The Hackettstown Business Improvement District (BID) is getting a boost from USDA Rural Development.

USDA Rural Development State Director Jane Asselta announced a $32,000 grant at the Hackettstown BID Meet and Greet on Sept. 12, which was attended by approximately 70 members of the local business community at Man Skirt Brewing. Congressman Josh Gottheimer joined in the event with a message of congratulations virtually.

USDA Rural Development State Director Jane Asselta said, “USDA Rural Business Development Grants provide the seed capital to launch business recruitment, retention and development in our rural towns.  Our investments in Hackettstown are building blocks to implementation of the Town and Business Improvement District member’s vision for a vibrant, sustainable business sector that supports the community and attracts visitors throughout the region to its events, restaurants and shopping district.  A thriving prosperous downtown is an asset to every community. The Biden-Harris Administrations is invested in helping rural communities like Hackettstown, throughout the country, become a place where residents can live, work and play.”   

The USDA Rural Development Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) in the amount of $32,000 will provide funding to engage an advisor to assist with business development in the area. The funding will benefit the 385 members of the Hackettstown Business Improvement District by attracting visitors to the community for shopping, dining, and entertainment, helping to create a more vibrant and diverse business environment.

Rural Development has supported the Hackettstown BID in project in previous economic development projects, including:

• In 2018, Rural Development provided a RBDG in the amount of $7,825 toward the purchase of equipment used for beautification and events. Specifically, funds were used to purchase a Toro Workman for the curb appeal and beautification floral program from May through October, as well as to be used to move equipment and tools needed during the parades, concerts, Spring and Winter Festivals, Maifest, Oktoberfest and dining events throughout the year.
• In 2019, Rural Development provided a RBDG in the amount of $30,000 to conduct a feasibility study to determine how a Food Hall/Public Market with 13,000 square feet of floor space would be successful in Hackettstown, with the goal of increasing foot traffic to support and grow economic stability for the Hackettstown Business Improvement District’s existing base of retailers.

The Rural Business Development Grant Program is designed to provide technical assistance and training for small rural businesses. For more information on the program and how to apply, contact Maryann Tancredi at maryann.tancredi@usda.gov.

Under the Biden-Harris Administration, Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov/nj. If you’d like to subscribe to New Jersey USDA Rural Development updates visit our GovDelivery subscriber page or follow us on Twitter.

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate-smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.

Photo: Left to right: Warren County Commissioner, James Kern III; Warren County Commissioner, Jason J. Sarnoski; USDA Rural Development State Director, Jane Asselta; Hackettstown Business improvement District Executive Director, Laurie Rapisardi; Hackettstown Mayor, Jerry DiMaio