TRENTON, N.J. (February 19, 2026) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) is now accepting applications for the Green Workforce Training Grant Challenge. The $4 million grant program will prepare New Jersey residents for green economy careers, with a particular focus on serving overburdened communities. 

WHAT:          The Grant Challenge is a competitive funding opportunity, for which applicants will be asked to submit proposals that outline their plans to develop and implement workforce training and skills programs focused on strengthening and diversifying the state’s green economy. Grants from $500,000 up to $800,000 are available. Awardees may use funds to cover design, planning, capital, and implementation costs to offer training programs in green economy industries.

WHO:            Entities that can provide skill development, workforce training, job placement, and other related services are eligible to apply.

WHEN:          Applications for the program are now open and will close on Monday, April 20, at 5:00 p.m.

An informational webinar will be held on Wednesday, February 25, at10:30 a.m. To register, click here.

For more information on Phase 2 of the New Jersey Green Workforce Training Grant Challenge, click here.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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The New Jersey Economic Development Authority’s next public Board Meeting will be held in person, via conference call, and via Microsoft Teams on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at 10:00 am.

Members of the public may participate in the meeting attending in person, by calling in on the conference line, or joining via Microsoft Teams link.  Members of the public will have an opportunity to speak during the public comment segment of the meeting. The following conference number and Microsoft Teams link are being provided:  

MEETING NAME: NJEDA BOARD MEETING (FEBRUARY 25, 2026)

IN PERSON:

NJEDA Board Room

36 West State Street, Trenton NJ

PARTICIPANT DIAL-IN NUMBER:       1-888-790-3708

PARTICIPANT ACCESS CODE:             7825427

MICROSOFT TEAMS MEETING ACCESS LINK

Members of the public are encouraged to call in prior to the time the meeting is scheduled to begin to avoid any delays.

The agenda can be found 48 hours prior to the meeting on our website: https://www.njeda.gov. The meeting will also be recorded and posted to the NJEDA website shortly after the conclusion of the meeting.

TRENTON, N.J. (February 11, 2026) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) announced today that Sean Kennedy has been hired as the Authority’s new Chief of Staff and Chief External Affairs Officer. Kennedy’s first day at the NJEDA was Monday.

“Sean brings deep experience in public-sector leadership, stakeholder engagement, and organizational strategy, and I’m excited for the perspective he will bring to the NJEDA,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Evan Weiss. “Sean will play a critical role at the Authority as we work to support Governor Sherrill’s mission to grow our economy, bolster innovation, cut red tape, and bring down costs for families across the state.”

Kennedy will oversee the Communications, Events & Marketing, Government Affairs & Policy, and International Innovation teams, helping ensure the NJEDA’s brand, messaging, and external presence are aligned with the Authority’s strategic priorities. In his role, Kennedy will serve as the NJEDA’s primary point of contact with the Governor’s Office, the Legislature, local governments, and other key stakeholders.

“I’m thrilled to join the NJEDA, which has been at the forefront of driving meaningful economic growth by investing in residents, businesses, and key strategic sectors throughout New Jersey,” said Kennedy. “I look forward to working with the entire NJEDA team, as well as our partners across the public and private sectors, to advance the Authority’s mission and expand its impact across the state.”

Most recently, Kennedy served as a Government Affairs Advisor at Connell Foley. Prior to that, he was Director of CGI’s New Jersey State and Local business. Sean has also held leadership roles in higher education, including Vice President of Government Affairs and External Partnerships at Rowan University and Director of Government and External Relations at Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine, as well as several positions in state government, ranging from campaign leadership to Associate Executive Director overseeing communications for the New Jersey Senate Majority Office.

Kennedy succeeds Emma Corrado, who recently left the NJEDA to join the Governor’s Office as Deputy Chief Operating Officer.

About the NJEDA

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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Please be advised that the next Capital City Redevelopment Corporation Board Meeting will be held in person and via teleconference on Tuesday, February 17, 2025, at 11:00 am. 

