Government

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our partner and dear friend, Eugene “Gene” Elias. We are so fortunate to have had Gene and his family as part of our Mercadien family for almost 30 years. He was a friend, mentor, advisor, and role model to many of us, and he…

Mercadien is pleased to announce several promotions within the firm’s corporate leadership team.  Three professionals were promoted to the level of Director: Ms. Melissa Correa, CRCM, a member of the Financial Institutions Services Group and resident of Oklahoma City, OK; Mr. Matthew Daly, CPA, a member of both the Government Services and Audit and Assurance…

On Tuesday, June 22nd, 2021, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed six bills, which provide additional assistance to small businesses that continue to struggle with the economic effects of the pandemic. The bill package provides $235 million to small businesses, allowing the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) to fulfill all eligible applications submitted during…

On Monday, May 10th, 2021, the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced the launch of the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, established by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, to provide $350 billion in emergency funding for eligible state, local, territorial, and Tribal governments. The Treasury also released details on how these…

The recent passage of the American Rescue Plan earmarked billions of dollars for local governments to support citizens struggling through the economic impact of COVID-19. Throughout the pandemic, local governments have done crucial, life-saving work, but resources have been stretched thin. This latest round of funding poses fresh challenges. Verifying Eligibility & Allowability It’s crucial…

On Wednesday, April 14, 2021, The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) announced Phase 4 of the Authority’s Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant Program, adding $85 million in funds from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Phase 4 will provide short-term operating support to a broad group of New Jersey small and…

On March 11, 2021 President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, (ARPA or the Act) which will provide $1.9 trillion in relief funds across a wide spectrum of categories, including additional relief for nonprofits and small businesses, the extension of unemployment benefits, new tax provisions, assistance for restaurants and bars, and more.…

Governor Phil Murphy and Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver announced $5 million in funding for Phase 2 of the Small Business Lease Emergency Assistance Grant Program, which provides grants up to $10,000 for small businesses and nonprofits that have been impacted by COVID and are located in the New Jersey Redevelopment Authority’s 66 designated communities. The application process for…

NJEDA Announces $10 Million Second Phase of the Small Business Emergency Assistance Loan Program On Wednesday, January 27th, The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) announced it will open pre-registration for Phase 2 of its Small Business Emergency Assistance Loan Program at 9:00 a.m. EST on Wednesday, February 10, 2021. The $10 million program expansion…

On Monday, December 21st, the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives passed a $900 billion COVID-19 relief bill, called the Consolidated Appropriations Act, that provides $600 stimulus payments to individuals, adds $300 to extended weekly unemployment benefits, and provides more than $300 billion in relief funding for small businesses as a supplement to the original…