NEWARK, N.J. - Eight New Jersey banks want to help veterans get their businesses off the ground with preferential loan incentives ranging from fee waivers to reduced interest rates.

The banks are Small Business Administration lenders and will provide the special pricing through Sept. 30 to U.S. Military veterans. "When your country called, you served honorably and protected us," the lenders said in a statement. "We sincerely thank you for your service and wish you the very best in your business ventures." Most of the banks are offering up to a 1% discount of the interest rate for loans up to $500,000. Another is waiving the repayment of the 2% SBA guaranty fee on loans ranging from $50,000 to $150,000. The SBA's New Jersey District office said it applauds the banks' efforts to assist veterans. The banks that have agreed to participate are First State Bank of Cranford; First Washington State Bank of Windsor; Interchange Bank of Saddle Brook; Lakeland Bank of Teaneck; New Millennium Bank of New Brunswick; Skylands Community Bank of Hackettstown; Somerset Valley Bank; and The Bank of Woodbury. So far, credit unions in New Jersey have not joined the banks in this endeavor, according to SBA.