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The New Jersey Business Action Center (NJBAC) is out with a new tool to assist small businesses here in the Garden State.

The New Jersey Small Business Manual offers information and guidance for establishing, maintaining and expanding a small business in the state.

The initiative was spearheaded by NJBAC, a division of the Department of State, in collaboration with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), the Office of Innovation, and other community-based partners.

Information in the manual includes items such as:

• state and local permits and inspections;
• financial assistance programs;
• lease contracts;
• commercial real estate transactions; and more.

Officials say the aim is to create a resource to help small businesses grow and thrive in New Jersey.

In a press release, Lt. Gov. Tahesha Way noted how crucial the small business sector is to the state’s economy.

“Hundreds of thousands of New Jerseyans are contributing to our statewide prosperity every day,” said Way, who also serves as secretary of state. “We understand the value of investing in tools and resources, like the New Jersey Small Business Manual, for business owners and entrepreneurs because the return is high.”

NJBAC Executive Director Melanie Willoughby said the manual represents the most common queries and assistance requests her organization receives from the small business community.

“By compiling the information in a digestible, easy-to-use publication, we are ensuring access to essential information that is designed to make life easier for entrepreneurs and business owners,” said Willoughby. “The manual was truly a collaborative effort across several state agencies.”

“When our small business community thrives, we all do,” Way added.

The New Jersey Small Business Manual is available here.

Small business owners say …

Bluevine’s inaugural Business Owner Success Survey gauged small business priorities and trends for 2024. Click here to see the findings.