Businesses and tax-exempt organizations with fewer than 500 employees can receive a tax credit for providing paid time off for each employee receiving the vaccine and for any time needed to recover from the vaccine.

Effective May 4th, 2022, all stores and food service businesses are banned from providing or selling single-use plastic carryout bags or polystyrene foam food service products to customers. Grocery stores over 2500 square feet are banned from providing single-use paper carryout bags. Effective November 4th, 2021, plastic straws may only be provided upon request. This state-wide ban supersedes any previous or existing local, county, or city ordinances.

Applications for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) opened May 3rd, 2021. The RRF provides restaurants and other businesses with funding equal to their pandemic-related revenue loss of up to $10 million per business. Recipients are not required to repay the funding as long as funds are used no later than March 11th, 2023. 

You can help inform the establishment of a Trenton-based Center for Maternal and Infant Health. The New Jersey Economic Development Authority released a Request for Information (RFI) that is calling for ideas to eliminate inequities that are at the heart of our maternal health crisis. RFI responses are due June 1st, 2021.

Effective Wednesday, May 19th, 2021, the general indoor gathering limit is expected to increase to 50 people, indoor business gatherings and organized gatherings (e.g. conferences, expositions, meetings of fraternal organizations, job trainings, events hosted by senior centers) will be limited to 250 people, so long as social distancing can be maintained. Large indoor venue capacity limit will increase to 30%, this will apply to all venues with a fixed seating capacity of 1,000 or more. Outdoor gathering limits are expected to be removed on May 19th, 2021. Additional capacity increases announced last Monday go into effect earlier, now scheduled for May 7th, 2021.

The State has released a draft of New Jersey’s first-ever Climate Change Resilience Strategy. The strategy will guide efforts to strengthen New Jersey – including its businesses – against today’s climate threats, such as flooding, sea-level rise, and extreme weather. The public and businesses are encouraged to provide feedback online or join in an upcoming virtual information session on May 5th, 2021, from 6:00-7:30 p.m.

Learn about tips, processes, and resources to help your business recover and grow by participating in the Business Action Center's free 6-week webinar. This series features guest speakers from various State agencies and other organizations, including the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, the Small Business Administration, and others. The next session is on May 11th, 2021, at 12:00 p.m.

Applicants of the COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program (Phase II) may be eligible for up to 12 months of rental assistance for rent arrears and future rent. The application period will remain open until $353 million has been awarded. Landlords may apply on behalf of tenants, with the tenant’s permission.

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