decals, merchandise and invitations to Devils networking events.

The Devils and Citizens will select winners on a rolling basis through April.

Supporting small

“Together with Citizens for the past three years, the Jersey Shops program has helped over 80 small businesses successfully grow,” said Chad Biggs, senior vice president, Corporate Partnerships Activation, New Jersey Devils & Prudential Center.

The Devils say the program reflects the organization’s focus and commitment to supporting small businesses in the Garden State.

“We are honored to continue this collaboration with Citizens and provide funding and valuable resources for small businesses throughout New Jersey to flourish,” said Biggs.

Citizens Business Banking Market Executive Nuno Francisco stressed small businesses’ role as the heartbeat and economic engine of our local communities.

“We’re thrilled to partner with the Devils to launch this inaugural grand prize funding and help expand the positive impact of small businesses here in New Jersey,” said Francisco.

More information on the program is available here.

More Devils details:

• Devils, Jetty re-team for special clothing collection (photos)
• As puck drops on Devils home opener, lots happening on and off the ice (photos)
• Ramapo partners up with Devils, Prudential Center