All Updates

New Jersey formalized two sets of PFAS regulations, converting interim standards from 2022-2023 into enforceable requirements:

Site Remediation Standards: Contractors conducting site remediation must now analyze for PFNA, PFOA, PFOS, and GenX when contaminants are unknown or poorly documented. The standards establish soil remediation criteria for ingestion-dermal exposure, inhalation of particulates or vapors, and soil leachate migration to groundwater. This affects how remediation projects are scoped, bid, and executed. Technical guidance: https://dep.nj.gov/srp/guidance/rs/

Groundwater Quality Standards: DEP set a formal limit for GenX chemicals at 0.02 µg/L (practical quantitation level: 0.0075 µg/L), replacing the June 2023 interim standard. The rule also updates cancer descriptor definitions to align with EPA's 2005 framework. Full rule adoption and GWQS information: https://dep.nj.gov/wms/bears/ground-water-quality-standards-gwqs/

Both regulations are effective immediately.

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The New Jersey Department of Labor created a free Small Business Guide to NJ Earned Sick Leave to help businesses develop compliant sick leave policies. The guide is action-oriented and was tested with small business owners.

The resource, and additional FAQs, are available in English and Spanish on mysickdays.nj.gov.

The guide was developed in collaboration with the Employers Association of NJ and focuses on practical implementation for businesses navigating earned sick leave requirements.

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Cannabis being legal in New Jersey doesn't mean you can sell it anywhere. As of April 13, 2026, products exceeding 0.3% total THC concentration or 0.4 mg of total THC per container are legally classified as cannabis, and businesses require a New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (NJ-CRC) license to sell them.

Gas stations, convenience stores, or any unlicensed retailers still carrying high-potency gummies, vapes, beverages, or other products, are breaking the law.

What's also prohibited, regardless of license:

• Selling any THC product to anyone under 21
• Vending machine sales of hemp-derived products
• Selling or carrying synthetic cannabinoids

Review the NJ-CRC FAQs on intoxicating hemp derived products for more.

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The NJ LEAF Program provides low-cost financing to New Jersey cannabis businesses for fixed assets and working capital. Fixed asset loans range from $100,000 to $1.5 million; working capital loans from $100,000 to $500,000.

Eligible businesses must hold a valid recreational Class 1 Cultivator, Class 2 Manufacturer, or Testing Laboratory license; be New Jersey-based with fewer than 250 employees, at least one year of operation, and $5 million or less in annual gross revenues. Five percent of funds are reserved for Impact Zone businesses.

The Division on Civil Rights (DCR) requires owners with a combined total of 25 or more dwelling units across properties located anywhere in New Jersey to electronically file an annual Multiple Dwelling Reporting Rule (MDRR) Report in the MDRR portal. For example, an owner with five properties with five units each (25 total units) must file five separate reports, one for each location.

The MDRR report collects demographic information about housing applicants, data on unit turnovers, rental rates, apartment size, and whether developments are barrier free. Annual reports are due each year by January 30.

Filing these reports is mandatory. Failure to comply may result in penalties ranging from $500 to $2,500.

DCR provides a Tenant/Applicant Inquiry Form to assist owners in collecting and recording required information. Owners must provide this form to all applicants upon completion of the application process and to all tenants or leaseholders. Owners are prohibited from requesting this information from applicants before they complete their application process.

Detailed information is available on DCR’s website, including portal access, FAQs, and MDRR Worksheet. For questions, contact DCRMDRR@NJCivilRights.gov or call 609-376-3295.

New Jersey law requires all employers to register at MyWorkingPapers.NJ.gov before hiring any worker under 18. Registration generates a unique 8-digit Employer Unique Code that each minor must enter to complete their working papers application. Minors cannot legally begin work until their application is approved.

Employers must share their code with every newly hired minor. Email updates notify employers throughout the review process.

With seasonal hiring underway, register now to avoid delays onboarding young workers.

The NJ Permitting Dashboard will track permit applications in real time, giving developers visibility into status, due dates, and next steps across multiple state agencies.

