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Small businesses in Woodbridge can now apply for $5,000 grants through a new program launched by Optimum Business and the Woodbridge Metro Chamber of Commerce.

The Lifting up Small Businesses in Woodbridge, New Jersey, initiative will award grants to 25 eligible businesses. The program will distribute a total of $125,000 to help support business growth and long-term success.

Applications are open through July 31.

Businesses that are new to the Woodbridge Metro Chamber of Commerce and apply for the program will also receive a complimentary six-month chamber membership for 2026.

“Small businesses play a vital role in strengthening local communities, and that is certainly true in Woodbridge,” said Elton Hart, vice president and general manager of Optimum Tri-State. “Through this partnership with the Woodbridge Metro Chamber of Commerce, Optimum Business is proud to help launch a program that provides meaningful support to local small businesses and reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering the connectivity, tools, and resources they need to grow and succeed.”

Holly Church-Doyle is executive director of the Woodbridge Metro Chamber of Commerce. She said small businesses are the backbone of the Woodbridge business community. And play a critical role in driving local vitality.

According to Church-Doyle, the grants intend to support local entrepreneurs. “By investing in their growth and success, we’re helping strengthen the local business community for years to come,” she said.

A direct investment

Mayor John McCormac applauded the initiative. He noted Woodbridge is home to a strong, vibrant and diverse business community that defines “who we are as New Jersey’s sixth largest municipality.”

“We’re proud to see organizations like Optimum Business partner … to make a direct investment in strengthening Woodbridge’s small business community and supporting the entrepreneurs who bring energy, character, and opportunity to the local economy,” said McCormac.

Organizers expect to announce grant recipients later this year. Recognition events hosted by Optimum Business with local officials and community partners will follow.

The Woodbridge initiative builds on a similar small business grant program from 2025. Optimum Business previously launched that initiative in Edison in partnership with the Edison Chamber of Commerce.