Expands EDA small business loan program to include certain broadband telecommunications service providers.

This bill expands New Jersey's existing small business loan program administered by the Economic Development Authority (EDA) to include certified broadband telecommunications service providers operating in rural areas. It specifically adds "broadband telecommunications service providers" to the list of eligible borrowers, defined as entities certified by the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to offer high-speed broadband (25 Mbps download/3 Mbps upload) in rural areas (population ≤30,000 and density <4,000/sq mile). The EDA will administer these loans with consultation from the BPU, following existing program rules for small business loans. This change allows rural broadband providers to access capital for infrastructure and operations under the same framework as other small businesses.