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New Jersey small businesses have a renewed opportunity for funding, exposure and mentorship through the return of Jersey Shops presented by Citizens. The program is a collaboration between Citizens Bank and the New Jersey Devils.

Applications are now open for the remainder of the 2025–2026 season. Winners will be selected on a rolling basis through April.

This year, four businesses will each receive $5,000 in funding, plus a year of professional development and networking through Luminary, valued at $2,500. Each winner will also feature in a professionally produced video vignette created by the Devils content team. Devils and Citizens digital and in-arena platforms will promote the reel to boost their visibility statewide.

Last season’s four grand-prize winners were:

Jersey-made businesses are the lifeblood of our neighborhoods, connecting our communities and shaping our daily lives and routines.

Enter your business for the Jersey Shops program presented by @CitizensBank today, with four finalists earning a $5,000 prize and more!

— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) November 20, 2025

Beyond the main winners, up to 50 additional spotlight businesses will receive a dedicated listing on the Jersey Shops official website. They will also get a Jersey Shops promotional kit. The package includes “Made in Jersey” window decals and merchandise as well as invitations to Devils networking events throughout the season.

“At Citizens, we know the important role that small businesses play as the heartbeat of our local communities,” said Mark Valentino, head of business banking, Citizens. “We’re proud to support small businesses – in our everyday work and with programs like Jersey Shops – to help expand the positive impact they make in the region.”

Settling in

The announcement highlights Citizens’ growing commitment to New Jersey. It first expanded into the Tri-State region in 2022, following its acquisitions of HSBC’s East Coast branches and Investors Bank.

NJBIZ has profiled Citizens, which now has 174 branches in the region. The financial institution also continues to invest in economic opportunity, workforce development and community partnerships across the state. That work includes with Junior Achievement New Jersey, LISC and New Jersey Business & Industry Association.

This initiative is one of several Devils community programs designed to elevate New Jersey small businesses.

“With the help of Citizens for the past four years, the Jersey Shops program has helped nearly 100 small businesses throughout the state,” said Ned Luke, vice president, partnerships activation & solutions for the Devils and Prudential Center. “Programs like this give local businesses a platform to shine and we are proud to continue in our support to providing the visibility and resources needed to grow.”

Businesses can learn more and apply here.