A Disabled Veteran-Owned Business (DVOB) certification may provide an advantage for New Jersey State contracts. *Learn more about [government contracts](https://business.nj.gov/pages/government-contracting).*

- - -

### Eligibility Criteria

A DVOB must either:

* Have its principal place of business in the State, be independently owned and operated, and at least 51% of the business be owned and controlled by persons who are disabled veterans; or
* Is a business that has its principal place of business in this State and has been officially verified by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs as a service-disabled veteran-owned business for the purposes of department contracts pursuant to Federal law

### Application Needs

* Federal Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Determination Letter, Disability Award Letter, or Federal Service-Disabled Veteran Letter for Majority owner(s)
* Proof of New Jersey residency for Majority owner(s)

> **After you complete this, you will have:**
>
> * A Disabled Veteran-Owned Business certificate

A Disabled Veteran-Owned Business (DVOB) certification may provide an advantage for New Jersey State contracts. *Learn more about [government contracts](https://business.nj.gov/pages/government-contracting).*

Get Certified as a Disabled Veteran-Owned Business

_While New Jersey state government does not give special consideration to vendors that hold_ `Minority|minority` _or_ `Women|women` \*-Owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE) certificates, some State licenses, municipal or federal contracts do give special consideration. Learn more about [government contracts](https://business.nj.gov/pages/government-contracting).\*

- - -

### Eligibility Criteria

* Principal place of business in the State of New Jersey
* 51% of the business is owned and controlled by a minority and/or a woman

### Application Needs

* The names and addresses of the owner, partners, or shareholders, as applicable, and their representative shares of ownership
* The names and addresses of the officers of the business
* The names and addresses of members of the board of directors (c-corps only)
* The number of shares of stock issued and outstanding (c-corps only)
* The articles of incorporation, bylaws, partnership agreements, or joint venture agreements (as applicable)
* Organizational charts
* An applicant's certificate of birth, motor vehicle driver's license, passport, or another acceptable form of identification
* An affidavit, signed by the individual seeking certification, certifying that the applicant is a minority business or women's business

> **After you complete this, you will have:**
>
> * A Minority/Women-owned Business Enterprise certificate

While New Jersey state government does not give special consideration to vendors that hold `Minority|minority` or `Women|women` -Owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE) certificates, some State licenses, municipal or federal contracts do give special consideration. Learn more about [government contracts](https://business.nj.gov/pages/government-contracting).

Obtain a Minority/Women-Owned Business

*Having a Small Business Enterprise (SBE) certificate may give you an advantage with [government contracts](https://business.nj.gov/pages/government-contracting)*.

- - -

### Eligibility Criteria

* Primary location is in New Jersey
* 100 or fewer full-time employees
* 51% or more of their business operations/sales in New Jersey, OR has 51% or more of the company’s full-time employees in New Jersey
* Meets [additional revenue limits](https://business.nj.gov/pages/sbe) based on your business activity

### Application Needs

* An `EIN|ein` 
* Social Security Number
* An identified `NAICS|naics` code: ${naicsCode}
* Information on your business's gross revenue for the last 3 completed tax years
* Business formation date (for LLC, C corps, LPs and LLPs) You can find this date on your `Certificate of Formation|certificate-formation` 

:::infoAlert 
 This application needs to be notarized.
:::

> **After you complete this, you will have:**
>
> * A Small Business Enterprise certificate

Having a Small Business Enterprise (SBE) certificate may give you an advantage with [government contracts](https://business.nj.gov/pages/government-contracting).

Get My Small Business Enterprise Certification

A `Veteran|veteran` \-Owned Business (VOB) certification may not provide an advantage for New Jersey State contracts. Learn more about [government contracts](https://business.nj.gov/pages/contract-with-new-jersey)*.

- - -

### Eligibility Criteria

* Has its principal place of business in the State of New Jersey
* 51% of the business is owned and controlled by a veteran

### Application Needs

* Proof of Honorable Discharge from the US Military form DD-214 for the majority of owner(s)
* Proof of New Jersey residency for majority owner(s)

> **After you complete this, you will have:**
>
> * Veteran-Owned Business certificate

A `Veteran|veteran` -Owned Business (VOB) certification may not provide an advantage for New Jersey State contracts. Learn more about [government contracts](https://business.nj.gov/pages/contract-with-new-jersey).

Get Certified as a Veteran-Owned Business


[Form Your Business](/tasks/form-business-entity) to see your annual reporting due date. Annual reports are required and keeps your business formation information up to date.



If you're done setting up your business, and completed all required tasks, we can hide your task list, and show you funding opportunities you may be eligible for.



### Register to Save Your Progress

Don’t lose your progress. Complete your registration by creating a free [myNewJersey account](/self-register) now.



[Register for State Taxes](/tasks/register-for-taxes) to discover State certifications your business may be eligible for.



You can now **save your progress**, complete **forms**, check your **applications status**, **access documents**, and more!



You have **${numberOptionalTasks}** left to complete and **${numberRequiredTasks}**.



Welcome to the Navigator, your personalized guide to launch, operate, and grow your ${oos} business in New Jersey.

Once you complete **all required tasks**, you can apply for State certifications, get funding, and more.



Welcome to the Navigator, your personalized dashboard to see funding and certification opportunities and your upcoming tax filings.



The New Jersey Angel Investor Tax Credit Program establishes refundable tax credits for qualified investments in New Jersey emerging technology businesses to stimulate investment in the innovation economy.

---

### Eligibility

- Investors in eligible emerging technology businesses or venture funds in New Jersey
- Both the investor and the technology company must complete the application no later than 6 months from the date of investment
- Fewer than 225 full-time employees, 75% of whom must work in NJ
- Commercializes one or more of the following eligible technologies in the State: Advanced Computing, Advanced Materials, Biotechnology, Electronic Devices, Information Technology, Life Sciences, Medical Devices, Mobile Communications, Renewable Energy Technology, and Carbon Footprint Reduction Technology

> **Benefits**
>
> Tax credits equal to 20% of a qualified investment with a potential 5% bonus.


The New Jersey Angel Investor Tax Credit Program establishes refundable tax credits for qualified investments in New Jersey emerging technology businesses to stimulate investment in the innovation economy.

Angel Investor Tax Credit Program


The Bond Financing program provides bond financing to qualified manufacturing companies, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, and other facilities in New Jersey.

---

### Eligibility

- Manufacturing and processing facilities, certain government-owned facilities, facilities that furnish utilities, and some 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that meet Internal Revenue Code requirements for tax-exempt bond financing
- Bonds can be used for projects that are owned and operated for the benefit of local, county, and state government bodies and for capital improvements and expansions

> **Benefits**
>
> - Tax-exempt bonds of up to $10M for manufacturers
> - Unlimited for non-profits and public infrastructure projects


The Bond Financing program provides bond financing to qualified manufacturing companies, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, and other facilities in New Jersey.

Bond Financing


The Brownfield Assessment Grant Program provides grant money to support site assessment at any eligible brownfield site in NJ.

---

### Eligibility

- Available for eligible brownfield sites in the state for the purpose of assessing known or suspected site contamination

> **Benefits**
>
> Free environmental site assessment to evaluate contamination at brownfield sites


The Brownfield Assessment Grant Program provides grant money to support site assessment at any eligible brownfield site in NJ.

Brownfield Assessment Grant


This is a pilot program, funded by the federal Environmental Protection Agency's Revolving Loan Fund (USEPA RLF) grant that will provide $800,000 in funding for loans to private developers and loans and/or sub-grants to public sector and non-profits to carry out cleanups at brownfield sites.

