In May 2022, Gov. Phil Murphy signed Executive Order 295 to establish a state-backed certification program for LGBTQ+-owned business enterprises. On April 5, the governor and Treasurer Elizabeth Maher Muoio announced the program is now accepting registrations. 

Designed to help LGBTQ+-owned businesses thrive, the initiative expands access to public and private contracting opportunities, among other benefits, including eligibility for select state contracting initiatives.

“These certifications will support the LGBTQ+ community by enhancing economic opportunities while providing them with a stronger foothold that allows for authenticity and visibility for their businesses,” Murphy said in a statement. “In New Jersey, we wear our diversity as a badge of honor, and this certification furthers our commitment to the LGBTQ+ community by supporting them in their entrepreneurial endeavors.” 

In order to qualify for the certification, a business must be a sole proprietorship, partnership, joint venture, corporation or other business, that is at least 51% owned, operated and controlled by persons who identify as LGBTQ+. The business must also be considered a “going concern” with sufficient resources needed to continue operating indefinitely by normal industry standards. 

Additional qualifications cover ownership, business entity and licensing. Click here for more detailed information about the criteria and to apply. 

After a business has been approved for the certification, its contact information will be posted to the Selective Assistance Vendor Information (SAVI) public database, which is available to all contracting authorities. 

Additionally, the $100 fee normally charged for business certifications has been waived indefinitely for this program. 

Muoio, who said she’s “immensely proud” of the work the state has done to open opportunities to underrepresented communities, added, “With this new certification program, we will be able to encourage and support LGBTQ+ business owners as we do small, minority and women owned businesses, as well as those owned by veterans, to ensure that they’re readily identified and able to pursue contracting opportunities throughout the state.” 

“Today, we are another step closer to lived equality with the opening of the certification portal for LGBTQ+ businesses,” said Christian Fuscarino, executive director of Garden State Equality. “This process will ensure that LGBTQ+ people who have been historically overlooked for opportunities because of discrimination and exclusionary practices will have a fair shot in running a thriving business.” 

Gus Penaranda, executive director of the New Jersey Pride Chamber of Commerce, added, “The NJ Pride Chamber has been waiting for this day for a long time, and we greatly appreciate all the work the Murphy administration and Treasury have done to make the launch of the certification process possible.”

Editor’s note: This story was updated at 12:43 p.m. ET April 6, 2023, to include a quote from the New Jersey Pride Chamber of Commerce.