Members of the public who wish to speak during the public comment segment of the meeting, pertaining to agenda items, may attend in person or call into the meeting by using the conference number, and are encouraged to call in prior to the meeting start time to avoid any delays.

The agenda can be found 48 hours prior to the meeting on the website: https://www.nj.gov/ccrc/

TRENTON, N.J. (January 28, 2026) – Earlier this month, Governor Mikie Sherrill recommended Evan Weiss to lead the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), and today its Board voted to approve him as the Authority’s next Chief Executive Officer. Weiss will assume the role on January 29th.

“New Jersey has everything it takes to lead. We have a talented workforce, world-class innovation, and vibrant communities; but we must confront the rising costs that are making it harder for families and businesses to get and stay ahead. Evan Weiss understands how to bring government, industry, and local communities together to expand opportunity and deliver real solutions that lower costs and drive economic development,” said Governor Mikie Sherrill. “I am confident that Evan’s leadership will strengthen the NJEDA’s role as a catalyst for growth, so that we can build a more affordable, competitive economy that creates opportunity across every corner of our state.” 

Weiss previously served as President and CEO of the Newark Alliance, a private sector–led, inclusive economic development organization that drives transformational growth and collaboration among business, community, and civic partners to strengthen Newark’s economy and position it as a national model for inclusive economic growth. Prior to that, Weiss served as a Senior Advisor for Finance and Major Projects to Governor Phil Murphy. In that role, he managed more than $10 billion in federal stimulus and helped deploy capital to advance key statewide priorities, including renewable energy, transit, affordable housing, and major infrastructure initiatives such as the Gateway Project.

“On behalf of the Board and our staff, we are thrilled to welcome Evan Weiss to the NJEDA and work with him to support Governor Sherrill’s mission to grow our economy,” said NJEDA Chairman Terry O’Toole. “Evan brings with him an extraordinary amount of experience and insight and he will help bring the Authority to new heights.”

“I’m excited to hit the ground running and work to create new jobs by expanding opportunity, supporting businesses of all sizes, building up strategic innovation industries, and strengthening communities across the state,” said incoming NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Evan Weiss. “It’s an honor to return to public service and lead the NJEDA in its next chapter. I’m grateful to Governor Sherrill, Chairman O’Toole, and the NJEDA Board for entrusting me with this great responsibility, and I look forward to working with our staff and partners in the public and private sectors to build an economy that works for everyone.”

Weiss previously served as Director at the Pennsylvania Economy League and was a Senior Analyst at HJA Strategies. Weiss has also served as a member of the Board of New Jersey Transit, New Jersey City University, and New Jersey Community Capital. He is a graduate of the University of Chicago.

About the NJEDA

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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A meeting of the Commission of Science, Innovation and Technology (CSIT) Board has been scheduled for Friday, January 30, 2026, at 10:00 am.

The following Microsoft Teams link and conference number are provided:

Join the meeting now

Meeting ID: 226 318 320 673 5

Passcode: X4bg6rW2

Dial in by phone

Dial-in number: +1 551-220-2262

Phone conference ID: 671 296 807#

A copy of the proposed agenda can be found at https://www.njcsit.gov/.

A Special Meeting of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority is scheduled for 09:30 am, Wednesday, January 28, 2026. The Members will convene via conference call and Microsoft Teams only, to discuss and vote on the following matter:

AUTHORITY MATTERS

ITEM: Approval of new CEO

Members of the public may participate in the meeting by calling in on the conference line or joining via Microsoft Teams. Members of the public will have an opportunity to speak during the public comment segment of the meeting.

