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The Route 80 Business Assistance Grant Program expanded this week to include eligible small businesses located within a 10-mile radius of Exit 34 that have lost revenue because of the ongoing sinkhole repairs that have shut down parts of the highway. 

The $5 million grant program was initially restricted to small businesses within a 5-mile radius of Exit 34 and those employers had until April 28 to apply for grants ranging from $1,000 to $15,000 depending on the business’ losses and the number of full-time workers it employs. 

On Tuesday, the grant application portal opened for small businesses within a 10-mile radius of Exit 34 that are in these ZIP codes: 07005, 07034, 07045, 07046, 07054, 07405, 07435, 07828, 07836, 07840, 07857, 07878, 07927, 07930, 07945, 07960, 07970, 07981. 

If there are still funds remaining after the application period closes at 5 p.m., May 5 for businesses within a 10-mile radius of Exit 34, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority will begin accepting applications from businesses throughout Morris County on May 6.  

To be eligible, the business or nonprofit organization must have a physical commercial location, such as an office, retail location, warehouse, or manufacturing facility, located within Morris County and no more than 50 full-time-equivalent employees. Landlords, home-based businesses, real estate holding companies and cannabis businesses are not eligible. 

Eligible businesses must have been operational since at least Dec. 1, 2024, and sustained a revenue loss of at least $1,000 because of the sinkhole-related highway closures. The NJEDA has an online Frequently Asked Questions document and a Route 80 Business Assistance Grant Program webpage with more details on eligibility requirements and the procedure for submitting an application.