Translate
Facebook
X
Instagram
LinkedIn
Youtube

Cannabis Business Development (CBD) Grant

Please be advised that based on significant interest in the Cannabis Business Development (CBD) Grant Program, the NJEDA has already received applications up to or exceeding the amount of funding available under this program. Any applications received from this point forward are being placed on a waitlist until such time as it can be determined that there is funding available to support your application. To learn more, please download the applicant checklist and watch the informational webinar. 

NJ Cannabis Business Development (CBD) Grant Webinar

WATCH

The Cannabis Business Development (CBD) Grant is a pilot equity program offering $75,000 reimbursements to eligible cannabis manufacturers, cultivators, retailers, and testing laboratories in New Jersey. This funding supports early-stage companies with compliance and working capital costs, helping build a more equitable and sustainable cannabis industry.

AMOUNT

Eligible businesses may receive a one-time reimbursement of $75,000.

BENEFITS

This grant helps offset regulatory compliance and early operational costs, easing financial pressure on budding cannabis businesses.

ELIGIBILITY

To qualify, applicants must:
______________

Hold an active annual license digital card from the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission Office of Licensing in Class 1 – Retailer, Class 2 – Manufacturer, Class 5 – Cultivator, Class 7 – Testing Laboratories (Medicinal-only are not eligible)
______________

Submit $75,000 in eligible expenses with supporting documentation

*See additional eligibility requirements below

APPLICATION PROCESS

The pilot grant program will accept applications online on a rolling grant application basis, where grants will be awarded “first-come, first-served” as completed applications are submitted. The program will be available for three years from the date applications are made available to the public, or until the total funding pool is exhausted (whichever is sooner). 

As part of the application, the Authority will request information that shall include, but is not limited to:

  • Copy of the NJCRC annual license digital card as per the final recommendation issued by NJCRC Office of Licensing. Conversion letters are not acceptable.
  • Brief Project description and overview  
  • All business locations/addresses that are open and operating in and outside of New Jersey. 
  • The Authority will capture applicant expenses through an NJEDA-provided template
    that lists out all eligible expenses, descriptions, dates, and amounts of the item or service already paid for in the last 36-months prior to their application submission date.

As stated, the Authority will perform a review of applications for completeness in the order that they are received. There will be a $750 non-refundable application fee for all applicants due at time of application.

At the sole discretion of the Authority, staff may ask for cures and clarifications of the information included in the application, including but not limited to narrative responses, supporting documentation, and attachments. Applicants will have 10 business days from the date of the staff’s email to provide the requested information and submit any missing and/or incomplete documents. Applicants’ responses to the staff’s requests will be reviewed in the order they are received. Failure to respond to the request within the same 10-business day period will result in the application being deemed administratively withdrawn. If an applicant fails to meet eligibility requirements as described above, the application may be declined from the program. Applicants can withdraw from the application process at any time. Applicants are not able to cure an absent NJCRC annual license as it is required at time of application; there are no exceptions. 

Please visit our FAQs for more information on the application and approval process.

ELIGIBILITY

1. At the time of application, eligible applicants must possess a valid and current annual license digital card as per the final recommendation issued by NJ Cannabis Regulatory Commission (NJCRC) Office of Licensing in one of the following categories:

  • Class 1 – Cultivator 
  • Class 2 – Manufacturer 
  • Class 5 – Retailer  
  • Testing Lab License (Medicinal-Only Labs Ineligible)  

2. Eligible applicants must be in substantial good standing with the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission, New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection prior to approval. 

3. Eligible applicants must provide a current tax clearance certificate to demonstrate the applicant is in substantial good standing with the New Jersey Division of Taxation prior to approval. 

4. Eligible applicants must provide a New Jersey Certificate of Formation prior to approval.

5. Any entity awarded an NJEDA Cannabis grant that has received funds (Joint Ventures and Seed Equity) are not eligible. 

Holders of “Final Agency Decision Acceptance of Alternative Treatment Center (“ATC”) Certification Authorization To Operate in Adult Personal-Use Market” and Multi-State Operators (MSOs) are not eligible. MSOs are defined as cannabis companies with operations in multiple states.  

Eligible expenses shall include:  

  • Rental expenses (including common area maintenance (CAM) charges), as evidenced by a fully executed lease signed by both the landlord and the tenant (the named tenant must be the applicant or a related entity to the applicant) that has commenced.   Sub-leases are ineligible. Applicant must demonstrate good standing with their landlord through a NJEDA-provided certification to be uploaded at the time of application. 
  • Payroll Expenses – may be evidenced by a WR30 or equivalent payroll documentation (including 1099 contractors). 
  • Employee training expenses related to the applicant – cost to train employees or independent contractors for any function of their business operations. 
  • Professional Services (must be invoiced and/or addressed to the applicant entity listed on the application. that may include but are not limited to legal services, legal services related to the NJ CRC license and regulatory process, accounting services, human resources services, business planning, transportation services, security, marketing or branding services, website development, or lab services and any other outside services that may be needed to operate an eligible cannabis business in NJ or obtain/maintain any license or authorization to operate from the NJ CRC.
  • All expenses and associated supporting documentation are subject to NJEDA review and discretion. Applicants must provide documentation to verify expenses, such as paid invoices with proof of payment such as cancelled checks, credit card statements, or bank statements for cash payments. Applicants will need to provide as much detail as possible regarding all eligible expenses included in their application. All uses and documentation will be subject to the Authority’s review and approval.
  • Applicant must demonstrate good standing with their landlord through a NJEDA-provided certification to be uploaded at the time of application.

Expenses not eligible for reimbursement shall include, but are not limited to:

  • Business supplies
  • Controlled inventory
  • Construction
  • Equipment and/or installation fees costing greater than $2,000.00
  • Violations, fines or penalties

AWARD SIZE

The CBD grant will award a one-time reimbursement of $75,000 (only) to eligible businesses. Grants will be limited to one award per Employer Identification Number (EIN) and location of business for the life of the program. Documentation provided at the time of application must demonstrate at least $75,000 in eligible expenses.

FEES

For the Cannabis Business Development Grant, there will be a one-time non-refundable application fee of $750 due at the time of application submission. This fee must be paid by credit card only.  

Additional Information – Tax Clearance

A New Jersey Division of Taxation Tax Clearance Certificate is required. Certificates may be requested through the State of New Jersey’s Premier Business Services (PBS) portal online. Under the Tax & Revenue Center, select Tax Services, then select Business Incentive Tax Clearance. If the applicant’s account is in compliance with its tax obligations and no liabilities exist, the Business Incentive Tax Clearance can be printed directly through PBS.

Obtaining Tax Clearance Certificate for Private Entities — CLICK HERE

Questions can be directed to BusinessAssistanceTC.Taxation@treas.nj.gov or 609-322-6835.

NJ Cannabis Business Development (CBD) Grant Webinar

WATCH

APPLY HERE Application checklist board memo frequently asked questions Obtaining Your NJ Tax Clearance Certificate Product Specifications budget template LANDLORD CERTIFICATION

QUESTIONS

For more information, please see our FAQs here.  If you do not see your question addressed, then please send an email to cannabis@njeda.gov, and a team member will reach out to you.