The clock is running. On July 17, 2026, the NJ Family Leave Act expansion takes effect, extending mandatory job-protected leave coverage to employers with as few as 15 employees — down from the prior 30-employee threshold. Any business that now employs between 15 and 29 workers must be in full compliance by that date. Key requirements: update employee handbooks, establish written leave request procedures, train supervisors on anti-retaliation obligations, post updated NJFLA notices, and identify interim staffing resources. The law also lowers the employee eligibility bar to just 3 months of tenure and 250 hours worked in the prior 12 months. Employees must be reinstated to the same or equivalent position following Temporary Disability Insurance or Family Leave Insurance leave, and may choose which type of paid leave to apply first.

If you have not yet consulted employment counsel, the time is now. Sources: Epstein Becker Green / Scarinci Hollenbeck

The NJDOL final rule codifying the ABC test (N.J.A.C. 12:11) was officially published in the NJ Register on June 1, 2026, making it operative on October 1, 2026. The rule applies to the Unemployment Compensation Law, Wage and Hour Law, and Wage Payment Law and synthesizes decades of court decisions. The three-pronged test requires that: (A) the worker is free from the company's direction and control; (B) the work falls outside the usual course or business location of the hiring company; and (C) the worker operates an independently established trade or business. The NJDOL removed several specific examples from the original draft following business community pushback. Even so, any business engaging independent contractors — particularly in trades, delivery, staffing, and professional services — should conduct a full contractor audit well before October 1.

Sources: NJDOL Press Release, May 5, 2026 / NJBiz

Governor Sherrill's proposed $60.7 billion FY2027 budget must be signed before the June 30 constitutional deadline. Legislative hearings in both the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee and Assembly Budget Committee are winding down. Business-relevant provisions in active debate include: a proposed reduction of the Stay NJ maximum senior property tax benefit from $6,500 to $4,000; a cap on qualifying income for Stay NJ at $250,000; targeted adjustments to corporate tax loopholes; and reduced business registration fees and improvements to procurement access for minority and women-owned businesses. State Treasurer Aaron Binder projects total revenues will reach $59.1 billion in FY2027, with corporate tax receipts down modestly due to federal policy shifts. Members with stakes in specific budget line items should monitor njleg.state.nj.us for final hearing dates.

Sources: NJ Treasury / Insider NJ / Treasurer Binder Testimony

S4385/A5708, the NJ noncompete ban bill, continues advancing through both legislative chambers with strong support. If enacted, the bill would ban most noncompete agreements for all workers who are not “senior executives” — and would render most existing agreements retroactively void and unenforceable. The narrow senior executive exemption requires: (1) a policy-making role such as CEO or President, and (2) total annual compensation of at least $151,164. Employers would have 30 days from enactment to notify employees. A private right of action would allow affected employees to pursue liquidated damages, compensatory damages, and attorneys’ fees. Action item: begin auditing your existing agreements now and explore substitute protections including non-solicitation clauses, confidentiality agreements, and trade secret policies.

Sources: National Law Review / Ogletree Deakins

Several NJ Law Against Discrimination expansion bills remain active in the 2026 legislative session. A bill banning employment discrimination based on height or weight passed the Senate and is now before the Assembly. Separate bills protecting employees against discrimination based on menstruation, perimenopause, and menopause are advancing, and a bill requiring expanded paid break time and suitable private space for lactation (introduced March 16, 2026) is in committee. Employers should begin proactively reviewing job descriptions, appearance-based hiring criteria, and HR policies now rather than waiting for enactment. Consult employment counsel to identify exposure.

Sources: Ogletree Deakins — NJ Employment Legislation Update 2026

The NJ Pay Transparency Law (effective June 1, 2025) remains in active enforcement. Covered employers — those with at least 10 employees for 20+ calendar weeks — must include both a minimum and maximum salary in all job postings. Open-ended ranges are prohibited, and the spread between minimum and maximum may not exceed 60 percent. Penalties run up to $300 for a first violation and $600 per subsequent violation. Final regulations have not yet been formally adopted as of June 2026, but NJDOL is applying draft standards in practice. Covered employers must also notify existing employees of internal advancement opportunities. If your job-posting templates have not yet been reviewed and updated, do so immediately.