---

### Eligibility

- Funds must be allocated to environmental cleanup (not assessment or investigation)

> **Benefits**
>
> Addresses funding gaps to make the remediation phase of a project financially viable for remedial actions and other eligible activities.


This is a pilot program, funded by the federal Environmental Protection Agency's Revolving Loan Fund (USEPA RLF) grant that will provide $800,000 in funding for loans to private developers and loans and/or sub-grants to public sector and non-profits to carry out cleanups at brownfield sites.

Brownfield Impact Fund (USEPA RLF)


The Child Care Facilities Improvement Program provides grants for facilities improvement to New Jersey child care providers that provide high quality early childhood learning environments.

Applicants are limited to one application per DCF-licensed child care center location, and two applications per `Entity ID Number (EIN)|ein` .

---

### Eligibility

- Child care center licensed by New Jersey Department of Children and Families (NJDCF) as of June 4th, 2021
- Currently enroll, or have enrolled in the 12 months prior to the date of application, at least one child receiving support through New Jersey Department of Human Services (NJDHS) Child Care Assistance Program
- For-profit businesses or non-profit organizations that can own or lease space
- Be in good standing with the New Jersey Departments of Labor and Workforce Development, Environmental Protection, NJDCF, and NJDHS
- Must not be debarred from receiving federal funds, as indicated through [System for Award Management (SAM)](https://sam.gov/content/home)
- Contractors conducting facility improvements must be New Jersey Department of Labor (NJDOL) Public Works Registered Contractors and abide by state prevailing wage and affirmative action requirements

**Project elements that can be covered by this grant:**

- Labor and materials cost for interior and exterior facility improvements to create high quality early childhood learning environments. See the full list of [eligible facility improvement projects](https://www.njeda.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Child-Care-Facilities-Improvement-Eligible-Projects.pdf)
- Soft costs are capped at up to 20% of total grant and are limited to: architect fees, permit fees, construction management, freight and shipping delivery, environmental assessment

> **Benefits**
>
> - Grant between $50,000 to $200,000


The Child Care Facilities Improvement Program provides grants to New Jersey child care providers for facilities improvements that will contribute to high quality early childhood learning environments.

The Child Care Facilities Improvement Program provides grants for facilities improvement to New Jersey child care providers that provide high quality early childhood learning environments.


Child Care Facilities Improvement Program


The Clean Tech Research & Development (R&D) Voucher Program helps New Jersey early-stage clean tech and clean energy companies offset the cost of accessing equipment at participating New Jersey universities or federal labs for R&D.

---

### Eligibility

- Must be a New Jersey-based clean energy and clean technology company
- Company must have 50 or fewer full-time employees

> **Benefits**
>
> Companies received vouchers totaling up to $15,000 per year.


The Clean Tech Research & Development (R&D) Voucher Program helps New Jersey early-stage clean tech and clean energy companies offset the cost of accessing equipment at participating New Jersey universities or federal labs for R&D.

Clean Tech Research & Development (R&D) Voucher Program


New Jersey Clean Construction Program installs pollution control devices or replaces qualifying non-road construction equipment that reduces pollution. Businesses can apply to two grants: Off-Road Diesel Retrofit Grant and Off-Road Diesel Replacement Grant.

---

### Eligibility

- Businesses or non-profits must own the non-road construction equipment
- Equipment must be used a minimum of 50% of the time in New Jersey for a current or future construction project in New Jersey
- Equipment cannot be planned to go out of use in the next 5 years
- Priority is given to urban areas, high frequency of use, and older models

> **Benefits**
>
> Award of up to $100,000 per piece of equipment purchased or replaced.


New Jersey Clean Construction Program installs pollution control devices or replaces qualifying non-road construction equipment that reduces pollution. Businesses can apply to two grants: Off-Road Diesel Retrofit Grant and Off-Road Diesel Replacement Grant.

NJ Clean Construction Program


This program provides low-interest loans to finance the costs of infrastructure needed to achieve or maintain compliance with Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) requirements and to protect public health.

---

### Eligibility

Must be a nonprofit, non-community water systems in New Jersey and use the funds for the following construction projects:

- Water treatment facilities correcting a system's non-compliance with Surface Water Treatment requirements, acute violations, maximum contaminant levels, lead, and copper rule exceedance, or secondary drinking water regulation exceedance
- Consolidation of water systems to comply with the SDWA
- Rehabilitation of existing water treatment facilities, water mains, pump stations, water storage facilities, or new water storage facilities to maintain compliance with the SDWA and wells
- Allowances for planning and design are also available

> **Benefits**
>
> Provides short-term loans at 0.337% Interest to replace and update drinking water infrastructure.


This program provides low-interest loans to finance the costs of infrastructure needed to achieve or maintain compliance with Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) requirements and to protect public health.

Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Program


The Underground Storage Tank Fund (UST) provides financial assistance in the form of loans and grants to eligible owners and operators for the closure and remediation of discharges from unregulated petroleum underground storage tanks, and for the closure and remediation of State-regulated petroleum underground storage tanks.

---

### Eligibility

- Businesses must own less than 10 petroleum underground storage tanks in New Jersey
- **For an interest-free loan:** Businesses must have a net worth of less than $2M and demonstrate they're unable to obtain a commercial loan for all or part of the eligible costs
- **For a grant:** Businesses must have taxable income not exceeding $250,000 and a net worth not exceeding $500,000, excluding their primary residence and pension
- Eligibility for independent institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, volunteer fire, ambulance, first aid, emergency or rescue company or squad, is defined in the UST Finance Act

> **Benefits**
>
> - Grant recipients can receive up to $500,000 per site in a Metropolitan area and up to $1M per site if the project is located in a Suburban area
> - Loan recipients will not exceed $2M in an urban area, or not exceed $3M if the project site is located in a suburban area


The Underground Storage Tank Fund (UST) provides financial assistance in the form of loans and grants to eligible owners and operators for the closure and remediation of discharges from unregulated petroleum underground storage tanks, and for the closure and remediation of State-regulated petroleum underground storage tanks.

Petroleum Underground Storage Tank  Remediation, Upgrade and Closure Fund


This program provides grants to offset the cost of purchasing electric vehicle charging stations. The program expands New Jersey’s growing network of electric vehicle infrastructure, allowing residents, businesses, and government agencies to purchase and drive electric vehicles.

---

### Eligibility

- Public, workplaces, and multi-unit residential dwellings are eligible
- Charging stations can't be placed in private residential dwellings

> **Benefits:**
>
> Businesses and others can be reimbursed for 100% of the costs if on government property and 80% of costs if on private property, up to a maximum of:
>
> - $750 per Level 1 charging port (provides 120 VAC up to 12 A)
> - $4,000 per Level 2 charging port (provides 240 VAC from 12 A to 80 A)


This program provides grants to offset the cost of purchasing electric vehicle charging stations. The program expands New Jersey’s growing network of electric vehicle infrastructure, allowing residents, businesses, and government agencies to purchase and drive electric vehicles.

It Pays to Plug In: Electric Vehicle Workplace Charging Grant Program


This program provides low-cost financing for the design, construction, and implementation of projects that help protect and improve water quality, and help ensure safe and adequate drinking water.

---

### Eligibility

- Private entities, such as developers, can be eligible as **clean water applicants** through public conduit borrowers
- **Drinking water applicants** can be public community water systems privately and publicly owned, and nonprofit non-community water systems (as defined by the [National Primary Drinking Water Regulations](https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/national-primary-drinking-water-regulations))
- **All applicants** must also satisfy the [Water Bank's creditworthiness standards](https://cdn.njib.gov/njib/policies/njib_credit_policy_2018.pdf)

> **Benefits:**
> Funding from $100M to $200M available per year. Funding comes from New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) at 0% interest and New Jersey Environmental Infrastructure Trust (NJEIT) at ~Market Rate Interest for a loan that is effectively half the market rate.


