TRENTON, N.J. (October 31, 2025) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) will open applications for the Cannabis Business Development (CBD) Grant Program on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. This pilot grant program will offer $75,000 reimbursements to eligible cannabis manufacturers, cultivators, retailers, and testing laboratories in New Jersey. 

WHAT:            The CBD Grant Program is a $5 million initiative designed to provide targeted financial support to eligible recreational cannabis entrepreneurs in New Jersey. The program will grant one-time reimbursements of $75,000 to help alleviate and manage the cost of ongoing State and local compliance, as well as operating expenses, for early-stage companies.

Five percent of funding will be made available for businesses operating in New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (NJCRC) designated Impact Zones, which stimulate economic development in historically underserved areas. These zones are designated by the NJCRC on factors such as past cannabis arrests, law enforcement activity, unemployment, and population.

WHO:              To be eligible for the CBD Grant Program, a business must possess a valid and current NJ Cannabis Regulatory Commission (NJCRC) annual license and digital card in one of the following categories: Class 1 (Cultivator), Class 2 (Manufacturer), Class 5 (Retailer), or Testing Laboratory at the time of application. To qualify for the CBD Grant Program, applicants must also submit at least $75,000 in eligible expenses with supporting documentation and proof of payment.

WHEN:           Applications for the CBD Grant Program will open on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Click here for full eligibility requirements and to apply.

A webinar to learn more about the grant program will be held on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. To register for the webinar, please 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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Paramount leasing space at major studio campus in Bayonne

TRENTON, N.J. (October 30, 2025) – Following the announcement earlier this week that Paramount, A Skydance Corporation, (“Paramount”) (NASDAQ: PSKY), will lease space at 1888 Studios in Bayonne, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board designated the global media company as a Studio Partner under the state’s Film and Digital Media Tax Credit program during its meeting today. As a Studio Partner, Paramount would be eligible for a 40 percent base tax credit for qualified production expenses on future New Jersey film and television projects.

Paramount is a leading, next‑generation global media and entertainment company with a portfolio that unites legendary brands, including Paramount Pictures, Paramount Television, CBS – America’s most-watched broadcast network, CBS News, CBS Sports, Nickelodeon, MTV, BET, Comedy Central, Showtime, Paramount+, Pluto TV, and Skydance’s Animation, Film, Television, Interactive/Games, and Sports divisions.

“New Jersey’s competitive tax incentive program, deep talent pool, and diverse locations are proving to be successful in attracting leading entertainment companies, such as Paramount, to the state,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “This is a tremendous investment into Bayonne, which will help create good-paying careers, support small businesses and local vendors, and drive meaningful economic growth.”

“Paramount’s long-term commitment to New Jersey is a testament to our rising position as a national leader in film and television production,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Since he took office, Governor Murphy has been committed to curating a robust film industry, leading to major productions and studios coming to New Jersey and hundreds of millions of dollars invested into communities across the state.”

Earlier this week, 1888 Studios announced that Paramount signed a minimum 10-year lease to occupy more than 285,000 square feet of production space on 1888 Studios’ future Bayonne campus.

On Tuesday, October 28^th, Andy Gordon, Chief Strategy Officer and Chief Operating Officer, for Paramount said: “Scaling our production and expanding our slate of world-class entertainment is central to our long-term strategy. We’re thrilled to invest in the United States and in the region and lean into our creative momentum to spark economic growth. We’re deeply grateful for the support and partnership of Governor Murphy, Senator Raj Mukherji, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, and 1888 Studios. Thanks to highly competitive tax credit programs like New Jersey’s, the tri-state area is more attractive than ever before for production as we work together to create new jobs and empower more domestic production for America’s creative workforce.”

1888 Studios, developed by Togus Urban Renewal, LLC, will stand as the largest and first campus-style film and television studio facility in the Northeast and one of the largest in the nation, occupying 58 acres of land just miles from New York City. The development will include 23 mega-powered smart sound stages, more than 350,000 square feet of production support space, outdoor backlot space, amenities, office spaces, mills, lighting and grip facilities, and a parking garage. The development will also feature a waterfront park and promenade accessible to the public.