Source: NJDOL

Effective for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2026, P.L. 2025, c.67 exempts qualifying capital gains from the sale or exchange of small business stock from New Jersey gross income — provided those gains are already exempt from federal taxation under the federal QSBS rules. This is a meaningful incentive for early-stage business investors and founders in South Jersey. Additionally, the NJ Angel Investor Tax Credit was expanded effective June 30, 2025 for applications approved for taxable years beginning January 1, 2026 and after. Businesses seeking investors should highlight these new state tax incentives in their capital-raising conversations.

Source: NJ Division of Taxation — New Laws 2026

In a significant local land-use decision, the Millville Board of Commissioners voted to prohibit data centers within city limits, blocking a proposed 2.6-million-square-foot, 1.4-gigawatt facility. The vote makes Millville the sixth New Jersey municipality to adopt such a ban since February 2026, joining a wave that has spread across Cumberland, Sussex, Gloucester, Salem, Burlington, and Warren Counties. The bans reflect growing community concern over energy costs, water use, and grid strain.

Why it matters for South Jersey businesses: Data centers already consume roughly five percent of New Jersey’s total electricity. PJM Interconnection’s July 2025 capacity auction cleared at $329.17 per megawatt-day for 2026–2027 — more than ten times the prior year’s price of $28.92. Residential electric bills rose roughly 20 percent last summer. The Sierra Club has reported that AI data centers accounted for over 70 percent of projected demand growth in PJM’s most recent auction. Businesses across all sectors should anticipate continued electricity rate pressure as this buildout advances.

Vineland facility already under construction: The ban stands in contrast to a major active project less than five miles away. DataOne is constructing a large-scale data facility for the Nebius Group in Vineland, described as between 718,000 and 2.6 million square feet with 300–350 megawatts of power demand. The project uses 32 natural gas engines and six diesel generators to supplement energy needs at the complex.

State and federal legislation advancing: The Legislature has multiple active bills. A796 (Assemblyman Dave Bailey Jr., D-3rd) would require large-load data centers to pay 85 percent of requested electricity costs upfront, 10 years in advance — the Assembly passed it in March and it now awaits Senate floor action. S3379 (Sen. Teresa Ruiz, D-29th) would mandate semi-annual water and energy usage reports to the BPU — passed the Senate, now in the Assembly. S680 (Sen. Bob Smith, D-17th) would require new AI data centers and crypto mining operations to use renewable or new nuclear energy. A Board of Public Utilities study on data center electricity cost impacts to ratepayers is due in October 2026. At the federal level, Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-10) introduced H.R. 8488 requiring 180-day public disclosure and independent environmental review before any AI data center deal closes.

Under Millville’s commission form of government, each commissioner serves as the director of a major municipal department while also acting as a member of the governing body. The current Millville City Commission is:

June 2026 City Commission Meeting Dates (City Hall, 12 S. High St.):

Work Session: Friday, June 12 at 1:00 PM — Regular Public Meeting: Tuesday, June 16 at 6:00 PM — Regular Public Meeting: Tuesday, July 1 at 6:00 PM (next month). Source: Millville City Commission Meeting Schedule 2026

The South Jersey Economic Development District (SJEDD), headquartered in Millville and serving Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, and Salem counties, continues its regional planning and economic growth activities in 2026. SJEDD held its reorganization meeting on January 12, 2026, at the Cumberland County Improvement Authority (CCIA) offices at 745 Lebanon Road, Millville. SJEDD advocates for federal and state funding for regional economic revitalization and coordinates with local government and the private sector on projects that support job creation and infrastructure investment in the four-county area. Cumberland County businesses are encouraged to monitor SJEDD project announcements at sjedd.com.

