What Charge Up Does and Who Can Use It

Charge Up is a New Jersey program that provides grants to small business owners to help them purchase equipment, technology, or other assets needed to grow their business. The state distributes the money through a competitive process, and you do not repay it — it is a grant, not a loan. The program is run by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), which is the state agency responsible for business funding.

The program targets businesses with fewer than 100 employees and owners who have been running their business for at least two years. You can use the grant money for things like computers, machinery, software, vehicles, or renovations — basically anything that helps your business operate or expand. The amount you can receive varies depending on the funding available in that round, but grants typically range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands.

Charge Up opens and closes on a schedule set by NJEDA. When a funding round is open, you have a set window to submit your request. If you miss the important date or the fund runs out of money, you wait for the next round to open. This is why timing matters: you need to know when applications are being taken, not just that the program exists.

Key Takeaways

  • Charge Up grants do not require repayment and are intended for businesses with fewer than 100 employees that have been operating for at least two years.
  • You can use the money for equipment, technology, vehicles, renovations, or other business assets that support growth or operations.
  • The program opens and closes on a schedule; you must submit your request during the open window or wait for the next round.
  • You will need to show how the purchase will help your business grow, so have a clear plan for what you are buying and why before you explore.
  • NJEDA reviews all requests and awards grants based on factors like business viability, job creation potential, and the strength of your plan.

How to Find Out When Applications Are Open

The first step is to check the NJEDA website directly at nj.gov/njeda. Look for the Charge Up program page, which will show whether applications are currently open, when the next round will open, and what the important date is. NJEDA also sends email updates to people who have registered interest in the program, so if you sign up on their site, you will receive a notification when a new round begins.

You can also call NJEDA's main line or email them to ask about the current status of Charge Up. Having a direct conversation is useful because staff can tell you not just whether the fund is open now, but when it typically opens each year and what documents you should start gathering. Many business owners find it helpful to call a few weeks before they expect a round to open, so they can be ready to submit as soon as the window starts.

Your local Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is another resource. New Jersey has SBDC offices in most counties, and they work closely with NJEDA. They can tell you about Charge Up, help you understand whether your business fits the program, and sometimes help you prepare your request. You can find your local SBDC through the New Jersey SBDC network website.

What You Need to Prepare Before You explore

Before you submit a request, gather documents that show your business is real, operating, and has been for at least two years. You will need your business registration or license, proof that you own or operate the business, and tax returns or financial statements from the past two years. NJEDA wants to see that you have a functioning business with actual revenue, not just an idea.

You also need to know exactly what you want to buy and have a clear reason for buying it. Write down the specific equipment, software, or asset you need, the cost, and how it will help your business. For example: "I need a commercial oven for $8,000 because my bakery currently rents one for $400 a month, and owning it will cut costs and let me expand production." The stronger your explanation of how this purchase connects to growth or efficiency, the better your chances.

Get quotes or pricing from vendors for the items you want to purchase. NJEDA may ask to see that the price you listed is realistic and competitive. If you are buying used equipment, have documentation of its condition and value. Keep all of this organized in one folder — digital or physical — so you can pull it quickly when the process window opens.

The process Process and What Happens After You Submit

When the process window is open, you will submit your request through NJEDA's online portal or by mail, depending on the round. The process asks for basic business information, details about what you want to buy, how much it costs, and how the purchase will benefit your business. You will also submit the supporting documents: your business license, tax returns, proof of ownership, and vendor quotes.

After you submit, NJEDA reviews all the requests that came in during that window. They look at factors like whether your business is viable, whether the purchase makes sense for your industry, whether you have been operating long enough, and whether the grant will help create or retain jobs. This review process typically takes several weeks to a few months, depending on how many applications they received.

You will receive a decision by mail or email. If you are approved, NJEDA will tell you the grant amount and next steps for receiving the money. If you are not approved, they may provide feedback on why. Some business owners reapply in the next round with a stronger plan or different purchase. Rejection does not mean you cannot try again.

