All Updates

Restaurants and certain retailers or manufacturers of alcoholic beverages may continue to use fixtures such as tents, canopies, umbrellas, tables, and chairs in designated outdoor spaces or on public sidewalks. A new law has made permanent the temporary outdoor dining rule changes adopted in February 2021. Holders of temporary expansion permits issued by the New Jersey Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) may convert their temporary permit into a permanent permit at their next annual renewal.

Businesses interested in opportunities to support the State’s climate resilience are encouraged to visit the new Climate Resilience Funding Directory. The Directory offers streamlined access to opportunities for State and federal grants. Though intended primarily for municipalities and community-based nonprofits, the Directory also includes numerous opportunities for small businesses and other private sector organizations. Use the “Applicant Type” menu and select “Private Sector and/or Small Businesses.”

The Department of Environmental Protection seeks public feedback to improve the Directory. Questions and comments may be emailed to the Resilient NJ program at resilientnj@dep.nj.gov.

New Jersey construction companies that are 51% minority-, woman-, or veteran-owned can now enroll in Building for Growth (BFG), a tuition-free, 18-week hybrid training program that teaches participants how to build business capacity, access capital, and secure larger contracts. Eligible companies are based in New Jersey (or conduct significant operations there) and meet specific revenue criteria. Sessions are hosted at Kean University in Union County and online via Zoom.

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Eligible companies can receive grants worth up to $500,000 per business to relocate out-of-State, NJ-resident employees back to New Jersey. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until funding is exhausted.

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The NJ Law Against Discrimination (LAD) protects employees of NJ-based employers, regardless of where they work remotely. All protected characteristics under the LAD are included.

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Contractors buying materials for affordable housing can now claim a Sales Tax exemption. Use Form ST-13 to certify tax-free purchases for qualifying projects. Keep records for potential audits. Incorrectly paid taxes? You can file for a refund within four years. Questions? Email Taxation.RegulatoryServices@treas.nj.gov.

The new Small Business Manual from the New Jersey Business Action Center (NJBAC) is designed to provide support and guidance for small business owners and entrepreneurs. This free resource offers a wealth of information on planning, launching, operating, and growing your business in New Jersey.

The manual covers essential topics such as writing a business plan, financing your business, registering with the state, obtaining licenses and certifications, navigating taxes, hiring employees, and much more.

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Existing investors supporting early-stage, innovation-focused companies in New Jersey can receive guarantees on their loans from the NJ Entrepreneur Support Program. The program provides guarantees at 80% of the loan amount totaling a maximum of $500,000 to a company on investor loans advanced for working capital to businesses.

Completed applications from investors and the company for guarantees will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis, including the ability to consider multiple guarantees per company towards the $400,000 company exposure cap.

Please review the program website at www.njeda.com/njesp for further information and to determine your eligibility for the program.

Upcoming changes to liquor license regulations in New Jersey may require holders of inactive licenses to take action. Beginning August 1^st, 2024, if a liquor license has not been used for two consecutive license terms, the holder may face the risk of the license expiring. However, there are options for transferring the license and preventing its expiration.

Transferring an Inactive Liquor License:

1. Activate at a New Location: License holders may reactivate their license by using it at a new premises within the same municipality, subject to local regulations and zoning requirements.
2. Transfer to a Contiguous Municipality: License holders can opt to transfer their license to a neighboring municipality for use in a designated redevelopment, improvement, or revitalization area. Both the sending and receiving municipalities must approve the transfer, which is subject to a transfer fee.
3. One-Year Extension: Municipalities have the authority to grant a one-year extension to the inactive period, giving license holders additional time to make arrangements for the use or transfer of their license.

Affected license holders should take timely action to either use or transfer their inactive license.

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Starting August 1st, 2024, New Jersey liquor license holders should be aware of new provisions affecting inactive licenses. An inactive license is one that hasn't been used for two consecutive license terms. To prevent expiration, license holders must either use their inactive license or transfer it. Municipalities may offer a one-year extension to this period.

License holders are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the options for activating or transferring their licenses to avoid forfeiture. Detailed information on these processes is available here, providing guidance on how to navigate the new law and maintain your license.