Source: SJEDD.com

The Cumberland County Improvement Authority (CCIA), which serves as Cumberland County’s economic development and redevelopment agency, has multiple 2026 projects underway. The Authority is actively preparing for a Cell 10 landfill expansion project expected to extend landfill operations from 2041 to 2058 — a three-to-five-year undertaking with significant long-term cost and infrastructure implications for the region. The CCIA also administers economic development financing and redevelopment support for businesses and municipalities in the county. CCIA Board meetings are held at 4:00 PM at 745 Lebanon Road, Millville. Contact: (856) 825-3700.

Source: TheAuthorityNJ.com

The Millville Planning Board holds regular public meetings at 6:30 PM at City Hall, 12 S. High Street. Agendas are posted prior to each meeting at millvillenj.gov. The Zoning Board of Adjustment also holds regular meetings; applications involving variances, special use permits, or site plan approvals must be filed in advance of the applicable meeting. Businesses considering expansion, construction, signage changes, or change-of-use applications in Millville should contact the Planning/Zoning office early to understand submission deadlines. Check the city website for June and July hearing dates as they are posted.

Source: Millville Planning Board / Millville Agenda Center

The Cumberland Empowerment Zone Corporation (CEZC) and NJ Small Business Development Center (NJSBDC) at Rutgers University–Camden are co-presenting a free workshop on Government Contracting Opportunities in New Jersey on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. Led by Senior Consultant Ana Gatson of the NJSBDC, the workshop will cover the types of government contracting opportunities available in NJ, how to determine if your business qualifies, eligibility requirements, where to find contracting opportunities, and how to prepare strong and competitive proposals.

Two sessions are available — attend either or both:

Participants are encouraged to bring a laptop. Materials will be provided in Spanish. Co-presented with The Authority (CCIA), and the CEZC. Register via the QR code on the event flyer or contact NJSBDC at Rutgers–Camden. This is a no-cost event — strongly recommended for any business interested in diversifying revenue through public sector contracts.

The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Empower to Grow (E2G) Manufacturing Grant Initiative offers up to $50 million in awards to organizations that will deliver in-person training, technical assistance, and consulting to small manufacturers in their region. Eligible recipients provide free services to qualifying small manufacturing businesses, supporting workforce development, supply chain rebuilding, and domestic production. Trade associations, workforce development organizations, and technical schools in South Jersey should evaluate this opportunity. The proposal deadline is June 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET.

Source: SBA.gov — E2G Grant Announcement, May 6, 2026

Per a June 2, 2026 update from NJEDA, the following clean energy programs are currently open and accepting applications:

NJ Clean Energy Loans (NJ CELs) — OPEN to small businesses (under 750 employees). Provides debt financing for eligible clean energy projects under a co-lending or loan participation structure with a private financial institution. Loan terms from 1 to 25 years, ranging from $250K to $10M on the NJEDA side, with the co-lender matching at least 1:1 (aggregate loan size $500K to $20M). NJEDA interest rate is 4%–6% lower than the co-lender rate — a meaningful cost advantage for energy-capital projects.

Garden State C-PACE — OPEN to commercial real property owners in participating municipalities (including beneficial owners with a 50+ year lease). Provides 100% private financing for qualifying clean energy improvements on buildings, repaid through a property assessment similar to a tax bill. No minimum or maximum financing amount; terms up to 30 years. The lien is senior, transferable, and non-accelerating — attractive features for commercial property owners concerned about balance sheet impact.

RETROFIT NJ — Accepting Waitlist Applications. Open to commercial, industrial, and institutional building owners and equivalent tenants. Reimburses eligible hard and soft construction costs for large-scale multi-pronged building retrofit projects. Reimbursement is 50% for commercial and 60% for institutional applicants (plus a 5% bonus for overburdened community projects). Awards range from $2.5M to $12.5M. New applications are on a waitlist basis.