Eligible project types for the pilot: multi-family or mixed-use housing (25+ units); commercial real estate creating at least 10 permanent or 25 temporary construction jobs; and solar or energy storage projects generating at least 1 MW. 

Applications are open now through May 21. Up to 10 projects will be selected for the pilot launching this summer.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection reminds businesses to conserve water as the State remains under a Drought Warning. Persistent below-average precipitation has strained water supplies across all six state regions. Above-average rainfall is needed across the entire state before conditions improve.

Mandatory restrictions may become necessary if drought conditions worsen. Landscapers, car washes, food service, manufacturing, and other water-intensive businesses should review current usage and conservation options now. DEP is monitoring conditions closely and working with water suppliers to manage supplies across affected regions.

Water supply indicators are updated weekly.

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New Jersey has approved seven lenders to provide flexible, low-cost financing to micro businesses across the state. The Main Street Lenders Grant program offers working capital term loans with favorable terms designed to help small businesses access capital and grow.

Loan Terms

Interest rates: Capped at 5%
Loan amounts: $10,000 to $100,000
Payment deferral: No payments required for at least 12 months after closing
Prepayment penalties: None

Eligible Businesses

To qualify, your business must:

• Have fewer than 10 full-time employees
• Generate less than $1.5 million in annual revenue
• Operate in New Jersey

How You Can Use Loan Funds

Approved loans can cover a wide range of working capital expenses:

• Equipment purchases
• Rolling stock (vehicles, machinery)
• Payroll
• Marketing and advertising
• Inventory
• Rent or mortgage payments
• Property taxes
• Utilities
• Other day-to-day operational costs

Available Lenders

Each approved lender offers technical assistance and one-on-one advisory services in addition to financing. Review the options below to find the lender that best serves your location and business needs.

Ascendus, Inc.

Loan amounts: $10,000 to $100,000
Terms: Up to 6 years
Interest rate: 5%
Service area: Statewide

Carver Federal Savings Bank

Loan amounts: $10,000 to $50,000
Eligibility: Businesses with a commercial or home-based location in New Jersey
Service area: Statewide

Cumberland Empowerment Zone Corporation (CEZC)

Loan amounts:

• $10,000 to $25,000 (no collateral required)
• $25,001 to $100,000 (collateral required)

Eligible businesses: For-profit and nonprofit organizations
Service area: Cumberland County only

Grow America

Loan amounts: $10,000 to $100,000
Interest rate: Not to exceed 5%
Service area: Statewide

Invest Newark

Loan amounts: $10,000 to $100,000
Eligible businesses: Home-based businesses, nonprofits, sole proprietors, and startups with a commercial location in Newark
Service area: Newark only

Renaissance Economic Development Corporation

Loan amounts: $10,000 to $50,000
Terms: 60 months
Interest rate: 5% fixed
Service area: Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union, and Warren Counties

TruFund Financial Services, Inc.

Loan amounts: $10,000 to $100,000
Eligible businesses: For-profit and nonprofit organizations located in low- to moderate-income (LMI) areas and that employ LMI workers
Service area: LMI areas statewide

Program Impact

To date, the Main Street Lenders Grant program has facilitated more than 250 loans totaling over $8.8 million, supporting nearly 3,000 small businesses across New Jersey through technical assistance and access to capital.

Questions?

Contact the lender in your area directly using the links above. Each lender provides one-on-one advisory services, educational programming, and tailored support based on your business's specific needs.

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New Jersey employers hiring registered apprentices can receive up to $12,000 per apprentice to offset wage costs over 52 weeks. The GAINS program reimburses 50% of wages for new apprentices in high-growth fields including healthcare, education, construction trades, and other industries.

New apprentices must earn at least $18 per hour unless a lower rate is justified. Funding also covers training and associated costs for registered apprentices.

Virtual technical assistance workshops are offered on February 19 and March 25 at 1:00 PM. Register at least three business days before attending. Letters of Intent are due April 10 at noon. Applications close April 17 at noon.