This program provides low-cost financing for the design, construction, and implementation of projects that help protect and improve water quality, and help ensure safe and adequate drinking water.

New Jersey Water Bank Program


The Digital Media Tax Credit Program provides a transferable credit against the corporate business tax and the gross income tax to incentivize companies to produce content in New Jersey.

---

### Eligibility

- Companies must produce content in New Jersey

> **Benefits**
>
> - A tax credit equal to 20% of qualified digital media production expenses, or
> - 25% of qualified digital media production expenses for services performed and tangible personal property purchased through vendors located in specific New Jersey counties


The Digital Media Tax Credit Program provides a transferable credit against the corporate business tax and the gross income tax to incentivize companies to produce content in New Jersey.

Digital Media Tax Credit


New Jersey businesses committed to job creation or retention may be eligible for direct loans through the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) when conventional financing is not available.

---

### Eligibility

- Businesses must commit to creating or maintaining 1 job for every $65,000 of assistance. There is an application fee of $1,000

> **Benefits**
>
> Loans up to $2M for fixed assets or up to $750,000 to be used for fixed assets or working capital.


New Jersey businesses committed to job creation or retention may be eligible for direct loans through the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) when conventional financing is not available.

Direct Loans


The DBE/SS Program provides training and technical assistance to minority, disadvantaged, and women-owned businesses. This program aims to increase opportunities with the New Jersey Department of Transportation's (NJDOT) contracting program and assist them in competing for and performing work on highway and highway-related projects.

---

### Eligibility

- Preference is given to New Jersey-based small and disadvantaged businesses certified under the [Federal Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program](https://www.transportation.gov/civil-rights/disadvantaged-business-enterprise)
- [Emerging Small Business Enterprises (ESBEs) and Small Business Enterprises (SBEs)](https://www.nj.gov/transportation/business/civilrights/dbe.shtm) based in New Jersey and are actively seeking certification as a DBE also qualify

> **Benefits**
>
> - Intensive, instructor-led instruction in a number of business and technical topics
> - Participating businesses complete a needs assessment and receive customized, one-on-one coaching and technical assistance tailored to their business needs
> - Provided opportunities to expand professional networks and establish relationships with NJDOT's prime contractors through various programs and events


The DBE/SS Program provides training and technical assistance to minority, disadvantaged, and women-owned businesses. This program aims to increase opportunities with the New Jersey Department of Transportation's (NJDOT) contracting program and assist them in competing for and performing work on highway and highway-related projects.

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Supportive Services Program (DBE/SSP)


Edison Innovation Angel Growth Fund provides funding to early-stage, emerging technology businesses matched with an outside equity investor within the last 90 days.

---

### Eligibility

- Technology companies must be supported by an Angel investment with a minimum trailing 12-month commercial revenues of $250,000
- The company must employ 75% of its W-2 employees in NJ or commit to growing 10 high-paying jobs over two years

> **Benefits**
>
> Businesses can receive up to $250,000 in growth capital matched with outside investors on a 1 to 2 basis.


Edison Innovation Angel Growth Fund provides funding to early-stage, emerging technology businesses matched with an outside equity investor within the last 90 days.

Edison Innovation Angel Growth Fund


Edison Innovation VC Growth Fund provides funding to early-stage, emerging technology businesses matched with an outside equity investor within the last 90 days.

---

### Eligibility

- Technology companies supported by venture capital with a minimum trailing 12-month commercial revenues of at least $2M
- The company must employ 75% of its W-2 employees in NJ or commit to growing 10 high-paying jobs over two years
- The company must have received an Edison Innovation VC Growth Fund investment and be in good standing

> **Benefits**
>
> Businesses can receive funding of up to $500,000.


Edison Innovation VC Growth Fund provides funding to early-stage, emerging technology businesses matched with an outside equity investor within the last 90 days.

Edison Innovation Growth Stars Fund


Edison Innovation VC Growth Fund provides funding to early-stage, emerging technology businesses matched with an outside equity investor within the last 90 days.

---

### Eligibility

- Venture capital supported New Jersey-based technology companies with a minimum trailing 12-month commercial revenues of $500,000
- This revenue amount must exceed the amount of the potential Edison Innovation Fund investment amount
- The company must employ 75% of its W-2 employees in New Jersey or commit to growing 10 high-paying jobs over two years

> **Benefits**
>
> Up to $1M in growth capital matched with outside investors on a 1 to 1 basis.


Edison Innovation VC Growth


The Electric Vehicle (EV) Tourism Program is offering incentives to promote electric vehicle adoption and tourism through investment in EV chargers at key New Jersey tourism sites, landmarks, and other `Tourism Areas|tourism-areas` .

---

### Eligibility

- Eligible applicant include, but are not limited to those situated in locations which offer amusement, arts, culture, attractions, dining, entertainment, history, outdoor recreation, overnight lodging, and shopping
- The scoring rubric used by the program can be found on the [New Jersey Clean Energy Program website](https://njcleanenergy.com/ev)

> **Benefits**
>
> Awardees will receive up to $5,000 for an eligible L2 charger, up to the cost of the charger; and up to $50,000 for a Direct Current Fast Charger, up to the cost of the charger.


The Electric Vehicle (EV) Tourism Program is offering incentives to promote electric vehicle adoption and tourism through investment in EV chargers at key New Jersey tourism sites, landmarks, and other `Tourism Areas|tourism-areas` .

Electric Vehicle Tourism Program


The Film Tax Credit Program provides a transferable credit against the corporation business tax and the gross income tax to incentivize production companies to film content in New Jersey.

---

### Eligibility

- Feature films, television series, or television shows of 22 minutes or more in length, intended for a national or regional audience filmed and produced at a cultural venue receiving State funding
- 60% of the total film production expenses must be incurred for services and goods purchased through vendors authorized to do business in New Jersey, or
- Qualified film production expenses (expenses incurred in New Jersey for the production of a film) must exceed $1 million per production

### Not Eligible

- Productions featuring news, current events, weather, and market reports or public programming, talk show, sports event, or reality show
- Productions that solicit funds
- Productions primarily for private, industrial, corporate, or institutional purposes

> **Benefits**
>
> Tax credits up to 35% of qualified film production expenses.


The Film Tax Credit Program provides a transferable credit against the corporation business tax and the gross income tax to incentivize production companies to film content in New Jersey.

Film Tax Credit Program


The Growing Apprenticeship in Nontraditional Sectors (GAINS) program aims to promote the expansion and development of [USDOL-approved Registered Apprenticeship](https://www.apprenticeship.gov/employers/registered-apprenticeship-program) programs.

The GAINS program provides New Jersey businesses or current registered apprenticeship sponsors looking to create or expand Registered Apprenticeship programs in new [USDOL-approved occupations](https://www.apprenticeship.gov/apprenticeship-occupations).

---

### Eligibility

- Entities who are developing new, or building upon existing Registered Apprenticeship programs
- Any employer, trade association, labor organization, and others providing apprenticeship programs for their industry
- While all industries are encouraged to apply, preference will be given to targeted sectors including: Advanced Manufacturing Bio Pharma/Life Sciences Energy, Utilities and Infrastructure Retail, Hospitality and Tourism Financial Services/Insurance Transportation, Logistics and Distribution Information Technology/Cyber Security, Renewable Energy, Healthcare, Other Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) related sectors/occupations Construction & Building Trades Public Service.

