All Updates

The New Jersey Department of Labor has released an updated Family Leave Insurance workplace poster (PR-2, dated 9/25) that employers must display in a place noticeable to all employees.

The poster informs employees about their rights to paid family leave benefits for bonding with a new child, caring for a loved one, or addressing domestic violence situations.

Employers must display this updated version to remain in compliance.

New Jersey employers must register for an Employer Access account to view their 2026 Unemployment Insurance contribution rates. The state is eliminating mailed rate notices as part of a paperless transition.

Most employers will pay lower UI contributions for Fiscal Year 2026 as the Experience Rating Table drops from "D" to "C". To access your new rates, you must register with a valid email address.

Your authorization code is included in the annual assessment bill mailed mid-August. Employers must also report all employee separations electronically, regardless of reason.

Registration is required to remain compliant with state reporting requirements.

Small businesses can apply for up to $50,000 to reimburse closing costs related to purchasing New Jersey commercial property through the Main Street Acquisition Support Grant. This pilot program under the Main Street Recovery Fund operates on a first-come, first-served basis while funds last. Visit njeda.gov for eligibility requirements and to apply.

Small businesses and nonprofits can apply for funding to cover up to 20% of lease payments for the first two years when leasing new or additional space through the Small Business Lease Grant. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Small businesses can apply for up to $50,000 to reimburse costs for building improvements or purchasing new furniture, fixtures, and equipment through the Small Business Improvement Grant. The program has awarded close to $13 million to over 500 New Jersey businesses since February. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until funding is exhausted. Current processing time is 8 months from the application date.

New graduated transfer fee rates apply to real estate transactions over $1 million, with rates ranging from 1% to 3.5% based on sale price. The fee is now paid by the seller instead of the buyer. Rates are: 1% ($1M-$2M), 2% ($2M-$2.5M), 2.5% ($2.5M-$3M), 3% ($3M-$3.5M), and 3.5% (over $3.5M). Limited refund opportunities exist for transactions with contracts executed before July 10, 2025 and recorded by November 15, 2025. Refund claims must be filed within one year of recording.

Small businesses with a commercial location in New Jersey can receive up to $11,400 in free ecommerce and digital marketing consulting services. Restaurants, retail stores, and personal care businesses are eligible for website development, online ordering platforms, and e-commerce setup assistance. Contact an NJEDA partner consultant directly.

Eligible companies with at least 20 full-time employees can now apply for the ESOP Assistance Program from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), which supports transitions to employee stock ownership plans. The program offers feasibility studies and technical assistance to enhance employee financial security and business continuity. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

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Pay Transparency is now the law in New Jersey! The New Jersey pay and benefits transparency law went into effect June 1, 2025.

The new law changes job posting requirements for most employers in New Jersey:

• Employers will now have to provide information about the pay, benefits, and other compensation programs that they are offering in their postings for new jobs and transfer opportunities.
• Employers must make reasonable efforts to ensure all current employees in affected departments are aware of promotional opportunities.
• The law covers job postings in any format, including job search websites, print advertisements, company newsletters, emails, social media, and more.

Pay Transparency helps employers attract, recruit, and retain the talent they rely on.

Step into New Jersey’s growing film industry with the NJ Film Works Grant Program. NJEDA invites applications for grants from $250,000 to $750,000 to fund workforce development and skills training initiatives. Eligible entities, including nonprofits and educational institutions, can apply by July 11, 2025.