Mercer Times

Capital Health has announced the distribution of nearly $50,000 in grants to seven small businesses in Trenton as part of its Trenton Neighborhood Initiative (TNI). This initiative aims to support local entrepreneurs near Capital Health Regional Medical Center on Brunswick Avenue. The funding is intended to help with employee training, equipment upgrades, expansion, and repairs.

The recipients of the inaugural TNI Thrives Business Grants include MBM Fashion Variety, Mendez Auto Repair, Seafood #1, New Way Deli, New Religion Barber Shop, Ronnie’s Room LLC, and Stylez from the Heart. These grants are designed to foster growth and create a safer community environment.

Al Maghazehe, president and CEO of Capital Health, emphasized the organization's long-standing connection to Trenton: “Trenton has been Capital Health’s home for more than 125 years...we believe our responsibility to the community extends beyond the walls of our hospitals and medical offices.” He added that while their primary focus is health services, initiatives like TNI are crucial for broader community well-being.

Samuel J. Plumeri, Jr., Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Capital Healthcare Inc., expressed personal significance in this initiative: “As someone who grew up here...our commitment to the neighborhoods surrounding Capital Health Regional Medical Center and the broader Trenton community is especially meaningful to me.”

The Trenton Neighborhood Initiative was launched in 2021 with implementation partner Trenton Health Team. It aims to address social determinants affecting health in Trenton. The TNI Thrives Business Grant Program is a key component of this effort alongside scholarship programs and workshops for entrepreneurs.

TNI's $10 million investment is supported by various partners including Allied Universal, Bank of America, Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation, Investors Bank, Janssen/Johnson & Johnson, Labcorp Foundation, Citizens Bank Philanthropic Foundation, George H. Sands and Estelle M. Sands Foundation, Sodexo, Wawa Foundation, PSEG Foundation, OceanFirst Foundation, Church and Dwight Employee Fund among others.