> **Benefits**
>
> Eligible applicants can request funding up to $9,500 per registered apprentice to:
>
> 1. Offset administrative costs incurred creating the Registered Apprenticeship Program
> 2. Offset costs incurred for training the new apprentice
> 3. Provide a 50% wage reimbursement for the first twelve months of newly hired apprentices’ employment for occupations paying a starting wage of at least $16.00 per hour


The Growing Apprenticeship in Nontraditional Sectors (GAINS) program aims to promote the expansion and development of [USDOL-approved Registered Apprenticeship](https://www.apprenticeship.gov/employers/registered-apprenticeship-program) programs.

Growing Apprenticeship in Nontraditional Sectors


The Hazardous Discharge Site Remediation Fund (HDSRF) provides funding for the investigation, remediation, and cleanup of contaminated and underutilized sites.

---

### Eligibility

- Businesses, individuals, or municipalities in New Jersey performing remediation or cleanup of contaminated and underutilized sites

> **Benefits**
>
> - Grants of up to $5M per year for municipal and county redevelopment authorities
> - Loans up to $500,000 per year for private entities and $2M per year for public entities
> - $10M is also available each year to support recreation/conservation, renewable energy, and affordable housing projects
> - Funds are for environmental assessment, investigation, and remediation activities. Hazardous Discharge Site Remediation Fund (HDSRF) funds can also be leveraged to obtain funds from other sources such as U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA)


The Hazardous Discharge Site Remediation Fund (HDSRF) provides funding for the investigation, remediation, and cleanup of contaminated and underutilized sites.

Hazardous Discharge Site Remediation Fund


Golden Seeds is a nationwide angel investor network dedicated to investing in women-led startups. The New Jersey chapter of Golden Seeds launched in 2021 to increase available capital for female-led businesses.

---

### Eligibility

- The product is in the beta (not alpha) stage of development and has been created with input from clients or potential clients
- The business has some “proof of concept” revenue
- Typical pre-money valuation is below $5M
- Typically seeking to raise $250,000-$2M
- Company must have annual run-rate revenue of over $1M and over 40% of gross margin

> **Benefits**
>
> Ability to meet one-on-one with seasoned investors for feedback and possible funding opportunities.


Golden Seeds is a nationwide angel investor network dedicated to investing in women-led startups. The New Jersey chapter of Golden Seeds launched in 2021 to increase available capital for female-led businesses.

Investments in Women-Led Start-ups


**_Based on the significant number of applications already received, funding for the Main Street Micro Business Loan is fully subscribed. Based on the fact that the New Jersey Economic Development Authority's (NJEDA) application fee is non-refundable, NJEDA is no longer accepting new applications. If you have any questions, please contact the NJEDA Call Center at 844-965-1125. Applicants who already have an application in progress will have until 5 PM on Wednesday, October 12th , 2022 to complete and submit their application. Applicants who do not complete and submit their in progress application by Wednesday, October 12th, 2022 at 5 PM will no longer have the ability to do so after that date and time._**

Main Street Micro Business Loan will provide financing of up to $50,000 to eligible micro businesses in New Jersey with ten or fewer full-time employees and no greater than $1M in annual revenues.

The program is the successor to the Micro Business Loan Program established by the NJEDA in 2019.

---

### Eligibility

Nonprofit, for profit, and home-based micro businesses interested in applying for the Main Street Micro Business Loan must meet the following eligibility requirements:

- Must have less than $1.5M in annual gross revenue for the most current fiscal year (to the extent the business has annual revenues)
- Must have a credit score of at least a 600 from at least one owner to be eligible
- Must have no more than 10 full-time employees (All employees must work in New Jersey as evidenced by WR-30 filings. There is no minimum employee number and sole proprietors are eligible.)
- Must be formed at least six months prior to the date of application, as evidenced by the date of formation/incorporation

> **Benefits**
>
> - Future operating expenses, including working capital to fund future operating expenses (i.e., payroll, rent, mortgage, utilities, taxes, and inventory)
> - Future purchases of equipment as long as installation and construction costs do not exceed $1,999.99
>
> _Home-based businesses cannot use loan proceeds for any residential costs (i.e. home mortgage/lease payments)._


Main Street Micro Business Loan will provide financing of up to $50,000 to eligible micro businesses in New Jersey with ten or fewer full-time employees and no greater than $1M in annual revenues.

Main Street Micro Business Loan


Founders & Funders enables early-stage New Jersey technology and life sciences companies to meet potential investors in 10-minute, one-on-one “speed dating” sessions to discuss strategy, business models, and funding opportunities.

To register for this opportunity, contact: NJFoundersFunders@njeda.com

---

### Eligibility

- Company must be registered to do business in New Jersey and located in New Jersey
- Company is able to demonstrate some signs of financial or operational traction

> **Benefits**
>
> Ability to meet one-on-one with seasoned investors for feedback and possible funding opportunities.


Founders & Funders enables early-stage New Jersey technology and life sciences companies to meet potential investors in 10-minute, one-on-one “speed dating” sessions to discuss strategy, business models, and funding opportunities.

New Jersey Founders & Funders


The New Jersey Business Action Center's (NJBAC) State Trade Expansion Program (NJSTEP) provides financial awards to domestic small businesses that are new to export and those who currently sell their goods and services to other countries.

---

### Eligibility

- Small business as defined by the [Small Business Administration](https://www.sba.gov/size-standards/index.html)
- In business for at least one year as of the date of the application
- Manufacturing goods or producing services that contain at least 51% U.S. content
- Registered with NJ START and have a [DUNS number](https://www.dnb.com/duns.html)

> **Benefits**
>
> - $15,000-$25,000 per company per grant cycle
> - Website and e-commerce fees to attract international buyers, along with designs for international marketing media
> - Participation in international trade missions, international and U.S. trade events, and Department of Commerce organized trade missions
> - Fees for services provided by the U.S. Commercial Service (USCS)


The New Jersey Business Action Center's (NJBAC) State Trade Expansion Program (NJSTEP) provides financial awards to domestic small businesses that are new to exporting and those who currently sell their goods and services to other countries.

New Jersey State Trade Expansion Program (NJSTEP)


The Large Energy Users Program (LEUP) encourages large commercial and industrial utility customers that have facilities in New Jersey to to upgrade or install energy conserving measures in existing buildings and to help offset these capital costs. These efficiency upgrades are customized to meet the requirements of the customers’ existing facilities, while advancing the State’s energy efficiency, conservation, and greenhouse gas reduction goals.

---

### Eligibility

- To qualify, eligible entities must have incurred at least $5M in total annual energy costs (on a pre-sales tax basis, aggregate of all buildings/sites) between July 1st, 2021 and June 30th, 2022 as billed by NJ investor-owned utilities and any applicable third-party suppliers associated with those accounts
- Applicant accounts must be commercially-billed and pay the [Societal Benefits Charge (SBC)](https://www.njcleanenergy.com/files/file/FAQs_pdf_4.pdf)

> ### Benefits
>
> - There is an entity cap of $4M per fiscal year, and available funding vary by technology
> - Eligible annual costs include standard costs associated with electric and/or gas delivery and supply (e.g., generation, transmission, distribution, SBC, etc.) and not those that are unique to the customer (e.g., energy management charges)


The Large Energy Users Program (LEUP) encourages large commercial and industrial utility customers that have facilities in New Jersey to to upgrade or install energy conserving measures in existing buildings and to help offset these capital costs. These efficiency upgrades are customized to meet the requirements of the customers’ existing facilities, while advancing the State’s energy efficiency, conservation, and greenhouse gas reduction goals.

