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. A free information session will be held on November 19, 2024.

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Many businesses in the U.S. must follow new federal rules for reporting who owns or controls them. The Corporate Transparency Act went into effect on January 1, 2024 and This is because of a law called the Corporate Transparency Act. It aims to stop illegal activities and keep our country safe.

Who Needs to Report?

If you own a business, you might need to report if your company was created or registered in the U.S. There are some exceptions, such as publicly traded companies and nonprofit organizations. Check the rules to see if your business needs to report.

What Do You Need to Report?

You must share basic information about the people who own or control your company. This includes their names and addresses.

When Do You Need to Report?

• If your business was created before 2024, you must report by January 1, 2025.
• If your business was created during 2024, you have 90 days from when your business is officially created to report.
• Businesses created after 2024 have 30 days to report.
• This is a one-time report unless you need to update or correct information. 

How to Report?

Reporting is simple, secure, and free. You can do it online at FinCEN’s website. Most businesses can do this without needing a lawyer or accountant.

Need Help?

For more information and resources, visit FinCEN.gov. There are guides, FAQs, and videos to help you understand what to do.

Access financial, mentoring, and technical support for your business at a Resources for Growth event at Rowan University in Cumberland County on September 27, 2024. More than 40 exhibitors will offer detailed information on a wealth of resources and programs designed to boost your business growth. Free registration is required.

Businesses can now access funding through the NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development's UPSKILL: NJ Incumbent Worker Training Grant. This grant helps employers cover up to 50% of training costs for frontline employees, aiding in skill development for mid- and high-skill jobs. Individual employers can apply for up to $500,000. For details and application instructions, download and complete the Notice of Grant Opportunity (NGO).

Solar, construction, engineering, and environmental services businesses can use a new website to identify solar energy projects that are eligible for incentive programs. "Landfill to Solar" offers a step-by-step guide to locate potential project sites in your community and find funding opportunities.

Contaminated Site Remediation and Redevelopment (CSRR) has issued new guidance on selecting media types (Soils Only, GW Only, or Mixed Media) for remedial phase document submissions. Choosing the correct option is crucial for compliance and avoids delays. For questions, contact the Bureau of Inspection & Review at SRPBIR@dep.nj.gov.

Employer rate notices are now posted electronically to Employer Access (formerly TWES). The 2024-25 notice is the last that will be mailed to employers.

All employers subject to Unemployment Insurance (UI) are required by law to register on Employer Access to communicate with the Division of UI. In addition to electronic communication and rate notices, Employer Access allows you to see all information specific to your account, such as reports and payments received, any delinquent filings, and outstanding bills.

Effective August 15, 2024, all registered contractors performing public work must report certified payroll records via the New Jersey Wage Hub. This online portal ensures compliance with State labor laws, enhances worker protections, and improves wage transparency. You can register using your My New Jersey Account, submit weekly payroll records, and access user guides.

Employers with outstanding liabilities for violations of wage, benefit, or tax laws are ineligible for public contracting opportunities when they are added to the Workplace Accountability in Labor List (The WALL). Any business whose name appears on The WALL is barred from public contracting with State, county, or local governments until they pay their liabilities in full and their business name is removed from The WALL.

Businesses scheduled for posting on The WALL receive an official notification and a final opportunity to settle their liabilities for worker wages, penalties, and fees before their name is posted. The WALL is updated monthly.

Any organization seeking guidance on maintaining a lawful workplace can email the New Jersey Department of Labor at wagehour@dol.nj.gov.