Last year, the NJEDA designated 1888 Studios as a Film-Lease Partner Facility, which commits the developer to occupy the facility for at least five years and grants future tenants eligibility to apply for increased tax credits for projects filmed at the facility. The NJEDA also approved 1888 Studios for tax credits under the Aspire Program to support the studio’s construction and development.

“1888 Studios proudly congratulates the NJEDA and Paramount on the authority’s official certification of Paramount as the recipient of New Jersey’s final Studio Partner designation, following their minimum 10-year lease of over 285,000 square feet at our state-of-the-art campus in Bayonne. This landmark recognition underscores both the growing vitality of New Jersey’s entertainment industry and the unmatched potential of 1888 Studios’ purpose-built, all-inclusive film and television production campus,” said Arpad “Arki” Busson, Chairman of Togus Urban Renewal. “We are immensely grateful to Governor Murphy, Tim Sullivan and their teams. This kind of public private partnership does not happen with just a vision and a dream. It happens only as the product of years of hard work and steady collaboration. Put simply, the visionary leadership and dedication of Governor Murphy and Tim Sullivan, the Alchemist, whose passion, creativity and tenacity forged this safe harbour for our industry, and brought the vision and execution necessary to get this deal done. Together, we have created a long-term, stable environment, through 2049, tailored to all storytellers and to the benefit of our broader New Jersey communities.”

In 2021, the Film and Digital Tax Credit Program was expanded, allowing the NJEDA to designate no more than three eligible film production companies as Studio Partners, which must commit to occupying large studio developments in New Jersey. Partners have access to a separate $150 million pool of incentives under the Film and Digital Media Tax Credit program, and it allows a production company to capture additional above-the-line salaries and wages as part of its tax credit award. Lionsgate and Netflix have also been designated as Studio Partners by the NJEDA for their planned studios in Newark and Fort Monmouth, respectively.

New Jersey’s film industry has continued to soar since Governor Murphy reinstated the film tax credit program in 2018. Last week, the NJEDA announced that overall in-state production spending from filmmaking hit $833 million in 2024, surpassing the previous record of $701 million in 2022.

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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New Jersey Economic Development Authority and the State of Dnipropetrovsk Will Collaborate to Bolster Innovation and Next-Generation Technologies

TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) and the State of Dnipropetrovsk in Ukraine to enhance economic collaboration, promote innovation, and contribute to the rebuilding of the Dnipropetrovsk region. The Governor shared this announcement in a video that aired during the Ukraine Action Summit in Washington, D.C. Today’s MoU, which marks the first economic agreement between New Jersey and Ukraine, will promote opportunities for industry partners to enable private sector collaboration, linking the academic and business ecosystems of the Dnipropetrovsk region and New Jersey.

“We are excited to announce this historic partnership with the State of Dnipropetrovsk,” said Governor Murphy. “As the proud home to the second-largest Ukrainian diaspora in America, New Jersey and Ukraine deeply cherish the principles of democracy and self-determination. Today’s MoU will advance our shared goal of sustainable economic growth and encourage innovation across sectors including technology, life sciences, and education. We look forward to a productive and meaningful partnership that strengthens both of our regions.”

“The Dnipro region continues to strengthen its international ties and opens a new chapter of transatlantic cooperation,” said Vladyslav Haivanenko, Acting Head of the Dnipropetrovsk Regional State Administration. “The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Dnipropetrovsk Regional Military Administration and the State of New Jersey lays the foundation for developing economic relations, advancing technology and innovation, and exchanging experience between our regions. I sincerely thank Governor Philip Murphy and Tim Sullivan, Chief Executive Officer of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, for their support of our country and for this historic step. My special gratitude goes to the Embassy of Ukraine in the United States for its comprehensive assistance and facilitation in establishing contacts and fostering the development of this important partnership. I am confident that through our joint efforts we will create new opportunities for growth and mutual trust.”

