A More Inclusive Metuchen

Through this campaign we seek to broaden and deepen our support for minority and women owned business enterprises (MWBE) in Metuchen. The way we hope to do this is three-fold:

Business opening grants. MWBE's traditionally are underfunded and lack access to capital. Approximately 1/3 of funds we raise will go towards costs related to new businesses opening.
Retail promotions. We hold several retail promotions throughout the year to "make cash registers ring." We'll continue to hold favorites like New Year's Party on the Plaza, Lunar New Year, and Hispanic Heritage Month. Approximately 1/3 of funds we raise will go towards these retail promotions.
Finally, innovation is at the heart of all we do. More storefront grants, technology grants, and outdoor dining and third place grants will go to MWBE in Metuchen.


Examples of past grants and how they benefited MWBE follow:















Angie's Cafe received a storefront consultation. The awning was removed and replaced with illuminated letters. Later, a mural by Raul Ayala was added to the wall facing the parking lot. This was dedicated during a community celebration in June 2022.























Retail promotions have had a big impact on our downtown. Designed to make cash registers ring, businesses often earn in a single day what they need to pay their rent for a month. The Lunar New Year celebration was one such promotion in February 2022 that drew people downtown.





















Finally, we've seen record growth to our downtown with new businesses opening. Several of these were in previously vacant storefronts that needed significant upgrades and improvements. MDA helped several businesses to open, such as Creative Twist Events.





































Your support will help to ensure that positive improvements continue to happen downtown, and that we fulfill our mission and vision to create a more welcoming, walkable, and inclusive downtown.



Thank you!