New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program - Large Energy Users


The Local Government Energy Audit (LGEA) program provides an energy audit at no cost for eligible facilities owned by municipalities, school districts, 501(c)(3) non-profits, and other local and state government entities (applicants). The goal of the energy audit is to provide applicants with information on how their facilities use energy, identify energy conservation measures that can reduce energy, put applicants in a position to implement these measures, and guide applicants towards financial incentives offered by utilities and state.

---

### Eligibility

The program is open to all local governments, New Jersey state colleges or state universities, county colleges, public schools, and non-profit agencies exempt from federal taxation under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code that are located within the service territory of at least one of the state's regulated investor-owned utilities.

> ### Benefit
>
> The LGEA Program provides audits up to a value of $150,000 per program year, per applicant. For larger applicants, if the audit cost exceeds or is expected to exceed $150,000, there is a potential larger cost cap for applicants pursuing the Energy Savings Improvement Program and eligible healthcare entities, not to exceed $300,000.


The Local Government Energy Audit (LGEA) program provides an energy audit at no cost for eligible facilities owned by municipalities, school districts, 501(c)(3) non-profits, and other local and state government entities (applicants). The goal of the energy audit is to provide applicants with information on how their facilities use energy, identify energy conservation measures that can reduce energy, put applicants in a position to implement these measures, and guide applicants towards financial incentives offered by utilities and state.

New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program - Local Government Energy Audit


The Residential New Construction (RNC) Program is designed to increase the energy efficiency and environmental performance of residential new construction buildings (single and multifamily) in New Jersey by offering technical support and incentives to builders that comply with these standards.

---

### Eligibility

- Must use natural gas and/or electricity as the primary heating fuel supplied by a New Jersey investor‐owned utility
- Must be newly constructed single family, multi‐single low‐rise, and high‐rise multifamily buildings
- Existing homes undergoing `substantial renovation|substantial-renovation` or remodeling that meets the criteria above

> ### Benefits
>
> The program offers builders and raters varying incentives from $500 to $6,000+ per home.


The Residential New Construction (RNC) Program is designed to increase the energy efficiency and environmental performance of residential new construction buildings (single and multifamily) in New Jersey by offering technical support and incentives to builders that comply with these standards.

New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program - Residential New Construction


The Combined Heat and Power - Fuel Cells (CHP-FC) program aims to enhance energy efficiency through on-site power generation with recovery and productive use of waste heat, and to reduce existing and new demands to the electric power grid. The program plans to do this by providing generous financial incentives for Combined Heat & Power (CHP) and Fuel Cell (FC) installations.

---

### Eligibility

- CHP or Waste Heat to Power projects must achieve an annual system efficiency of at least 60% (Higher Heating Value - HHV), based on total energy input and total utilized energy output
- FC systems must achieve an annual electric system efficiency of at least 40% (HHV) based on Net Useful Electric Power plus Net Useful Thermal Production (if any) divided by the Total Fuel Input at HHV

> ### Benefits
>
> - No more than $4.5M in new incentive commitments can be made towards ≥40% Fuel Cells during Fiscal Year 2023
> - Of the $4.5M, no single prime mover manufacturer can qualify for a total of $1.5M in incentives for qualifying ≥40% Fuel Cells equipment
> - Natural gas, hydrogen, biogas, and mixed fuel (e.g., natural gas and biogas) CHP-FC equipment installed on the customer side of the utility meter is eligible for incentives
> - 100% renewable fueled projects, including biogas and landfill gas-fueled projects which meet CHP program criteria, are also eligible to receive incentives


The Combined Heat and Power - Fuel Cells (CHP-FC) program aims to enhance energy efficiency through on-site power generation with recovery and productive use of waste heat, and to reduce existing and new demands to the electric power grid. The program plans to do this by providing generous financial incentives for Combined Heat & Power (CHP) and Fuel Cell (FC) installations.

New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program – Combined Heat & Power - Fuel Cells


New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program (NJCEP) encourages energy efficient new construction of commercial and industrial facilities in New Jersey by offering various financial incentives to adopt cost-effective, energy efficient design choices in qualifying new construction and substantial renovation projects.

---

### Eligibility

- Participants must be electric and/or gas customers of New Jersey investor-owned utilities and pay the monthly [Societal Benefits Charge (SBC)](https://www.njcleanenergy.com/files/file/FAQs_pdf_4.pdf)
- Incentives are offered for new construction and `substantial renovations|substantial-renovation`

> ### Benefits
>
> There is an entity cap of $4M per fiscal year.


New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program (NJCEP) encourages energy efficient new construction of commercial and industrial facilities in New Jersey by offering various financial incentives to adopt cost-effective, energy efficient design choices in qualifying new construction and substantial renovation projects.

New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program – Commercial & Industrial New Construction 


NJ Accelerate supports accelerator programs and their graduate companies. Incentivizes graduate companies to locate and grow in New Jersey.

---

### Eligibility

- Businesses in accelerator programs and graduates of approved accelerators

> **Benefits**
>
> - 1:1 matching event sponsorship up to $100,000 for accelerator programs
> - 1:1 matching loan funding up to $250,000 and rent support for up to 6 months for graduate companies


NJ Accelerate supports accelerator programs and their graduate companies. Incentivizes graduate companies to locate and grow in New Jersey.

NJ Accelerate


The NJ Brownfields Assistance Center provides free guidance, tools, and resources to New Jersey county and municipal governments interested in redeveloping and reclaiming brownfield sites.

---

### Eligibility

- The NJ Brownfield Assistance Center @ NJIT provides the tools and resources necessary to reclaim and redevelop brownfield sites

> **Benefits**
>
> - Free focused assistance to New Jersey county and local governments and nonprofits to develop brownfield redevelopment solutions
> - Assistance to educate and engage communities in an effort to build capacity and a knowledge base on brownfield redevelopment


The NJ Brownfields Assistance Center provides free guidance, tools, and resources to New Jersey county and municipal governments interested in redeveloping and reclaiming brownfield sites.

NJ Brownfields Assistance Center @ NJIT


The NJ CoVest Fund provides seed funding to New Jersey technology and life science companies to help bridge the funding gap between product development and commercialization.

---

### Eligibility

- Early-stage technology and life science businesses located in physical commercial office, co-working, or incubator space in New Jersey
- At least 2 full-time founders that have a financial commitment to the company, and a minimum of 50% of its W-2 employees in New Jersey

> **Benefits**
>
> - Up to $250,000 is available
> - The NJ CoVest Fund provides growth capital to support early-stage companies from product development to successful, scalable commercialization
> - This funding is available at the critical stage between product development and commercial operation expansion, where limited funds are available and a funding gap exists
> - Investments through the NJ CoVest Fund will help stimulate business growth, additional capital investment, and the creation of high-skilled jobs in New Jersey


The NJ CoVest Fund provides seed funding to New Jersey technology and life science companies to help bridge the funding gap between product development and commercialization.

NJ CoVest Fund


NJ Ignite provides rent support for technology startups that are moving to an approved collaborative workspace.

---

### Eligibility

- Renters can be early-stage technology and life science companies in New Jersey with 10 or fewer employees
- Less than $1M in trailing 12 months of gross sales from the date of application submission
- Collaborative workplaces can be entities with a minimum of 5 unique paying tenants over the last 2 years.
- Renters and collaborative workplaces must apply together

> **Benefits**
>
> - Benefits for Renters: Rent support grants
> - Benefits for Collaborative Workspaces: A tenant attraction tool


NJ Ignite provides rent support for technology startups that are moving to an approved collaborative workspace.

NJ Ignite


NJ Industry Partnerships can provide you with access to government resources, professional connections, and potential funding opportunities to help your business achieve its goals. The New Jersey Department of Labor, acting as a hub, will connect you with other local voices in your industry to address the economic and logistical needs of your operation.

