Urban Enterprise Zone
Click here for the UEZ Business Reinvestment Program Application
WHAT IS THE GLOUCESTER CITY UEZ?
Gloucester City UEZ map
The Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) Program was created to foster an economic climate to revitalize designated urban communities and stimulate their growth by encouraging businesses to develop and create private sector jobs through public and private investment.
Certified commercial businesses within the GCUEZ district, which includes most of the City, can benefit from UEZ incentives. With every dollar spent at eligible GCUEZ businesses, 3.3125% of the sales tax collected is invested back into the local community. These reinvestment projects may include:
- Business Loans
- Facade & Signage Grants with match
- Hosting by the Municipality for Local Events
- Business Recruitment and Retention Initiatives
- Property Acquisitions
- Streetscape Improvements
HOW CAN A BUSINESS JOIN THE UEZ?
Any size, type or classification of business within the designated zone is eligible to become UEZ certified. To join the UEZ a business must complete the Certification Application including all necessary attachments, and submit on-line via the NJ Premier Business Premier Services. There is no application fee, however all required documentation must be provided.
To better assist in preparation for this application, please review the Premier Business Services instructions
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THE UEZ?
Certain certified UEZ businesses can:
- Charge their customers 3.3125% sales tax, providing a competitive edge to registered businesses;
- Benefit from tax-free purchases on capital equipment, facilities expansions, upgrades and certain personal property;
- Obtain a one-time $1,500 tax credit for each full-time employee hired;
- Subsidized unemployment insurance costs for employees earning less than $4,500 per quarter;
- Benefit from lower unemployment insurance costs; and
- Obtain priority financial assistance from the New Jersey Local Development Financing Fund and the Department of Labor Job Training Program.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO JOIN?
All businesses within the designated district can apply to join the UEZ whenever they want to begin to take advantage of the incentives and save money. Completed applications can be submitted at any time, but it can be particularly beneficial to join the UEZ before signing a lease or property deed.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
If you represent a commercial business and would like additional information about the UEZ, please contact the Lori Ryan, UEZ Coordinator at (856) 456-7012 or email lryan@cityofgloucester.org .