Source: NJEDA Partner Update, Erica Breiterman, June 2, 2026 / njeda.gov/financing-and-incentives

The Next New Jersey Manufacturing Program is currently open, with $100 million in tax credits reserved for clean energy manufacturers through September 2027. This is a tax credit program for manufacturers that meet minimum thresholds of 20 new jobs created and $10 million in capital investment. Additional requirements: the site must be dedicated to over 50% manufacturing space; employees must spend 80% of their time at the site; and the business must enter into a collaboration agreement with an entity that advances workforce development. This is a significant incentive for any South Jersey manufacturer with growth plans in the clean energy supply chain.

Source: NJEDA Partner Update, Erica Breiterman, June 2, 2026 / njeda.gov

The NJEDA Small Business Lease Grant is expected to close to new applications in June 2026. If you have recently signed or are about to sign a qualifying commercial lease, apply immediately. The program is open to NJ small businesses and nonprofits with a recently signed lease of at least five years for street-level commercial space. The grant awards 20% of annual lease payments for Year 1 and Year 2. This is a meaningful offset for businesses expanding or relocating to new commercial space in Millville or Cumberland County. Do not delay — this window is closing.

Source: NJEDA Partner Update, Erica Breiterman, June 2, 2026 / njeda.gov

The Main Street Acquisition Support Grant is currently open and reimburses eligible NJ small businesses for closing costs related to the purchase of a NJ commercial property from which the business will operate. Eligible applicants must be NJ small businesses or nonprofits that purchase a commercial property and occupy at least 1,000 square feet for commercial use. Maximum reimbursement is $50,000 in closing costs. This is an excellent tool for members considering ownership over leasing for their business premises.

Source: NJEDA Partner Update, Erica Breiterman, June 2, 2026 / njeda.gov

The Small Business E-Commerce Support Program is open through February 2027 and provides free e-commerce and digital marketing consulting to NJ restaurants, retail businesses, and personal care businesses operating from a commercial location. Services include website development, website optimization, e-commerce platform setup, online ordering, online appointment booking, and digital marketing plans. The program is consultant-led — business owners work directly with approved vendors at no out-of-pocket cost. This is a high-value, zero-cost resource for Main Street-type businesses in Millville and Cumberland County. Apply at njeda.gov.

Source: NJEDA Partner Update, Erica Breiterman, June 2, 2026 / njeda.gov

As part of the new administration’s budget and program review, the following NJEDA programs have closed to new applications as of June 2026. Members with pending applications or questions about related programs should contact NJEDA directly:

Small Business Improvement Grant — Closed. Was open to NJ small businesses and nonprofits for interior/exterior renovations and new furniture, fixtures, and equipment; reimbursed up to $50,000 (50% of eligible costs).

NJ Cool — Closed. Was open to commercial and institutional entities in overburdened/adjacent communities for HVAC replacement and energy efficiency improvements; reimbursed 50% of eligible costs, $50K to $1M.

NJ ZIP — Closed. Was open to NJ commercial and institutional entities purchasing new zero-emission medium and heavy-duty vehicles; provided vouchers by vehicle class with bonuses for small businesses and WMVBEs, up to $3M per entity.

NJ ZEV Financing — Closed. Complemented NJ ZIP; provided loans of $50K–$500K for zero-emission vehicle purchases at low interest rates over a 5-year term.

NJEDA staff indicated they are actively developing new clean energy products expected later in 2026. Monitor njeda.gov for announcements. Source: NJEDA Partner Update, Erica Breiterman, June 2, 2026.

In a significant development for developers and businesses with land use projects, NJDEP Commissioner Ed Potosnak officially announced on May 29, 2026 that the Sherrill administration will extend the legacy period for the REAL (Resilient Environments and Landscapes) rules by one full year. A formal rulemaking proposal was filed May 29 and will be published in the NJ Register on June 1, 2026. The change moves the legacy permit application deadline from July 20, 2026, to July 20, 2027. This means projects that were racing to file under pre-REAL standards now have an additional year to do so. The NJBIA and NJ Builders Association had appealed the original REAL rules, citing increased development costs, reduced housing supply, and negative property value effects. The delay is seen as a business-friendly reprieve while NJDEP re-engages stakeholders on the framework.