The NJEDA and the Foreign Economic Activity Department of the State of Dnipropetrovsk will develop and implement specific projects that mutually benefit both states while simultaneously contributing to the rebuilding of the Dnipropetrovsk region. Priority areas for collaboration include sectors such as clean energy, artificial intelligence (AI), aerospace, and life sciences. To foster cooperation, both entities will share information on regulatory environments, facilitate the development of direct contacts and partnerships between public and private sector stakeholders, and promote networking between companies and research organizations in both states.

“Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey has strengthened its international relationships to bolster the state’s economic competitiveness, create high-quality jobs, and leverage the expertise of entrepreneurs from around the world,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “The NJEDA will work closely with the State of Dnipropetrovsk to build up critical industries, enhance research and development, and attract private investment to both States.”

“A new chapter in building strong regional economic ties begins with the signing of a partnership Memorandum between the Dnipropetrovsk oblast and the State of New Jersey,” said Olga Stefanishyna, Ambassador of Ukraine to the United States. “This milestone initiative marks a significant step toward expanding mutual economic opportunities and fostering closer connections between our peoples. The Dnipropetrovsk oblast, one of Ukraine’s key industrial and technological centers, continues to endure daily attacks from Russian forces. In this challenging context, the partnership represents an important avenue for resilience and shared prosperity. Ukraine expresses its deep appreciation to Governor Philip Murphy and NJEDA CEO Tim Sullivan for their leadership and commitment to strengthening regional and international ties. Expanding cooperation in strategic industries, higher education, and applied research will bring tangible benefits to both sides—supporting Ukraine’s recovery, advancing innovation, and creating a foundation for sustainable growth. This partnership reaffirms the enduring friendship between Ukraine and the United States and underscores our shared vision of progress, security, and prosperity.”

For a copy of the Memorandum of Understanding, click here.

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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TRENTON, N.J. (October 24, 2025) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) is seeking public input on a revised summary of proposed amendments to the Film and Digital Media Tax Credit Program rules. The summary of proposed amendments includes changes made by P.L. 2025, c. 81, signed into law on June 30, 2025.

WHAT:            The revised current draft amendments can be found here. These are subject to change prior to review and consideration for approval by the NJEDA Board. If approved, the amendments will be published in the New Jersey Register for formal public comment as required by the Administrative Procedure Act.

WHEN:           Feedback must be submitted through the NJEDA’s website by Monday, October 27, 2025, at 12:00 p.m.

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, October 31, 2025, at 10:00 am.

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

Complimentary Parking can be reserved in advance using the link below. Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis:

IN PERSON:

Rutgers University, New Jersey Institute for Food, Nutrition & Health

61 Dudley Road, New Brunswick, NJ

MICROSOFT TEAMS

Join the meeting now

Meeting ID: 290 764 024 295 9

Passcode: NP69jU6S

Dial-in by phone:

Participant dial-in number: 551-220-2262

Participant access code: 676 173 422#

A Special Meeting of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority is scheduled for 10:00 am, Thursday, October 30, 2025. The Members will convene via conference call and Microsoft Teams only and plan to discuss and vote on the following matters:

INCENTIVES

FILM AND DIGITAL MEDIA TAX CREDIT PROGRAM

ITEM: Special Adoption and Concurrently Proposed New Rule Amendments for the Film & Digital Media Tax Credit Program

ITEM: Studio Partner Designation

AUTHORITY MATTERS

ITEM: NJ BASE Program Approval 

ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION

ITEM: Approval of the Take Charge Program

ITEM: New Jersey Clean Energy Loan Approval

ITEM: NJIEF – Qualified Investment Approval

INCENTIVES

ASPIRE

ITEM: Carroll Street Rehab, Paterson, Passaic County

ITEM: Meadowlands Logistics Center LLC

CAFÉ

ITEM: Project Approval

BOARD MEMORANDA – FYI ONLY:

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 Microsoft Teams link, and the final Board Meeting Agenda can be found 48 hours prior to the meeting on our website: www.njeda.gov/

TRENTON, N.J. (October 22, 2025) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) is seeking public input on a revised summary of proposed amendments to the Film and Digital Media Tax Credit Program rules. The summary of proposed amendments includes changes made by P.L. 2025, c. 81, signed into law on June 30, 2025.

