The first phase of the Cannabis Equity Grant Program will award grants of $250,000 to 24 entities that have a conditional or annual license. The program is not yet accepting applications.

A new tool allows interested cannabis businesses to determine whether they are eligible to apply for one of these grants. Eligible applicants must have formed their cannabis business after March 9th, 2020 and employ 50 or fewer full-time employees. Other eligibility requirements apply.

New Jersey restaurants, retail stores, and personal care businesses (for example, salons and spas) that operate from a commercial location can get free consulting services from the Small Business E-commerce Support Program.

Businesses that operate from a physical commercial location in New Jersey can receive assistance in the following areas:

• Website Development
• Website Optimization
• E-commerce Platform
• Online Ordering Platform
• Online Appointment Booking Platform
• Digital Marketing Plan

Other eligibility criteria apply.

There are several new changes to the rules that govern the cannabis industry in New Jersey:

• Three new license types will soon be available: Class 3, wholesalers; Class 4, distributors; and Class 6, delivery licenses.
• The criteria for priority applications have been reordered with all Social Equity, Diversity-owned Businesses, and Impact Zone applications – including those for annual and conversion licenses – receiving review before all other applications.
• There won't be statewide restrictions  on cultivation licenses as of February 22nd, 2023 (your municipality may still have restrictions).
• After February 22nd, 2023, cannabis license holders will be able to hold a cultivator license, a manufacturer license, a retailer license, and a delivery service license at the same time. License holders will be able to have only one of each and in any combination. Additionally, wholesale license holders can also hold a distributor license. Expanded alternative treatment centers may cultivate, manufacture, retail, and deliver. 

Calling all venture capitalists, private equity investors, and New Jersey startups who want to access capital from the New Jersey Innovation Evergreen Fund (NJIEF). The NJIEF is catalyzing up to $600 million to support early-stage innovation-focused businesses in New Jersey, while creating mentoring, networking, and educational opportunities to help position these companies for success.

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The law now requires local officials to conduct construction inspections within three days of a request. If they miss that deadline, the developer making the request may contract with private on-site inspection agencies to complete the inspection. Final approval on a certificate of occupancy will still come from local construction officials.

Providing trash and recycling receptacles outside your store and in parking areas can reduce litter on your property. This is one of many tips in a new, freely available guide that can help your business become more sustainable and environmentally friendly.