Grants for small businesses impacted by COVID now available

​Florham Park N.J. – Oct. 28, 2021 – A new grant program for businesses negatively impacted by COVID is now available from the Fortis Foundation, the charitable arm of The Fortis Agency. Grants may be applied for via the Morris County Economic Development Corp. (a division of the Morris County Chamber of Commerce) at https://www.morrischamber.org/fortisagencygrants.html.
 
To qualify, a business must have been in existence since March 2018, must have a minimum of 10 employees and must be in New Jersey, although preference will be given to those doing business in Morris County. The Fortis Foundations intends to distribute $40,000 in grants to a minimum of two businesses.

“As small business owners ourselves, we know the day-to-day dedication that goes into growing a company and continuing to live by your mission statement,” said Christine Cox-West, one of the four founding partners of The Fortis Agency, a a wealth management and financial services firm. “Over the last two years we witnessed businesses and families in New Jersey destroyed by COVID and we wanted to do something about it. We hope these funds can positively impact two deserving New Jersey businesses and help their families continue what they’ve built.”
 
The Fortis Agency turned to the Morris County Chamber of Commerce for assistance in administering the grant program due to their long relationship with the organization, according to Cox-West. The firm has been a chamber member since its inception and Cox-West serves as chair of the chamber’s Women in Business Program and sits on the board of directors.
 
“Small businesses were hit by COVID particularly hard,” said Meghan Hunscher, chamber president. “Unlike larger companies that could transition to remote operation, many small businesses are in-person entities and rely heavily on either foot traffic or going out to perform a service for their customers. Many barely held on during the pandemic and the generosity of the Fortis Agency will be greatly appreciated.”
 
About the Morris County Chamber of Commerce 
The Morris County Chamber of Commerce has more than 700 member organizations that range from entrepreneurs and small businesses to large corporations and Fortune 500 companies. The chamber’s mission is to collaboratively advance the interests of its members to champion a thriving business and community environment. The chamber’s many events, meetings and seminars provide a platform for its members to connect, collaborate, learn and succeed. The chamber is dedicated to the advancement of Morris County's businesses and community by providing services, information and advocacy to support the success of its member organizations. They are headquartered in Florham Park.
 
Chamber Contact:                                                        Media Contact:
Colette Moran                                                               Christopher Reardon
Morris County Chamber of Commerce                     Reardon Communications Group
Tel: 973.210.6083                                                          Tel: 908.229.4674
colette@morrischamber.org                                        chris@reardoncommunications.com