Official Site of The State of New Jersey

Reflecting on 2025 and Preparing for the Year Ahead
As we close out 2025, NJBAC remains committed to supporting the small businesses that serve as the backbone of New Jersey’s communities. This final week of the year is a pivotal time for business owners to reflect on their successes, finalize their end-of-year reporting, and look ahead to the opportunities of 2026.
 
NJBAC’s Business Enhancement Services will be available throughout January to help districts transition from holiday activations to long-term revitalization and growth strategies. Whether you are looking to refresh your storefront messaging or planning a Q1 business engagement event, reach out to NJBAC Business Enhancement Manager Ryan Gleason to start the new year strong.
 
Featured Grants & Opportunities for January
To help your business community kick off the new year with momentum, please consider and share the following programs and initiatives:
 
NJEDA – New Jersey Asset Activation Planning Grant
This grant will award up to $100,000 to public, private, or non-profit entities for early-stage planning and analysis that demonstrate the viability of projects that activate under-utilized public assets that benefit their communities and the regional economy. Proposed plans may include, but are not limited to:

• Conceptual Design
• Feasibility Study
• Economic Analysis
• Market Analysis
• Redevelopment Needs Assessment and/or Plan

NJEDA Small Business Liquor License Grant 
This grant is a pilot program under the Main Street Recovery Finance Program that will reimburse eligible NJ small businesses 50%, up to a maximum of $100,000, of the purchase price of a previously inactive Plenary Retail Consumption License purchased within 12 months of application.
 
Amex Shop Small Grant Program
Last call for this grant program, which will fund more than 500 grants of $20,000 each, empowering small businesses to grow, innovate, and support their local communities. The program was initially launched with a $5 million contribution, and as a result of its giving pledge for eligible transactions made on Small Business Saturday, American Express will now contribute an additional $5.1 million to the program – totaling over $10 million in grants. The deadline to apply is January 16!
 
Upcoming Virtual Trainings & Courses

• NJBAC – How AI Can Save Small Business Time and Money
  Join the New Jersey Business Action Center’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) webinar to hear from experts on how you can use AI tools responsibly to empower staff and clients while building policies that can protect your company.
• NJIT Certificate in Creative Placemaking
  NJIT offers this comprehensive, six-month certificate program in Creative Placemaking. Perfect for municipal officials and leaders, county and local planners, community development leaders, real estate and development professionals, artists, land-use professionals, social service professionals, corporate community services facilitators, educators, administrators, and more. 

Best Practices Corner
The "January Slump" doesn't have to be inevitable. Here are some low-cost strategies to keep foot traffic moving after the holiday decorations come down:

1. "New Year, New Routine" Campaigns: It may be cliched, but don’t fix what isn’t broken! Partner with local gyms, healthy cafes, and wellness providers for cross-promotional "Resolution" discounts.
2. Clearance Events with a Community Twist: Instead of just a "sale," host a "Community Swap" or "Inventory Refresh" event to clear out old inventory while keeping the vibes social and local.
3. Winter Walkability: Ensure paths are clear or ice and snow and ensure lighting remains bright. Warm, "glowy" lighting (as discussed in our Dec 2nd edition) is just as effective for dark January evenings as it is for December.
4. Survey Your Businesses: Use early January to send a simple 3-question survey to your district’s business owners about their 2026 goals. This data could prove invaluable for planning your support and events for the coming year. 

Recommended Reading

• Placer.ai Foot Traffic: The Complete Guide
  Brush up on all things foot traffic. From what it is, how it’s measured, and how foot traffic can be leveraged to help your Main Street or Downtown Business District.
• NJ Small Business Manual
  Revisit the updated manual for the latest on state regulations and resources.
• Friendly Fronts’ Storefront Toolkit
  A comprehensive and principled guide to creating memorable and effective storefronts. 

End of Year Compliance Reminders

• Every business in NJ must file an Annual Report in the month they were incorporated.
• Tax deadlines vary by business type/structure – visit business.nj.gov to learn more about tax filing/payment for your businesses.
• Businesses should begin preparing W-2s and 1099s for all employees and contractors. 

Wishing you and your business community a prosperous and productive 2026!

Ryan
Manager, Office of Business Enhancement
NJ Business Action Center 
Ryan.Gleason@sos.nj.gov 
609.633.6942