The energy giant behind New Jersey’s first massive offshore wind farm is seeking applications for millions of dollars worth of grants to boost minority and woman-owned small businesses in South Jersey.
That money will come from the Pro-NJ Grantor Trust, a $15 million fund created by the Danish company Ørsted in 2019. The goal of the trust is to boost the small businesses need to support the state’s growing offshore wind industry.
“As the offshore wind industry grows in the Garden State and beyond, small businesses need the capital and the opportunity to enter into this fast-growing new sector,” Beverly McCall, chairperson of the trust, said in a statement.
The fund was created after the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities approved Ørsted’s Ocean Wind project, a massive wind farm to planned 15-miles off the coast of Atlantic City.
Applications for the first rounds of grants can will be accepted from Feb. 1 to 19, according to a press release from the trust. This initial window will be open to small businesses owned by women and people of color in Atlantic, Ocean and Cape May counties.
The types of businesses that the trust seeks to fund include:
- Onshore and offshore light logistics and services
- Marine vessel supply and maintenance
- Aviation supply and maintenance
- Construction and repair
- Communications, permitting, engineering and other professional services
- Turbine blade inspection and service
- Fuel service and supply
- Network and wireless communications supply, service, and repair
- Workforce training
- Cleaning and janitorial
- Food service and catering
- Onshore and offshore surveys
- Project and risk management
- Health and safety equipment and clothing
- Marine clothing and equipment supply
The trust is just one effort that Ørsted has made to establish its presence in New Jersey. The company, which has opened an office in Atlantic City, estimates the Ocean Wind project will generate more than $1 billion in economic benefits and create 15,000 jobs.
“Ørsted believes that the offshore wind industry is an opportunity not just for developers but for local businesses as well,” David Hardy, CEO of Ørsted Offshore North America, said in a statement.
When Ørsted submitted a bid to the BPU for a second wind farm in December, the company pledged “significant” investments in offshore wind manufacturing in New Jersey and workforce training programs. Weeks later, the company became part of a $250 million investment in an offshore wind manufacturing facility at the Port of Paulsboro on the Delaware River.
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Michael Sol Warren may be reached at [email protected].