The following conference number is provided:

CONFERENCE NAME:                    NJEDA BOARD MEETING

PARTICIPANT DIAL-IN NUMBER:       1-888-790-3708

PARTICIPANT ACCESS CODE:              7825427

The agenda and Microsoft Teams link can be found 48 hours prior to the meeting at our website: www.njeda.gov/

Center will offer key services to small business owners to help grow their business and close wealth disparity gap

TRENTON, N.J. (January 14, 2026) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) and Rowan University have partnered together to support the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey’s (AACCNJ) Transformation Center. The Center, which has been designated by the NJEDA as a statewide Economic Empowerment Center, is a first-of-its kind, main street-focused business incubator designed to strengthen small businesses and expand access to resources for entrepreneurs across New Jersey.

At its December board meeting, the NJEDA Board approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Rowan University, which will serve as the academic and research partner of the Center. The NJEDA will allocate $1.5 million to Rowan University to support the planning, coordination, and implementation of the Center, including technical assistance, training, mentorship, workforce development programming, and outreach to small business owners.

“Since taking office, Governor Murphy has prioritized expanding opportunity and advancing equitable economic growth across New Jersey,” said NJEDA Acting Chief Executive Officer Mary Maples. “The NJEDA looks forward to working with the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey and Rowan University to ensure small business owners have access to the tools and resources they need to grow and thrive.”

Rowan University was selected as a partner based on its expertise in applied research, innovation, regional collaboration, and workforce development, including its long-standing work through the Rowan Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Rowan will work to ensure Center programming is responsive to local business needs and aligned with the State’s wealth disparity reduction goals.

“This partnership with AACCNJ’s Transformation Center will amplify the power of individuals and organizations to build and sustain businesses and communities together,” said Ali A. Houshmand, president, Rowan University. “Our strengths in education, research and economic development will empower more of our New Jersey neighbors in ways we can only imagine.” 

The Center will leverage AACCNJ’s direct ties to local businesses and industry networks to deliver practical, community-based support in the areas most affected by wealth disparities.

“We are extremely proud of our relationship with the Murphy Administration and our collaboration with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) and Rowan University. These collective efforts are essential in bringing the vision of our Transformation Center to reality,” said Dr. John E. Harmon, Sr., President & CEO, African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ). “This partnership serves as an excellent example of the public sector engaging strategically with the AACCNJ to mitigate socioeconomic disparities in New Jersey, resulting in a definitive win for everyone – including community stakeholders and small business owners.”

In 2021, Governor Phil Murphy issued Executive Order No. 262, establishing the Wealth Disparity Task Force to examine the causes of longstanding wealth disparities affecting Black and Hispanic New Jerseyans. Building on the Task Force’s findings, NJEDA has advanced targeted strategies to strengthen local capacity, expand access to resources, and foster collaboration to ensure minority- and women-owned businesses can fully participate in the state’s economy.

“The mission of the Wealth Disparity Task Force to close opportunity gaps and support wealth building will be advanced through the AACCNJ’s Transformation Center,” said Jayné Johnson, Director of the Governor’s Office of Equity, and Convenor of the Wealth Disparity Task Force.“The Center, like the employee stock ownership pilot, pipeline initiatives, and numerous other NJEDA programs, brings to fruition the recommendations of the Wealth Disparity Task Force and increases the bottom line for minority- and women-owned businesses. Thank you to the NJEDA, the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey, and Rowan University for ensuring that the task force’s work is more than words on a page but instead meaningful action that improves the lives of people.”

“The Transformation Center represents a long-term investment in the people and places that power New Jersey’s local economies,” said NJEDA Chief Equity and Inclusive Culture Officer Michelle Bodden. “By expanding access to opportunity and investing in community-based entrepreneurship, we are building a more inclusive economy for all New Jerseyans.”

About the NJEDA

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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The New Jersey Economic Development Authority’s next public Board Meeting will be held in person, via conference call, and via Microsoft Teams on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 10:00 am.