Source: NJBiz — May 29, 2026 / NJDEP.gov

New Jersey’s “Skip the Stuff” single-use plastics law takes effect August 1, 2026, prohibiting restaurants and food service businesses from automatically providing single-use utensils and condiments unless the customer specifically requests them. Certain establishments serving on-site dining will also be required to supply reusable, washable utensils. Businesses that exclusively use eco-friendly alternative utensils and condiments are exempt. Millville food service operators should review their current service protocols and update customer-facing procedures before the August 1 effective date. NJDEP is conducting a public education campaign; details at dep.nj.gov/get-past-plastic.

Source: Rutgers NJAES — NJ Environmental Laws Guide 2026

Effective January 1, 2026, the New Jersey minimum wage is $15.92 per hour for most workers, up from the prior year. For tipped employees, the required minimum cash wage from the employer is $6.05 per hour, with the total including tips required to meet the minimum wage floor. Standard exceptions apply for automobile salespersons, outside salespersons, and certain minors under 18. All businesses should ensure their payroll records, offer letters, and posted notices reflect the current rate. The NJDOL publishes an updated Minimum Wage Chart on its website. Source: NJDOL Wage and Hour FAQ

Under newly enacted A2090, all NJ solid waste management districts — including Cumberland County — must incorporate a comprehensive food waste reduction strategy into their solid waste management plans, targeting at least a 50 percent reduction in food waste by 2035 compared to 2022 levels. Approved measures include food donation programs, composting, and anaerobic digestion. Food-producing businesses and hospitality operators should monitor how Cumberland County implements this mandate as it may affect future waste hauling requirements and costs. Additionally, NJDEP continues to enforce its PFAS groundwater and soil standards; businesses with potential site contamination exposure should maintain active environmental compliance programs and consult licensed site remediation professionals proactively.

Source: Rutgers NJAES — NJ Environmental Laws Guide 2026

On May 19, 2026, the NJEDA and global innovation company SOSA officially opened the New Jersey Business Acceleration and Soft-Landing Ecosystem (NJ BASE) in Jersey City. NJ BASE is designed to support startups and growth-stage businesses — particularly those doing business between New Jersey and international markets. The soft-landing concept allows foreign companies expanding to the U.S. and U.S. companies expanding globally to access workspace, local networks, and government connections under one roof. South Jersey entrepreneurs with growth plans or export interest should review the NJ BASE program as a potential resource.

Source: NJEDA.gov — May 19, 2026

The NJEDA’s Aspire Program has deployed more than $400 million in tax credits for real estate development projects that create jobs and economic activity in designated areas across New Jersey. Aspire provides competitive tax credits for mixed-use, commercial, and residential development and replaced the former ERG and BRRAG programs. Projects must demonstrate a net positive fiscal impact to qualify. Developers and commercial property owners in Cumberland County contemplating mixed-use or commercial development projects should evaluate Aspire incentives early in the project planning process, particularly for projects in Opportunity Zones or NJEDA-designated impact areas. Application details are available at njeda.gov/financing-and-incentives.

Source: Funding Landscape — NJ Grants Guide 2026

The CCIA, as Cumberland County’s designated economic development and redevelopment agency, is pursuing multiple 2026 projects aimed at decreasing costs for county businesses and municipalities through shared service opportunities, energy source diversification, and environmental management. State and federal incentive grants are driving renewed interest in green and renewable energy projects across Cumberland County, as reflected in multiple township-level planning updates. Businesses with interest in participating in county-level procurement, shared services, or energy co-op opportunities should contact the CCIA directly at (856) 825-3700 or 745 Lebanon Road, Millville.

Source: CCIA — TheAuthorityNJ.com