NJEDA Releases Request for Information for Development of a Statewide Employee Ownership Program

TRENTON, N.J. (April 1, 2024) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) today issued a Request for Information (RFI) seeking insight from firms and individuals with perspectives on the proven best practices, potential challenges and appropriate considerations relevant to the development of a Statewide Employee Ownership program. The information gathered through this RFI will help NJEDA better understand the scope and characteristics of a potential employee ownership program and engage interested parties, potential consultant, and eligible businesses in the establishment and success of the potential program.

WHAT:           The NJEDA is interested in receiving comments, questions, recommendations, facts, information, ideas, and responses that will help the NJEDA better understand the scope and characteristics of Employee Ownership – highlighted as a potential Wealth Disparity Initiative by the Governor’s Wealth Disparity Task Force – in anticipation of the development of a Statewide Employee Ownership Program. The creation of such a program will aim to engage interested parties, potential consultants, and eligible businesses in the establishment and success of an employee ownership model with the support of the Authority.

WHO:             The RFI seeks responses from all interested stakeholders including but not limited to New Jersey-based businesses of any size and industry; Employee-Owned entities located within the United States; Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) technical assistance providers; Chambers of Commerce and other business advocacy organizations; business and entrepreneurship support organizations; Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs); policy and academic researchers; foundations and philanthropic initiatives that support Employee Ownership and/or work to address socioeconomic disparities; any other individual or entity who has perspectives or experiences relevant to this Request for Information.

Respondents do not need to be located within New Jersey to provide input.

WHEN:          All questions must be submitted in writing no later than 5:00 p.m. on April 8, 2024, via e-mail to EmployeeOwnership@njeda.gov. The subject line of the e-mail should read: “QUESTIONS-2024 RFI-199 Development of a Statewide Employee Ownership Program”. Answers to questions submitted will be posted on the NJEDA’s website: Bidding Opportunities – NJEDA as Addendum.

All RFI responses must be submitted in writing no later than 5:00 p.m. on April 15, 2023, via e-mail to EmployeeOwnership@njeda.gov. The subject line of the e-mail should state: “RFI Response-2024-RFI-199 Development of a Statewide Employee Ownership Program”.

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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