Members of the public may participate in the meeting attending in person, by calling in on the conference line, or joining via Microsoft Teams link.  Members of the public will have an opportunity to speak during the public comment segment of the meeting. The following conference number and Microsoft Teams link are being provided:  

MEETING NAME: NJEDA BOARD MEETING (JANUARY 15, 2026)

IN PERSON:

NJEDA Board Room

36 West State Street, Trenton NJ

PARTICIPANT DIAL-IN NUMBER:       1-888-790-3708

PARTICIPANT ACCESS CODE:             7825427

MICROSOFT TEAMS MEETING ACCESS LINK

Members of the public are encouraged to call in prior to the time the meeting is scheduled to begin to avoid any delays.

The agenda can be found 48 hours prior to the meeting on our website: https://www.njeda.gov. The meeting will also be recorded and posted to the NJEDA website shortly after the conclusion of the meeting.

TRENTON, N.J. (January 8, 2026) – The New Jersey Commission on Science, Innovation, and Technology (CSIT) today announced that it has awarded approximately $1.3 million in grants to 17 startups through the fourth round of its Clean Tech Research & Development Seed Grant Program. The awards will help young companies accelerate development of their technologies and transform their discoveries from the research stage into commercially viable products and services. Since 2020, CSIT has approved 150 awards totaling $13 million to New Jersey companies working in the clean tech sector.

“Funding New Jersey startups through grant programs like the Clean Tech Research & Development Seed Grant helps build a stronger economy for the future,” said CSIT Executive Director Judith Sheft. “Cultivating companies within our state during their formative years helps them establish roots in New Jersey and position them for future financial growth, sustainability, and economic mobility for years to come.”

The Clean Tech Research & Development Seed Grant Program, which was jointly developed by CSIT and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), provides grants of up to $75,000 for R&D activities to very early-stage, New Jersey-based clean technology companies that will help them advance their development on products and services to a point where they can more readily appeal to outside investors and, in some cases, begin to generate revenue. 13 awardees (72%) have five or fewer employees, and 10 awardees (58%) are certified as either minority- or women-owned.

“New Jersey’s startups are among the very best in the nation and truly place the State at the forefront of innovation,” said CSIT Chair and BioNJ Founding President and CEO Debbie Hart. “The Clean Tech Research & Development Seed Grant Program reinforces the State’s commitment to its small businesses and nurtures advancements across a range of innovation areas aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. We have seen early-stage companies leverage CSIT funding 15X in follow-on funding and accelerate their development trajectory.”

“Governor Murphy has invested robust resources to create a strong innovation ecosystem, making New Jersey a top state in the nation to grow and scale a startup,” said NJEDA Acting Chief Executive Officer Mary Maples. “CSIT’s Clean Tech Research & Development Seed Grant program helps entrepreneurs secure funding for vitally important research and new technologies that create new high-paying jobs, grow our economy, and solidify New Jersey’s reputation as a leader in equitable, diverse, and transformative innovation.”

The funding for the Clean Tech Seed Grant Program, which is being provided through the New Jersey Board of Public Utility’s (NJBPU) Clean Energy Program, will advance innovation that will help the state achieve clean energy goals as outlined in New Jersey’s Energy Master Plan. The plan, created in 2019 and updated in 2024, puts New Jersey on a path toward 100 percent clean energy by 2035.

“New Jersey’s legacy as a hub of innovation and entrepreneurial excellence continues to thrive through initiatives like the Clean Tech Seed Grant Program,” said NJBPU President Christine Guhl-Sadovy. “Our collaboration with NJEDA and CSIT reflects a strategic, cross-agency commitment to fostering transformative technologies that strengthen our clean energy ecosystem and drive sustainable economic growth across the state.”

The companies awarded funding work in a range of technology areas including fusion, innovative solar technology, microgrids, fuel cells, and advanced materials and recycling.

A list of all awardees can be found below:

About CSIT
In August 2018, Governor Murphy signed legislation re-establishing the former New Jersey Commission on Science and Technology as the CSIT. Comprised of representatives from the public and private sectors, as well as academia, the Commission is tasked with leading the way in promoting the state as a home for academic and technological research, development, and commercialization.

About the NJEDA

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

To learn more about state resources available to New Jersey entrepreneurs and early-stage companies, visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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