---

### Eligibility

- Please speak to the regional coordinator listed on your industry's page by using the link in the title

> **Benefits**
>
> - Businesses can get help filling positions with skilled workers, developing career pathways to ensure a pipeline of future workers, creating ongoing training feedback loops with education, workforce, and economic development partners
> - The program also gives businesses a powerful industry voice to impact policy


NJ Industry Partnerships can provide you with access to government resources, professional connections, and potential funding opportunities to help your business achieve its goals. The New Jersey Department of Labor, acting as a hub, will connect you with other local voices in your industry to address the economic and logistical needs of your operation.

NJ Industry Partnerships


NJ ZIP is a pilot program that provides vouchers to businesses and institutions in the greater Newark, Camden, New Brunswick, and Shore areas to support purchases of new, medium-duty zero-emission vehicles.

---

### Eligibility

- Businesses and nonprofits in the greater Newark, Camden, New Brunswick, and Shore areas purchasing one or more new zero-emission medium or heavy-duty vehicles

> **Benefits**
>
> Businesses can receive vouchers up to $100,000 plus bonuses.


NJ ZIP is a pilot program that provides vouchers to businesses and institutions in the greater Newark, Camden, New Brunswick, and Shore areas to support purchases of new, medium-duty zero-emission vehicles.

NJ Zero Emission Incentive Program (NJZIP)


New Jersey Business Action Center's (NJBAC) Cannabis Training Academy is a no-cost, virtual technical assistance and training program for cannabis applicants. The program includes live question and answer sessions every other week to provide direction. Instructors and mentors are faculty who are in or have supported the cannabis industry.

The academy does not provide legal advice.

---

### Eligibility

- Individuals who are considering applying for a conditional or annual license
- Must be in the `Impact Zone|impactzonebusiness-cannabis`, `social equity business|socialequitybusiness-cannabis`, `diversely owned | diverselyownedbusiness-cannabis`, veteran, veteran-disabled, LGBTQ+ and/or microbusiness categories

> **Benefits**
>
> - Assistance filling out application to the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission, whether it is conditional, annual or conversion
> - General training to create and run a sustainable business operation


New Jersey Business Action Center's (NJBAC) Cannabis Training Academy is a no-cost, virtual technical assistance and training program for cannabis license applicants. The program includes live question and answer sessions every other week to provide non-legal advice and direction. Instructors and mentors are faculty who are in or have supported the cannabis industry.

New Jersey Business Action Center Cannabis Training Academy


Aspire is a gap financing tool to support commercial, mixed-use, and residential real estate development projects. This tool replaces the Economic Redevelopment and Growth Grant (ERG).

---

### Eligibility

- The project must demonstrate through New Jersey Economic Development Authority analysis that without the incentive award, the redevelopment project is not economically feasible
- Must demonstrate that a project financing gap exists and/or the redevelopment project will generate a below-market rate of return
- Be located in a designated [Incentive Area](https://njeda.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=b32ea4347e6a4403a36859e6ee6e5c0a)
- Include a developer with equity participation of at least 20% of the total cost
- The project must in a net positive benefit to the State
- Must meet specific cost thresholds, depending on where the project is located

> **Benefits:**
>
> - Total award cap of $42M, but residential projects also receiving Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), or projects located in certain economically disadvantaged locations may receive up to $60M
> - Tax credits equal to 45% of project costs up to $42M
>
> **Bonuses:**
>
> - Commercial projects in a Government Restricted Municipalities (GRM) (These municipalities include: Atlantic City, Paterson and Trenton) can receive tax credits up to 50% of costs in project support
> - Newly constructed residential projects that are also utilizing 4% LIHTCs can receive tax credits for up to 60% of project costs
> - Projects using LIHTC or any other project in a `Qualified Incentive Track|qit-njeda` (QIT), GRM, or municipality with a [Municipal Revitalization Index](https://nj.gov/dca/home/MuniRevitIndex.html) (MRI) distress score of at least 50, can receive tax credits up to $60M


Aspire is a gap financing tool to support commercial, mixed-use, and residential real estate development projects. This tool replaces the Economic Redevelopment and Growth Grant (ERG).

Aspire


This program offers a tax credit for historic, income-producing properties within the state of New Jersey. It's administered by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority in coordination with the New Jersey Historic Preservation Office and the New Jersey Division of Taxation in the Department of the Treasury.

---

### Eligibility

- Be a rehabilitation project
- Demonstrate that without the tax credit award, the rehabilitation project is not economically feasible
- Prove there is a financing gap for a project and the tax credit award being considered is equal to or less than the project financing gap
- Have not and will not commence any construction or rehabilitation activity until the funding is awarded and the agreement executed
- The business entity contributed equity of at least 20% of the total project costs, or 10% of the total project costs if located in a government-restricted municipality
- Can meet minimum cost requirements where the cost of rehabilitation for the period cannot be less than the adjusted basis of the structure or $5,000
- For a residential project, the structure must serve a residential rental purpose and contain at least four dwelling units

> **Benefits:**
>
> - Tax credits worth up to 40% of eligible costs and up to a project cap of $4M for qualified properties
> - Eligible projects can receive tax credits worth up to 45% of eligible project costs up to a project cap of $8M
> - Transformative projects can receive tax credits worth up to 45% of eligible project costs up to a project cap of $50M


This program offers a tax credit for historic, income-producing properties within the state of New Jersey. It's administered by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority in coordination with the New Jersey Historic Preservation Office and the New Jersey Division of Taxation in the Department of the Treasury.

Historic Property Reinvestment Program


The Catalyst Research and Development (R&D) Voucher Pilot Program supports New Jersey-based early-stage company efforts to accelerate the development and innovation of technologies from the research stage into commercially viable technologies, leading to industry and investor interest.

---

### Eligibility

- Must be registered to conduct business in New Jersey at the time of application
- Cannot have more than 25 full-time employees (35hrs per week) at the time of application and throughout the voucher duration
- 100% of the project work has to be conducted in NJ
- Minimum of one full-time employee working in NJ at the time of application and throughout the voucher duration
- 50% or more of the work is conducted in NJ
- Applicant must obtain a signed approval letter from a participating university/college, Federal lab, or non-profit organization confirming that the facility is capable and willing to provide the services that will be supported by the voucher (current list of [participating facilities](https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1GcLO30HifmkWSqbI8UEBH7vS0lLOHNq1&ll=40.19013658561744%2C-74.98789639237287&z=17))

> **Benefits:**
> This program is a $275,000 pilot program. Eligible applicants can apply for vouchers of up to $25,000 to help offset the cost of leveraging R&D resources, facilities, and equipment at the state’s academic universities, colleges, federal, and non-profit laboratories to advance their technology development.


The Catalyst Research and Development (R&D) Voucher Pilot Program supports New Jersey-based early-stage company efforts to accelerate the development and innovation of technologies from the research stage into commercially viable technologies, leading to industry and investor interest.

Catalyst R&D Voucher Program


The Offshore Wind Tax Credit Program is a financial tool that spurs private capital investment and employment growth in major, land-based offshore wind industry projects.

---

### Eligibility

- Businesses investing at least $17.5M in a qualified wind energy facility and employing at least 150 new, full-time employees

> **Benefits**
>
> Businesses receive tax credits up to 100% of qualified investments.


The Offshore Wind Tax Credit Program is a financial tool that spurs private capital investment and employment growth in major, land-based offshore wind industry projects.

Offshore Wind Tax Credit Program


Opportunity Partnership helps employers identify an appropriate educational institution or training provider to train employees. The business and the school develop training programs to teach necessary skills. Upon completing the program, trainees must qualify for entry-level positions in your company.

