3 Jersey City businesses, 1 from North Bergen, getting 6-figure grants from NJEDA

Three Jersey City businesses, as well as one from North Bergen, are among 10 from across the state receiving six-figure grants from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority as part of their inaugural New Jersey Innovation Fellows (NJIF) program.

By John Heinis/Hudson County View

“Governor Phil Murphy has been committed to growing our state’s innovation economy and ensuring entrepreneurs of all backgrounds have the tools to get their businesses off the ground,” NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan said in a statement.

“The NJIF, a first-in-the-nation program, levels the playing field for first-time entrepreneurs by providing the funding and training needed to succeed. By supporting these 10 new, cutting-edge companies, New Jersey is firmly cementing itself as a national leader in innovation.”

The program provides income replacement grants to diverse teams in hopes of ensuring entrepreneurs of all backgrounds can fully dedicate themselves to growing their ventures without the financial strain typically associated with the early stages of businesses development.

Each team receives an income replacement grant of $200,000 and a bonus grant is available to teams located in designated opportunity zones.

Additionally, bonus grants are available to teams with members who self-certify as a woman or minority or graduated from a New Jersey college or university.

A team can receive a total of up to $400,000 in grants and this year’s cohort welcomes 20 first time entrepreneurs accumulating $1.7 million in bonus grant funding.

Helloboss is a Jersey City company that seeks to provide small businesses with high-quality professional services that are offered through their digital mobile marketing application.

The range of services will include design, marketing, research, analytics, consulting, and engineering. They will receive $350,000.

My FitPlate, also based out of Jersey City, will receive $400,000.

They are developing a digital mobile fitness and nutritional wellness application that will integrate virtual reality technology into client wellness plans as well as the gamification of home workout programs, meditation, and stress management strategies.

Quarks Advantage, another Jersey City venture, has secured $400,000 in funding as well.

The high-tech digital consulting firm will focus on helping small businesses achieve their goals through the use of artificial intelligence tools. The company will also focus on building their digital proprietary platform and easy to use digital application.

Finally, Thrivio Health, based out of North Bergen, will be gifted $400,000 through the program.

They offer an AI-driven health care platform and digital therapeutics for primary care, urgent care, mental health, and pediatric care. The company aims to provide accessible and affordable health care solutions by leveraging AI and data analytics.