NJEDA to Open Applications for Cannabis Business Development Program

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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