---

### Eligibility

- Any business can be part of the application, though funding is tied to individuals becoming future employees, not businesses

> **Benefits**
>
> Company-tailored training to ensure an appropriate pipeline of employees.


Opportunity Partnership helps employers identify an appropriate educational institution or training provider to train employees. The business and the school develop training programs to teach necessary skills. Upon completing the program, trainees must qualify for entry-level positions in your company.

Opportunity Partnership: Find Skilled Employees


The Pre-Apprenticeship in Career Education (PACE) program aims to better align secondary, post-secondary, adult education, and occupational training to meet labor demands unique to New Jersey and develop career pathways leading to economically sustainable wages.

Programs funded through PACE provide education and training leading to one of the following outcomes:

1. Admission into a [USDOL Registered Apprenticeship](https://www.nj.gov/labor/career-services/apprenticeship/findaprogram.shtml) program
2. Admission into a post-secondary college, or occupation-specific career training
3. Employment with a starting wage no lower than $15 per hour

---

### Eligibility

- Entities who are developing new, or building upon existing Registered Apprenticeship programs
- Any employer, trade associations, labor organization, or others with programs supporting the industries in which they work

> ### Benefit
>
> Eligible applicants can apply for funding up to $8,000 per participant for:
>
> 1. Costs associated with personnel expenses, instructor costs, non-personnel costs, pre-apprentice training, supplies and materials, and other direct costs as outlined in the program details
> 2. Stipends for participants of the program based on participants reaching program milestones


The Pre-Apprenticeship in Career Education (PACE) program aims to better align secondary, post-secondary, adult education, and occupational training to meet labor demands unique to New Jersey and develop career pathways leading to economically sustainable wages.

Pace Apprenticeship in Career Education


The Emerge Program provides per-job tax credits to projects in targeted communities that invest private capital into New Jersey and create new full-time jobs or retain a significant number of jobs in Governor Phil Murphy’s priority sectors versus an out-of-state alternative location.

---

### Eligibility

- Companies that meet the program minimums for new job creation or retained jobs
- Must be located in an eligible incentive location
- Can demonstrate the award of tax credits is a “material factor” in their decision to locate in New Jersey versus an out-of-state alternative location

> **Benefits**
>
> - Annual base per-new job tax credits from $500,000 - $8,000 per job per year depending on project location and other aspects of the project
> - Bonuses are also available on project location, industry, and alignment with other policy objectives
> - Jobs that are covered by a labor harmony agreement are eligible for an additional $1,000 bonus over the capped amounts


The Emerge Program provides per-job tax credits to projects in targeted communities that invest private capital into New Jersey and create new full-time jobs or retain a significant number of jobs in Governor Phil Murphy’s priority sectors versus an out-of-state alternative location.

Per-Job Tax Credits with the Emerge Program


The Premier Lender Program provides New Jersey-based businesses and not-for-profit organizations loan participation and guarantees that can help them overcome the financial obstacles to grow and expand their business.

---

### Eligibility

- Businesses and nonprofits must commit to create or retain 1 new full-time job for every $65,000. There is an application fee of $1,000

> **Benefits**
>
> Loan participation of up to $2 million or line of credit guarantees up to $750,000.


The Premier Lender Program provides New Jersey-based businesses and not-for-profit organizations loan participation and guarantees that can help them overcome the financial obstacles to grow and expand their business.

Premier Lender Program


Research with NJ is a free online portal that showcases New Jersey’s experts in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). It provides local, national, and international commercial enterprises, ranging from entrepreneurs and start-ups to global businesses, with insight into groundbreaking research taking place within the state’s network of research universities.

---

### Eligibility

- All industries are welcome to explore this resource, but it may be particularly useful for technology, life sciences, and other high-wage, high-growth innovation-focused sectors

> **Benefits:**
>
> - Provides local, national, and international commercial enterprises, ranging from entrepreneurs and start-ups to global businesses, with insight into groundbreaking research taking place within the state’s network of research universities
> - This includes information on subject matter experts, facilities, publications, intellectual property, news, and events that can help Research with NJ users forge partnerships and build innovative new businesses and products based on the latest scientific and technological breakthroughs


Research with NJ is a free online portal that showcases New Jersey’s experts in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). It provides local, national, and international commercial enterprises, ranging from entrepreneurs and start-ups to global businesses, with insight into groundbreaking research taking place within the state’s network of research universities.

Research with NJ


The Return and Earn program is a grant for employers who hire unemployed workers, train them, and provide those workers with a new skill required for the job.

---

### Eligibility

- Employers with 100 or fewer employees registered with the State of NJ and who will provide substantive on-the-job training at their location or utilize approved virtual training that results in skill badges or industry-recognized credentials

> **Benefits**
>
> - Employers can receive up to 50% wage subsidy for up to 6 months (with cap of $10,000 per employee and total cap of $40,000 across all employees)
> - Employees will receive $500 incentive for re-entering the workforce and receiving training from businesses with 100 or fewer employees


The Return and Earn program is a grant for employers who hire unemployed workers, train them, and provide those workers with a new skill required for the job.

Return and Earn: Employer Grants for Hiring Unemployed


The Salem County Energy Sales Tax Exemption program provides an energy sales tax exemption for the retail sales of electricity and natural gas and their transport to manufacturing businesses in Salem County.

---

### Eligibility

- Manufacturing businesses in Salem County with at least 50 employees
- At least 50% of employees must be involved in the manufacturing process
- The energy and utility services must be consumed exclusively at the facility

> **Benefits**
>
> Sales tax exemption for the purchase of electricity and natural gas for use at the manufacturing facility.


The Salem County Energy Sales Tax Exemption program provides an energy sales tax exemption for the retail sales of electricity and natural gas and their transport to manufacturing businesses in Salem County.

Salem County Energy Sales Tax Exemption


The Sales and Use Tax Exemption Program allows qualified businesses to receive a sales tax exemption certificate for purchases related to the construction and renovation of a new business location.

---

### Eligibility

- Companies must have 1,000 or more employees and relocate at least 500 workers to a new or substantially rehabilitated facility, or
- Life sciences or manufacturing companies relocating 250 or more employees

> **Benefits:**
>
> Ability to purchase machinery, equipment, furniture, fixtures, and building materials without New Jersey sales tax.


The Sales and Use Tax Exemption Program allows qualified businesses to receive a sales tax exemption certificate for purchases related to the construction and renovation of a new business location.

Sales and Use Tax Exemption Program


The Sales and Use Tax Exemption Program allows qualified businesses to receive a sales tax exemption certificate for purchases related to the construction and renovation of a new business location.

---

### Eligibility

- Small businesses in operation for at least 1 full year and not-for-profits in operation for at least 3 full years
- The business or nonprofit must not have more than $3M in total revenue

> **Benefits**
>
> Businesses receive financing up to $500,000.


Small Business  Fund


The Small Business Improvement Grant offers reimbursement for costs associated with completed building improvements or purchased new furniture, fixtures and equipment made since March 9th, 2020.

---

### Eligibility

- Small businesses and nonprofits in the process of making improvements to their business with a minimum expense of $5,000

> **Benefits**
>
> Grants are equal to 50% of eligible total project costs up to $50,000.


The Small Business Improvement Grant offers reimbursement for costs associated with completed building improvements or purchased new furniture, fixtures and equipment made since March 9th, 2020.

Small Business Improvement Grant


The Small Business Lease Grant supports the growth and success of small businesses and nonprofits by providing grant funding to cover a portion of lease payments for businesses and nonprofits leasing new or additional space.

---

### Eligibility

- Small businesses and nonprofits entering a new market-rate lease, lease amendment, or lease extension for at least a 5-year term that includes at least 250 square feet of street-level space

> **Benefits**
>
> Two grant awards of 20% of the annual lease payment.


