Nine bills focused on small business — bills Democrats said will focus on growing jobs, streamlining state programs and reducing barriers to entry for entrepreneurs seeking to start a new business or grow an existing business — will be considered Thursday by the Assembly Commerce and Economic Development Committee.
Democratic leaders said the nine-bill legislative package aims to bolster the post-pandemic recovery of New Jersey’s more than 950,000 small businesses.
Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin (D-Woodbridge), when he announced the bills earlier this month, said he is committed to helping small businesses, which employ nearly 2 million people in the state.
“From mom-and-pop shops to our tech startups, small businesses don’t just play a critical role in sustaining jobs and families,” he said then. “They contribute to the unique and defining character that make New Jersey communities the kinds of places people want to live and raise a family. Together, this package gives business owners the tools they need to find success in the long run.”
The newly introduced legislative package takes a comprehensive policy approach to support small businesses throughout their business lifecycle. Broadly, the bills serve to bolster the reach and utilization of existing state programs, support new business and entrepreneurship, nurture New Jersey’s culture of innovation and aim to help businesses expand their footprint.
A look:
- A573: Establishes expedited construction inspection program.
- A2146: Creates state business assistance program to establish contracting agency procurement goals for socially and economically disadvantaged business enterprises.
- A3424: Establishes “Biannual Small Business Matchmaker Initiative” in Department of State.
- A4748: Enhances customer service experience with Business Action Center in Department of State by collecting and disseminating customer assistance metrics.
- A4749: Requires Business Action Center to collect and produce certain information to assist small businesses.
- A4750: Vacant Storefront Registry Program; establishes public database of vacant commercial space for small businesses.
- A4751: Establishes mentorship program for new businesses and startups.
- A4752: Promotes small business internet presence.
- A4753: Allows cure period for businesses to address and resolve certain violations.
