NJ Neighborhood Preservation Program (NPP)

In New Jersey 5 SCORE chapters have joined forces to assist their state with the NJ Neighborhood Preservation Program (NPP). The program is primarily led by Jane Meyer, Chapter Chair of SCORE Central Jersey, and coordinating across Northwest NJ, Monmouth, Northeast NJ, and SCORE Princeton.

The NPP program provides direct financial and technical assistance to municipalities based on strategic revitalization plans within those municipalities. It was first piloted from May 2021-September 2021. Due to its success, in 2022 program expanding from 20 communities to 40 communities!

SCORE's role in the program has been to work with the NPP Community Coordinators to determine businesses in their jurisdiction that would like to receive SCORE Mentoring. The SCORE NJ Chapters created a promotional video to introduce the 2022 program to the NPP Community Coordinators, and joined their monthly program meeting on January 13 to present the collaboration opportunities available.

It is up to each Community Coordinator if they want to utilize SCORE's services or not for their program. Community microgrants are offered by NPP for their participation with SCORE (up to $1000 per community). SCORE provides a Mentoring Request form to participating communities and asks that the businesses requesting SCORE services have been in business for at least 1-2 years. NPP Coordinators look for people who would be able and willing to devote the time to SCORE mentoring and follow-ups. Participating SCORE mentors enjoy the program because they are getting established businesses who are very engaged.

This program supports SCORE's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts by helping SCORE make more connections with underserved and at-risk communities. The program is also getting SCORE to support more Spanish Speaking business owners, resulting in increased exposure and trust for SCORE in this community as well.

NJ Governor Murphy visiting one of the NPP SCORE client's floral shop.