The Small Business Lease Grant supports the growth and success of small businesses and nonprofits by providing grant funding to cover a portion of lease payments for businesses and nonprofits leasing new or additional space.

Small Business Lease Grant


The School and Small Business Energy Efficiency Stimulus Program provides grants (via reimbursement) to small businesses and boards of education to improve air quality and energy efficiency in school districts under the jurisdiction of a board of education and small businesses. There are two distinct grant programs:

1. [School and Small Business Ventilation and Energy Efficiency Verification and Repair](https://njcleanenergy.com/files/file/Stimulus/SSB-VEEVR%20Program%20Guide.pdf) (SSB-VEEVR) for the installation of certain HVAC systems.
2. [School and Small Business Noncompliant Plumbing Fixture and Appliance](https://njcleanenergy.com/files/file/HVAC/SSB-NPFA%20Guide%20-%20v1_2%20clean.pdf) (SSB-NPFA) for improving energy-efficient and water-conserving plumbing fixtures and appliances.

### Eligibility

- Any small New Jersey business with 100 or fewer employees, a gross revenue below $12M, and with a [Minority or Women-owned Business Enterprise Certification](https://business.nj.gov/pages/mwbe)

> **Benefits**
>
> Each program provides grants to cover 75% of eligible project costs, with a cap of up to $500,000 per business, per program with two tiers of incentive caps.
>
> - Tier 1 provides $500,000 per entity combined HVAC and Plumbing & Appliances Programs if the business is in a municipality with less than 50,000 residents
> - Tier 2 provides $500,000 per entity per HVAC and per Plumbing & Appliance Programs if the business is in a municipality with more than 50,000 residents


The School and Small Business Energy Efficiency Stimulus Program provides grants (via reimbursement) to small businesses and boards of education to improve air quality and energy efficiency in school districts under the jurisdiction of a board of education and small businesses.

School and Small Business Energy Efficiency Stimulus Program


The Work Opportunity tax credit program is a Federal tax credit for businesses who hire and retain veterans and individuals from other target groups with significant barriers to employment such as qualified TANF recipients, qualified veterans, qualified ex-felons, designated community residents, vocational rehabilitation referrals, recipient of SNAP benefits (food stamps), Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients, long-term family assistance recipients, and qualified long-term unemployment recipients.

---

### Eligibility

- The business must be registered in New Jersey

> **Benefits**
>
> The tax credit ranges from $2,400 to up to $9,600 per employee hired.


The Work Opportunity tax credit program is a Federal tax credit for businesses who hire and retain veterans and individuals from other target groups with significant barriers to employment such as qualified TANF recipients, qualified veterans, qualified ex-felons, designated community residents, vocational rehabilitation referrals, recipient of SNAP benefits (food stamps), Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients, long-term family assistance recipients, and qualified long-term unemployment recipients.

Tax Credit for Hiring Veterans and Other Target Groups


The Net Operating Loss Program enables qualified, unprofitable New Jersey-based technology or biotechnology businesses to sell a percentage of their net operating losses (NOL) and unused research and development (R&D) tax credits to unrelated profitable businesses.

---

### Eligibility

- Technology or life sciences companies with up to 225 employees in the United States with an operating loss for at least the last 2 years

> **Benefits**
>
> Ability to sell NOL and unused R&D tax credits for up to 80% of their value up to a total amount of $20M.


The Net Operating Loss Program enables qualified, unprofitable New Jersey-based technology or biotechnology businesses to sell a percentage of their net operating losses (NOL) and unused research and development (R&D) tax credits to unrelated profitable businesses.

Technology Business Tax Certificate Transfer (NOL) Program [formerly Net Operating Loss Program]


This program is for businesses considering hiring employees with high-risk factors such as an inconsistent work or credit history, substance abuse, public assistance, or parole. This unique job-placement tool provides employers with a no-cost 6-month federal bond insuring employers against theft, forgery, larceny, or embezzlement for hiring hard-to-place job seekers.

---

### Eligibility

- The business must be registered in New Jersey

> **Benefits**
>
> Up to $25,000 federal bond insuring employers against theft, forgery, larceny, or embezzlement for a term of 6 months.


This program is for businesses considering hiring employees with high-risk factors such as an inconsistent work or credit history, substance abuse, public assistance, or parole. This unique job-placement tool provides employers with a no-cost 6-month federal bond insuring employers against theft, forgery, larceny, or embezzlement for hiring hard-to-place job seekers.

The Federal Bonding Program: Assurance for Hiring Risk Workers


The Small Business Bonding Readiness Assistance Program prepares small, minority-, and women-owned businesses to obtain surety bonds, which will make them more competitive when applying for state and federal government contracts.

---

### Eligibility

- Small businesses, with particular emphasis on minority- and women-owned businesses

> **Benefits**
>
> A comprehensive series of classes, workshops, and strategic counseling sessions covering a variety of topics relevant to small businesses in all sectors.


The Small Business Bonding Readiness Assistance Program prepares small, minority-, and women-owned businesses to obtain surety bonds, which will make them more competitive when applying for state and federal government contracts.

The Small Business Bonding Readiness Assistance Program


Upskill offers grants to New Jersey businesses of any size grants to improve existing employees’ skills. Training may be provided by employers at their business or by an eligible training provider. These should be group-based trainings, not unique to one employee.

---

### Eligibility

- Businesses with existing employees who can be trained in a new skill for current and future workforce demands

> **Benefits**
>
> Employers can receive grants of up to $100,000.


Upskill offers grants to New Jersey businesses of any size grants to improve existing employees’ skills. Training may be provided by employers at their business or by an eligible training provider. These should be group-based trainings, not unique to one employee.

Upskill: Free Incumbent Worker Training Programs


The Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) Manufacturers Energy Sales Tax Exemption provides manufacturers in UEZs a sales and use tax exemption for electricity and natural gas.

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### Eligibility

- UEZ-certified manufacturers with at least 250 full-time employees
- At least 50% of employees must be involved in the manufacturing process
- The energy and utility services must be consumed exclusively at the facility

> **Benefits**
>
> Businesses receive a sales tax exemption for the purchase of electricity and natural gas for use at the facility.


The Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) Manufacturers Energy Sales Tax Exemption provides manufacturers in UEZs a sales and use tax exemption for electricity and natural gas.

Urban Enterprise Zone Manufacturers Energy Sales Tax Exemption


The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) invests in venture capital funds active in New Jersey. Venture partners leverage NJEDA investment to increase funds available for emerging innovative companies to grow and create jobs in the State.

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### Eligibility

- Venture funds that are actively investing in New Jersey’s innovative industries

> **Benefits**
>
> Businesses receive investment capital commitments up to $10M.


The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) invests in venture capital funds active in New Jersey. Venture partners leverage NJEDA investment to increase funds available for emerging innovative companies to grow and create jobs in the State.

Venture Fund Investments


Work First NJ provides skills, training, and education opportunities to SNAP and TANF recipients. The focus of this effort is to provide skills-based programs with a job-driven approach to prepare recipients of SNAP or TANF resources to fill areas of demand for a trained workforce.

Interested individuals should contact Ahmad McDougle at wfnj@dol.nj.gov.

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### Eligibility

- The business must be registered in New Jersey

> **Benefits**
>
> Businesses receive help finding employees by providing guidance on job matching or occupation-specific training programs.


Work First NJ provides skills, training, and education opportunities to SNAP and TANF recipients. The focus of this effort is to provide skills-based programs with a job-driven approach to prepare recipients of SNAP or TANF resources to fill areas of demand for a trained workforce.