Atlantic City Grants $900K to 65 Small Businesses

Federal relief funds local entrepreneurial recovery efforts

Mar. 14, 2026 at 3:54pm

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Atlantic City has awarded $900,000 in small business micro-grants to 65 local entrepreneurs, providing up to $15,000 each through federal relief funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. The program aims to help small, for-profit businesses in the city recover from the economic challenges of the pandemic.

Why it matters

Small businesses in Atlantic City have faced significant hardship over the past few years, with many struggling to stay afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic. This micro-grant program represents a crucial lifeline for local entrepreneurs, helping them access the capital needed to stabilize operations, invest in growth, and contribute to the city's economic revitalization.

The details

The $900,000 in grant funding was allocated by Atlantic City from federal relief provided through the American Rescue Plan Act. The Small Business Micro-Grant Program is designed to support for-profit businesses in the city with 25 or fewer employees. Each of the 65 selected recipients will receive up to $15,000 to use towards operational expenses, inventory, equipment, or other needs to aid in their recovery.

  • The grant program was announced in January 2026.
  • The application period closed in February 2026.
  • Grant recipients were notified of their awards in March 2026.

The players

Atlantic City

The coastal New Jersey city that is administering the small business micro-grant program.

American Rescue Plan Act

The $1.9 trillion economic stimulus bill passed by the U.S. Congress in 2021 to provide relief and recovery funding during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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What they’re saying

“This grant program is a game-changer for our small businesses that have been hit hard by the pandemic. The funding will make a real difference in helping them stabilize and get back on their feet.”

— Marty Small Sr., Mayor of Atlantic City (wondradio.com)

What’s next

Grant recipients will receive their funding in the coming weeks and must submit reports on how the money was used within 6 months.

The takeaway

Atlantic City's targeted investment in local small businesses through this micro-grant program represents a proactive approach to supporting entrepreneurship and fueling the city's economic recovery in the wake of the pandemic.