Official Site of The State of New Jersey

Spring Into Action

Spring has officially arrived in New Jersey, and with it comes a wave of energy for our main streets and downtowns. As buds appear on the trees and foot traffic picks up, now is the time to turn your winter planning into spring action. From refreshing storefronts and launching outdoor programming to positioning your district for what promises to be a historic summer, your communities have every reason to be optimistic.

This is shaping up to be a landmark year for New Jersey. With the FIFA World Cup 2026™ bringing six matches to Lincoln Financial Field and eight matches to MetLife Stadium (including the Final on July 19!), and the nation’s 250th Anniversary (America250) celebrations ramping up across the state, New Jersey’s downtowns have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to attract new audiences, boost local businesses, and showcase the character of their communities. The time to prepare is now!

NJBAC’s Business Enhancement Services are here to help your district capitalize on these moments. Whether you need help developing a World Cup watch party strategy, planning a patriotic summer event series, or simply refreshing your spring marketing, reach out to NJBAC Business Enhancement Manager Ryan Gleason to get started.

Featured Grants & Opportunities: March Update
Keep these active opportunities on your radar to help your business community grow:

• NJEDA – Asset Activation Planning Grant (Round 4): Applications are still being accepted for planning grants up to $100,000 to help revitalize under-utilized public assets. Eligible uses include feasibility studies, conceptual design, market analysis, and redevelopment plans.
• Governor Sherrill’s $5 Million World Cup Community Initiative: Announced in February, this NJEDA-led initiative will fund fan zones, watch parties, festivals, and street fairs statewide during the FIFA World Cup. Priority will be given to events that support small businesses and reflect the diverse cultures represented by competing nations.
• Garden State Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy Program (C-PACE): This program is a voluntary financing tool which allows qualifying commercial real property owners to access financing to undertake qualifying energy efficiency, renewable energy, water conservation, and resiliency improvements on their buildings and repay the investment through an additional charge/assessment similar to their real property tax bill.
• NJEDA – Historic Property Reinvestment Program: This program is a tax credit program designed to leverage the federal historic tax credit program to support rehabilitation projects of identified historic properties.
• DCA - Management Enhancement Review Program (MERP): Municipal and County Governments can access $1.5 million in available grants to increase efficiencies and save taxpayers’ dollars by streamlining services.
• NJEDA – Small Business Improvement Grant: This grant offers reimbursement of up to $50,000 for building improvements, new furniture, fixtures, and equipment. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until funding is exhausted. 40% of funding is reserved for businesses in Opportunity Zone census tracts.
• NJEDA – Main Street Acquisition Support Grant: This rolling program offers grants of up to $50,000 to reimburse eligible small businesses for closing costs when purchasing a commercial property. A gamechanger for businesses looking to move from renting to owning.
• T-Mobile Hometown Grants – Closing March 31! Grants up to $50,000 for eligible small towns to fund transformational projects including revitalizing parks, upgrading technology, and supporting public safety. Deadline to apply is March 31, 2026.

World Cup & America250 Spotlight

Two historic events are converging on New Jersey this summer, and downtowns that plan now will be best positioned to benefit:

• FIFA World Cup 2026™: The NJEDA Board recently approved a $20 million allocation to the NYNJ Host Committee, including $5 million dedicated to community-level activations. The Host Committee will partner with chambers of commerce, SIDs, local governments, and convention bureaus to expand fan engagement statewide. Districts should start planning watch parties, international food festivals, and storefront decoration campaigns now. Review the NYNJ Host Committee resources and the Downtown NJ FIFA 2026 Guide for planning tools and best practices.
• America’s 250th Anniversary: On July 4, 2026, the nation celebrates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. New Jersey’s deep Revolutionary War roots make it a natural hub for commemorations. From the Sail 4th 250 ship flotilla in New York Harbor to local reenactments, museum exhibits, and community celebrations, there are countless ways for downtowns to participate. Visit visitnj.org/nj250 and the NJ America 250 Events Calendar for inspiration.

Best Practices Corner: Spring Strategies

• The “Spring Refresh” Storefront Audit: With warmer weather bringing more pedestrians, now is the time to walk your district and assess storefronts with fresh eyes. Are window displays updated? Is outdoor signage clean and visible? Encourage businesses to power-wash sidewalks, refresh planters, and update their Google Business profiles with current hours, new photos, and spring offerings.
• Cherry Blossom & Spring Bloom Programming: Spring blooms are a natural foot traffic driver. If your district has flowering trees or gardens, consider creating a “bloom map,” hosting a photo contest on social media, or partnering with local florists for a “Spring on Main Street” promotion.

Compliance & Regulatory Reminders

• Tax Filing Deadline – April 15, 2026: The deadline for NJ and federal individual income tax returns is April 15, 2026. Sole proprietors and C corporations should ensure their filings are in order. The first quarterly estimated tax payment for 2026 is also due April 15. Visit nj.gov/treasury/taxation for details.
• Minimum Wage Reminder: The NJ minimum wage is $15.92/hour for 2026. Ensure all digital and physical labor posters reflect this update.
• Outdoor Dining & Sidewalk Permits: As restaurants prepare to reopen patios and sidewalk cafés, ensure all necessary municipal permits are renewed for the 2026 season. Requirements vary by municipality, so check with your local planning or zoning office.
• Annual Report Filing: Every business in NJ must file an Annual Report in the month they were incorporated. Remind your businesses to check their filing status at business.nj.gov.

Recommended Reading

• Preparing Downtowns for a Once-in-a-Generation Moment: FIFA World Cup 2026™: Downtown NJ’s Natalie Pineiro discusses strategies that downtowns can utilize to prepare for the biggest soccer tournament in the world.
• Downtown Do’s and Don’ts for the Nation’s 250th Anniversary: Downtown NJ contributor Bradford Fay offers essential advice to downtowns looking to celebrate America’s 250th birthday.
• NJ Small Business Manual: The updated manual covers the latest on state regulations and resources for small business owners.

Wishing you and your business community an energized and productive spring. Let’s make 2026 a year to remember for New Jersey’s downtowns!

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