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.

Technology or biotechnology companies with fewer than 225 U.S. employees may apply to sell a percentage of their net operating losses and unused research and development tax credits to unrelated, profitable corporations for cash through the Net Operating Loss (NOL) Program. The net operating losses and R&D tax credits may be sold for at least 80% of their value, up to a maximum lifetime benefit of $20 million per business.

The 2024 submission deadline is 11:59 p.m. on June 30, 2024.

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Teams of entrepreneurs can apply for up to $400,000 in grants, mentorship, and training to jumpstart their startups with the New Jersey Innovation Fellows (NJIF) Program. The NJIF Program supports groundbreaking ideas in life sciences, technology, and other innovation sectors. 

Applications are due by July 5, 2024.

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Private, nonprofit, and public entities can receive grants of up to $50,000 to propose innovative reuse projects for underutilized public property assets. The New Jersey Asset Activation Planning Grant Program seeks proposals that target deficient, underutilized, or vacant land, buildings, or infrastructure owned by a county, municipality, or other public body.

Applications will be reviewed and scored on a first-come, first-served basis until August 5, 2024, or until grant funds are exhausted.

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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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Businesses and nonprofits can apply for grants ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 to improve food security for residents of the Atlantic City/Ventnor Food Desert Community. Grant recipients will bring nutritious food options to the city as residents await the construction of a full-fledged supermarket. Applications are due by May 15th, 2024.

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority has released a Request for Information (RFI) to gather best practices and address challenges in developing an Employee Ownership program. Businesses, Employee-Owned entities, researchers, and anyone with relevant experience, including experts outside of New Jersey, are welcome to provide input.

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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.

Artists, arts organizations, and similar entities can inform the development of funding solutions and programs to support the arts and culture sector.

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) wants to better understand the challenges faced by arts and culture businesses, institutions, and entrepreneurs in accessing capital with a request for information.

Submit your response in writing via email to ArtsCulture@njeda.gov no later than 11:59 p.m. ET on February 13th, 2024. The email subject line should state: "RFI Response-2023-RFI-193 Capital for Arts & Culture".

A new law provides breweries, distilleries, and other craft beverage manufacturers with additional operational flexibility. Here are the key provisions:

• Outdoor Service: Craft manufacturers can now serve alcohol outdoors with the approval of the local municipality.
• Onsite and Off-Premises Events: License holders are permitted to hold unlimited onsite events and up to 25 off-premises events per year without needing additional permits for each event.
• Production Cap: The annual production limit for holders of restricted brewery licenses has been raised to 300,000 barrels.
• Food Vendor Partnerships: Craft manufacturers are allowed to form partnerships with food vendors, provided that the operations of the craft manufacturer and the food vendor are conducted independently.
• Snack and Non-Alcoholic Beverage Sales: Manufacturers are now authorized to sell pre-packaged snacks and non-alcoholic beverages.
• Televised Events: Showing televised events on the premises no longer requires special permits for craft manufacturers.
• Merchandise Sales: The sale of merchandise related to the craft manufacturer, such as branded apparel, is now permitted.

The prior requirement for educational tours as a condition for on-premises sales has been removed. For complete details on how these changes could affect your craft beverage business, please refer to the full text of the legislation or seek professional legal advice.