A new grant program in Somerset County is planned to help small businesses, but the aid is not financial -- it's all about advertising.

 

“It’s been very difficult,” says Robert Petix, owner of Savor on Main Street. “We created a business model on a lot of private events. Since March, when closed through August, we lost about 100 parties."

There has been similar stories of financial struggle from many restaurant owners all across New Jersey in recent months. People that have received federal or state grants or loans are grateful, but a business advocacy organization is now taking a different approach to help struggling restaurants during the pandemic.

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"This is a marketing grant, so we are not giving away dollars -- it’s a marketing value," says Chris Edwards, president and CEO of Somerset County Business Partnership.

The Somerset County Business Partnership and Somerset County tourism is awarding restaurants with $500 worth of marketing and promotional opportunities,  and lessons in how to better market themselves -- letting customers know they're open and ready to serve!

“What we're doing is giving them an hour of consultation services, visibility on the visit Somerset NJ website, giving them some visibility on our Somerset County partnership chamber activities,” says Edwards.

Petix plans on applying. He's sure the $500 in service will help even more than cash.

"I think it's better because $500 won't get me too far,” says Petix. “I’m not a marketing expert. Getting word out that we can serve takeout and outside dining is going to help much more."

The grants are available to any restaurant in Somerset County. The business partnership expects to give out 20 to 30 in this round, but if there is demand, the business partnership is considering expanding the program later this summer.

The deadline to apply for the grant program is July 20. The marketing assistance will start shortly after that.