Columbia Bank Sponsors Twelve Local Organizations with Covid-19 Recovery Grants Funds Provide $100,000 of Support to Small Businesses and Non-Profits in New Jersey

Columbia Bank is pleased to announce, through its membership with the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (“FHLBNY”), its sponsorship of twelve New Jersey businesses, which have received a cumulative of $100,000 in support grants. The FHLBNY Small Business Recovery Grant Program is intended to support the financial security and health of workers employed by organizations that have suffered a decrease in revenue as a result of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

As a program participant, Columbia Bank worked alongside businesses to compile necessary documentation to demonstrate eligibility, and submit an application on behalf of recipients. Through the initiative, the bank elected to focus on local non-profit organizations and businesses, several of which are in low to moderate income neighborhoods. Grant funds may be used for reasonable and necessary expenses incurred or to be incurred as a direct result of Covid-19 such as payroll, equipment, working capital or debt payment.

Said Thomas J. Kemly, President and CEO of Columbia Bank, “As a true community bank, we are committed to serve the needs of our neighborhoods. After this most challenging year, we are proud to provide additional financial support to several small New Jersey businesses who were unable to meet their obligations due to loss of revenue or unanticipated, extraordinary expenses due to the crisis.” 

Non-Profit organizations and small businesses who received support include:

• Amaker and Porterfield Trans Inc., Plainfield, NJ
• Azevedo Payroll Services, LLC, Elizabeth, NJ
• Burjara, LLC, Linden, NJ
• Deco Services LLC, Sayreville, NJ
• Empanadas Y Mas, LLC, Elizabeth, NJ
• Haledon Learning Group, LLC, North Haledon, NJ
• MNK on Hudson, LLC, Hoboken, NJ
• Newark Arts Council, Inc, Newark, NJ
• Newark Boys Chorus School, Newark, NJ
• Newark Trust for Education, Inc, Newark, NJ
• Perfect Choice Auto, Trenton, NJ
• RENEW Life Center, Inc, Paterson, NJ

For additional information on Columbia Bank’s comprehensive support efforts, please visit ColumbiaBankOnline.com.