How the Money Gets to You and What You Can and Cannot Do With It

Once you are approved, NJEDA does not hand you a check to spend however you want. The grant is tied to the specific purchase you described in your process. You will typically need to show proof that you bought the item — receipts, invoices, or delivery documentation — before NJEDA releases the full grant amount. Some rounds reimburse you after you buy; others may pay the vendor directly.

You must use the money for the exact purpose you stated in your process. If you said you were buying a piece of equipment and then use the money for something else, you could be required to repay it. This is why being specific about what you want to buy matters: it protects you by making clear what the money is for, and it protects the program by ensuring grants go to the intended purpose.

The grant does not cover payroll, rent, or general operating expenses. It is for capital purchases — things that are assets to your business, not day-to-day costs. If you need help with cash flow or working capital, Charge Up is not the right program, but NJEDA or your SBDC can point you toward other options.

Common Reasons Requests Are Denied and How to Strengthen Yours

Requests are sometimes denied because the business has not been operating for the full two years required, or because the applicant could not prove ownership or operation. Make sure your timeline is clear and your documents are current. If you are close to the two-year mark, wait until you have clearly passed it before explore.

Another common reason is that the proposed purchase does not clearly connect to business growth or efficiency. If your explanation is vague — "I need this to help my business" — it is harder for NJEDA to justify approving you. Instead, be specific: explain what problem the purchase solves, how it will change your operations, and what the business impact will be. Numbers help: "This will reduce my monthly costs by $X" or "This will let me serve Y more customers per month."

Requests are also denied when the business appears unstustainable or when the applicant has not provided complete documentation. Submit everything NJEDA asks for, even if it seems repetitive. Incomplete applications often get rejected straightforward because reviewers cannot verify the information they need.

Alternatives If Charge Up Is Closed or Not the Right Fit

If Charge Up is not currently open or if your business does not meet the requirements, NJEDA offers other programs. The Grow New Jersey information Program and the Business Employment Incentive Program (BEIP) are two examples, though they have different rules and are aimed at different business sizes or situations. Your SBDC can walk you through which programs might work for your situation.

The federal Small Business Administration (SBA) also offers grants and loans for small businesses, though the process process and requirements differ from Charge Up. The SBA's website has a tool to help you find programs you may be able to use. Some grants are industry-specific — for example, agricultural businesses, manufacturers, or exporters may have dedicated funding sources.

If you need money for something other than equipment or assets — like working capital, payroll during a slow period, or emergency cash flow — look into SBA microloans or lines of credit from community banks. These are not grants, so you repay them, but they can bridge gaps that grants do not cover.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a New Jersey resident to use Charge Up?

Your business must be located in New Jersey and registered to do business there, but the owner does not necessarily have to live in the state. Check the current program rules on the NJEDA website, as requirements can change between funding rounds.

Can I use a Charge Up grant to buy used equipment?

Yes, used equipment is allowed as long as it is in good working condition and you have documentation of its value and condition. Get a professional appraisal or inspection if the equipment is expensive, so you can show NJEDA the purchase price is fair.

What happens if I do not use the grant money for what I said I would?

You may be required to repay the grant. NJEDA tracks how the money is used, so spend it only on the purchase you described in your process. If your plans change, contact NJEDA before you spend the money to see if you can modify your approved use.

How long does it take from process to receiving the money?

The timeline varies. Review typically takes several weeks to a few months, and then if you are approved, you may need to make the purchase and submit proof before the money is released. Plan for three to six months from submission to having the funds in hand, though it can be faster or slower depending on the round and your circumstances.

Can I explore for Charge Up if I have other business debt?

Having other debt does not automatically disqualify you, but NJEDA will look at your overall financial health and whether you can sustain the business. If your debt is very high relative to your revenue, it may hurt your chances. Be honest about your financial situation in your process.