WHAT:            The current draft amendments can be found here. These are subject to change prior to review and consideration for approval by the NJEDA Board. If approved, the amendments will be published in the New Jersey Register for formal public comment as required by the Administrative Procedure Act.

WHEN:           Feedback must be submitted through the NJEDA’s website by Friday, October 24, 2025, at 12:00 p.m.

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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All location work for the Springsteen biopic was filmed in New Jersey

TRENTON, N.J. (October 22, 2025) – With the Bruce Springsteen biopic set to hit theaters this week, the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission (NJMPTVC), which is part of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), announced that ‘Deliver Me from Nowhere’ spent a total of $41.8 million during its 31 days of filming in the Garden State. The movie, which filmed in 16 towns across the state, utilized the NJEDA’s Film and Digital Media Tax Credit Program.

“There was only one place that made sense to film a movie about Bruce Springsteen – the place where it all began, right here in New Jersey,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “From the Stone Pony to the Meadowlands, Springsteen’s career crisscrossed the state, eventually becoming an international sensation. Major productions like Deliver Me from Nowhere continue to create jobs, support small businesses, and fuel our economy. New Jersey’s growing film industry is delivering real economic impact and driving creative energy across the state.”

Since the state’s film tax credit program was reinstated by Governor Murphy in 2018, film production in New Jersey has surged. In 2024, in-state production spending from filmmaking hit $833 million, surpassing the previous record of $701 million in 2022. 556 productions filmed in New Jersey last year, hiring a total of more than 30,000 crew members, nearly doubling the number of crew hires from 2023.

During filming in New Jersey, the production hired 500 crew members and had an average daily spend of $1.3 million. The production spent $552,000 on lodging, $429,000 on catering, $1.7 million on extras, $79,000 on tolls, and $2.2 million on wardrobe.

Filming of ‘Deliver Me from Nowhere’ at the Meadowlands Arena in East Rutherford

“Deliver Me from Nowhere shines a spotlight on New Jersey’s rich culture and talent, and honors Bruce Springsteen’s unmatched legacy,” said NJMPTVC Executive Director Jon Crowley. “This film showcases our varied locations and deep talent pool and is a testament to why productions keep choosing the Garden State. New Jersey, the birthplace of film, is the industry’s future.”

‘Deliver Me from Nowhere’ filmed in Asbury Park, Bayonne, Chatham, Denville, East Rutherford, Freehold, Harding Township, Jersey City, Montague, Montclair, Mountain Lakes, Newark, Orange, Rahway, Rockaway, and Roseland.

A testament to the state’s versatility, New Jersey doubled as other locations across the country. Meadowlands Arena doubled as Riverfront Arena in Cincinnati and the LA Sports Arena. Central Restaurant and Konoz Restaurant, both located in Newark, doubled as restaurants in New York City, and Washington Street in Newark doubled as 8th Avenue in New York City. Nutria Alley in Newark doubled as Los Angeles’ Chinatown and Hunan Taste in Denville doubled as a Los Angeles Chinatown restaurant. Route 23 running through High Point State Park doubled as the Blue Ridge Mountains, which run from Georgia to Pennsylvania. An office building in Roseland, located at 105 Eisenhower Parkway, doubled as Memphis near Graceland. Lastly, a farm in Harding doubled as the Archer County Fair in Texas.

The reinstatement of the tax credit program has attracted hundreds of feature films, television shows, and digital media projects to New Jersey. In addition to individual productions, major studios like Netflix, 1888, and Lions Gate, have chosen New Jersey to build brick-and-mortar facilities, which will lead to permanent job creation and long-term economic growth.

About the New Jersey Motion Picture & Television Commission

The NJMPTVC, part of the NJEDA, is staffed by industry professionals and serves as a resource for production companies. The Commission promotes film and television production in New Jersey.

www.film.nj.gov

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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