Official Site of The State of New Jersey
New Jersey Manufacturing Network
The New Jersey Business Action Center (NJBAC) is a partner with the New Jersey Manufacturing Network, a collaboration of organizations and state agencies coming together to provide the best possible support for the manufacturing industry through training and education.
Under the recently enacted “Manufacturing in Higher Education Act,” various State entities are required to promote manufacturing career pathways for students and provide assistance to the manufacturing industry.
The new law has led to the creation of the “New Jersey Manufacturing Network,” an organizational collaboration designed to build a stronger manufacturing industry in New Jersey, rebuild the workforce and ensure that the workforce has the requisite skills needed for sustainable employment in the manufacturing industry.
Visit njmanufacturingnetwork.org to learn more about each participating organization and connect with the resources that can help you strengthen and grow the manufacturing industry’s success in New Jersey.
For general questions about manufacturing, such as finding skilled employees, building an apprenticeship program, possible financing options, purchasing new equipment or achieving energy savings, please email one our economic development project management specialists in the NJBAC Office of Business Advocacy (OBA).
The OBA specialists provide advocacy and project management for manufacturers, assisting manufacturers with building renovations, hiring and training new employees, working through regulatory issues and permitting, and provides overall project management for facility upgrades and site selection.
OBA Services
Site Selection:
Get in-depth site selection services, including site surveys, market analysis and market comparable.
Financing:
Get detailed financing options for buying properties, upgrading equipment, or obtaining general working capital. We work with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) and commercial banks. We also work with NJEDA on tax-exempt bond financing as well.
Grants:
Identify grant opportunities from the NJEDA, Board of Public Utilities (BPU), NJ Department of Environmental Protection (NJ DEP), the NJ Department of Transportation, NJBAC’s Office of Export Promotion, and any other government or agency with available grant programs.
Energy Savings: We actively work with BPU and the utility companies to provide energy efficiency programs to help manufacturers potentially reduce costs.
Technology/Life Sciences: We can connect technology and life science companies with the Commission on Science and Technology and NJEDA to identify matching federal grants, and seed funding opportunities such as the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer funds. When possible, our staff may also provide introductions to angel and venture capital investors, tax credits and rent subsidies.
Permitting:
Get guidance when seeking a permit. While New Jersey is a home rule state, where municipalities oversee most of the construction code permitting, the OBA staff can provide expertise and counsel to manufacturers building out space or constructing a new building.
Regulatory:
Get help navigating the various state regulations. We work closely with the NJ DEP to assist with possible pre-permit hearings, permit assistance (e.g., air permits). We try to help avoid or mitigate fines and provide vital information for our manufacturers as to what to expect with new regulations. We also work with the NJ Department of Transportation.
Workforce Development:
Get help finding skilled workers or training for your existing workers. We work closely with the NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development business representatives to introduce upskilling and apprenticeship opportunities.
Participating organizations
State Agencies:
- New Jersey Department of State
- New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development
Nonprofit Organizations:
- New Jersey Council of County Colleges
- New Jersey Business and Industry Association
Nonprofit Organizations that also receive annual funding from the NJBAC:
- New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program (NJMEP)
- New Jersey Small Business Development Centers (NJSBDC), a program of the U.S. Small Business Administration