Citizens and the New Jersey Devils have opened applications for the 2026-27 edition of Jersey Shops presented by Citizens, doubling the program’s direct financial grants to $40,000 for Garden State small businesses.
Announced Thursday, the expanded initiative will award $10,000 each to four selected New Jersey businesses to support their growth—up from $20,000 in total funding distributed during the prior season. Applications will remain open through Feb. 7, 2027, via newjerseydevils.com/jerseyshops.
Beyond the $10,000 cash awards, the four winning businesses will receive custom video vignettes produced by the Devils’ content team and featured across Prudential Center in-arena displays, official websites, and social media channels for both Citizens and the NHL franchise.
Up to 50 additional small businesses across the state will be selected to receive dedicated online directory listings on the Jersey Shops website, promotional kits featuring “Made in Jersey” window decals and merchandise, and invitations to exclusive networking events hosted by Citizens and the Devils throughout the hockey season.
“Small businesses are essential to strong local economies, creating opportunity and helping communities across New Jersey grow,” Nuno Francisco, New Jersey business banking market executive at Citizens said. “Through Jersey Shops, we’re pairing direct financial support with greater visibility and connections that can help business owners take their next step.”
Now entering its fifth year, the partnership builds on Citizens’ regional expansion across the New York–New Jersey metro area following its 2022 acquisitions of Investors Bank and HSBC’s East Coast branches. Citizens serves as the official bank of Prudential Center, the New Jersey Devils, and the New York Giants, operating 174 branches across the Tri-State region.
“Small businesses are the heart of New Jersey communities, and we’re proud to continue working with Citizens to help them grow,” Ned Luke, vice president of partnerships activation and solutions for the New Jersey Devils and Prudential Center said. “We’re thankful for the continued support of Citizens to raise the bar each year and reach even more small businesses throughout New Jersey.”
During the 2025-26 season, grand prize winners included Scratch Pies of Middletown, Denim Surgeon of Red Bank, Dinosaur Car Wash of Linden, and Break the Mold Fitness of Lyndhurst. Winners for the 2026-27 cycle will be announced following the February application deadline.
