NJBAC: New Jersey Connections

Your resource for current news, policies and helpful updates impacting New Jersey businesses

Executive Director Melanie Willoughby Named to ROI Influencers Power List 2025

NJBAC's Executive Director Melanie Willoughby was named to ROI-NJ's Influencers Power List 2025. A seasoned government relations strategist with deep New Jersey experience, Willoughby has worked with federal, state and local levels of government as an advocate for businesses of all sizes and types.

 

Applications Now Open - Fancy Food Show 2025

For the third year in a row, NJBAC will participate as a State Pavilion at the 69th Summer Fancy Food Show, from June 29 to July 1. NJBAC, along with its Office of Export Promotion (OEP), will host 15 New Jersey-based companies new to exporting from underserved and underrepresented business communities at the largest specialty food trade show in North America. Eligible businesses, as determined by the OEP, are encouraged to apply.

 

Growth of Minority-Owned Businesses in New Jersey

From 2018-2022, New Jersey saw an increase in the number of minority-owned businesses across the state. The number of Black-owned businesses increased from 3,636 (nearly 1.94%) to 6,213 (about 3.36%), the number of Hispanic-owned businesses in New Jersey increased from 10,938 (nearly 6%) to 15,588 (about 8.4%), and the number of Asian-owned businesses in New Jersey grew from 26,625 (about 14%) to 29,538 (16%).

 

New Jersey Positioned to Become Major Filming Destination

Hollywood is taking notice of New Jersey! In 2023, 547 projects were filmed in the state, generating $592 million in total qualified spending. This marks a large increase from the $67 million generated before Governor Murphy's groundbreaking tax incentive program was implemented.

 

Lunch & Learn Webinar with NJBAC

Mark your calendars! On Wednesday, March 5, at noon, the NJBAC is hosting "The Business Resource Power Hour." This interactive session will feature expert insights from the NJBAC, NJ Small Business Development Centers (SBDC), SCORE, and Women's Center for Entrepreneurship (WCEC), highlighting valuable resources to support small business growth.

 

Cannabis Corner: Rules and Regulations

The New Jersey Cannabis Training Academy (CTA) is here to help prospective entrepreneurs and consumers understand the specific application guidelines required by the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (NJ-CRC). The CTA provides 60 online modules that can be accessed online at any time at no cost, including courses addressing the CREAMM Act and the “Final Notice of Application.”

 

 

Download and Explore the NJ Small Business Manual⤵️

Choosing the proper business structure is critical to your success! Whether you're a sole proprietor, LLC, or forming a corporation, each business structure impacts taxes, liability, and legal requirements. Need help determining where you fall? The NJBAC is here to support your journey. Download and explore the NJ Small Business Manual in English or Spanish, or call us at 1-800-JERSEY-7 to request a hard copy in either language.

The New Jersey Business Action Center is a division of the Department of State. 

 

Join Us For Our
Health & Wellness Expo

Wednesday, January 29, 2025, 12-3pm
Brookdale Community College, Student Life Center

October is Membership Month

Come see what we are all about at one of our upcoming events. Become a member in October and receive additional benefits!

Reward Your Business With Membership in EMACC!

For the month of May, join EMACC with no administrative fees PLUS receive a new member swag bag courtesy of EMACC member businesses.