Registration to get a piece of a $28.6 billion pot of money to help eateries devastated by the pandemic over the past year begins April 30. Applications will remain open until funds run out., with grants capped at $10 million per business, and $5 million per location, that must completely used by March 11, 2023.

Gov. Phil Murphy suggested that fewer people are willing to get inoculated because of mindsets such as, “the weather’s getting warmer, the numbers are going in the right direction, I feel good, I haven’t gotten sick yet.” And added, “Those are not [good] reasons. We need folks to get vaccinated.”

The new orders will go into effect May 10, expanding outdoor gatherings from 200 people to 500 people while outdoor venues with at least 1,000 people will have their capacity set at 50%.

Despite helping New Jersey businesses of all sizes get through these challenging times, many companies remain skeptical about applying for the Paycheck Protection Program, even though it’s been a year since its introduction. Myths, misconceptions, inaccuracies—you name it—linger, and they may be causing unnecessary hesitation. First Bank President and CEO Patrick Ryan explores five common PPP misunderstandings and explains why, if you’re a business in need of cash, the time to act is now.

A year into the pandemic, with the outlook for SMBs in New Jersey seeming slightly better based on recent economic data, Piermont Bank founder and CEO Wendy Cai-Lee explores how to leverage your bank to help stabilize your business, finance your growth and move forward. And how your bank can play a more active role in helping navigate the financing landscape.

As the state begins to recover from the COVID-19 economic downturn, the industries hit hardest by the pandemic a year ago seem to be rebounding most quickly. Sectors such leisure and hospitality, and construction have boomed in recent months, posting some of the largest job gains this spring.

The notion of such a requirement has become politically and culturally polarizing, with GOP-led states like Texas and Florida moving to ban them outright. Several Republican-led efforts in New Jersey would do the same.

The move follows decisions made in March and April by Rutgers University and Fairleigh Dickinson University, respectively, and a similar requirement for patrons hoping to gain access to performances at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark.

Totaling $70,000, the direct payments are part of the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York’s COVID-19 Small Business Recovery Grant program.

“I think without question we’ll be able to open up further ... But I think we’ll do it step by step,” the governor said, although he did not indicate which restrictions would loosen next.

The New Brunswick drugmaker's first-quarter income grew from nearly $5.8 billion in 2020 to $6.2 billion in 2021.

Spouses of “essential workers” who contracted and died from the virus will be entitled to expanded assistance under a measure Gov. Phil Murphy signed into law.