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Launched in support of Governor Murphy’s 2018 Economic Development Plan: The State of Innovation: Building a Stronger and Fairer Economy in New Jersey, NJEDA’s Strategic Sector efforts aim to accelerate the growth of New Jersey’s economy by developing and implementing programs that enhance the State’s long-term economic competitiveness in eight strategic sectors.
NJEDA works in partnership with industry leaders, academic institutions, and government agencies to provide a coordinated approach to sector-based growth. We leverage New Jersey’s existing assets and implement programs to increase economic opportunities and create jobs.
We focus on expanding our State’s competitive strengths driving long-term growth and reclaiming New Jersey’s position as a center of invention and innovation.
In line with Governor Murphy’s strategic vision for a stronger and fairer New Jersey economy, the NJEDA’s Office of International Innovation and Partnerships coordinates with global entities, including business, academia, government officials and organizations to build economic relations, investment opportunities, and agreements from abroad with NJEDA.
Fifth in the nation for total imports and exports, New Jersey’s economy benefits greatly from continued strategic international investment. With the NJEDA’s goals of financing, investment, and job creation in mind, the NJEDA develops international attraction products that support the growth of international businesses from key markets within New Jersey.
Operating within the Office of the Chief of Staff, the International Innovation department acts as a coordinator for international activities across the organization and works closely with the Office of Economic Transformation. It capitalizes on New Jersey’s key role and location to drive economic growth from sources originating outside the United States. Additionally, this team liaises with other New Jersey State offices and statewide entities to provide guidance and support around these types of economic engagements.
Whether you are an early-stage startup or global enterprise, New Jersey is a place where your innovation can get started, get established, and grow. Contact Andrew.Gross@njeda.gov for more information.
Click Here for a comprehensive information session discussing the various NJEDA programs designed to support New Jersey’s Innovation Economy. This session includes a review of programs such as Angel Investor Tax Credit, NJ Ignite, NJ Accelerate, and more.
Our work focuses on nine strategic sectors that will drive significant growth in jobs & investment over the next five to fifteen years. These sectors were identified in the Governor’s Economic Development Plan:
Access to capital is pivotal to the growth of emerging New Jersey innovation-focused companies. Garden State businesses continue to attract the capital they need to grow. Below is a summary roundup by month of the many of the companies that have received investments, as well as a roundup by month of many mergers and acquisitions. Click on each company’s name to learn more.
Learn MoreEMAIL NJINVESTMENTS@NJEDA.COM TO SEND US INVESTMENTS YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE HIGHLIGHTED.
In July 2021, NJEDA approved policy guidance for utilizing recently appropriated funds to undertake development of or investment in strategic innovation centers.
Strategic Innovation Centers are facilities that either directly support research and development (R&D), innovation, or entrepreneurship or are aimed at solving specific problems in new and innovative ways through a combination of services such as mentorship, networking opportunities, hands-on training, business support services, education opportunities, and/or access to testing, fabrication, or manufacturing facilities and equipment.
The aim of funding strategic innovation centers is to accelerate economic recovery and drive the long-term growth of the State’s innovation economy.
Learn MoreGovernor Phil Murphy’s comprehensive plan for building a stronger and fairer economy in New Jersey includes a goal of creating the most diverse innovation ecosystem in the nation and doubling venture capital in the state. Furthermore, the Governor’s plan calls for closing the racial and gender wage and employment gaps. One means of closing wage and employment gaps is to close the funding gap for female-led startups.
In support of this goal, the NJEDA has worked with First Lady Tammy Murphy to organize a New Jersey chapter of Golden Seeds to focus on New Jersey women-led businesses. Here is the First Lady’s discussion on the benefits of supporting female entrepreneurs.
In August 2018, Governor Murphy signed legislation re-establishing the former New Jersey Commission on Science and Technology as the New Jersey Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology. The Commission is tasked with leading the way in promoting the state as a home for academic and technological research, development, and commercialization. The Commission is comprised of 17 members including the State’s Chief Innovation Officer, the Secretary of Higher Education; the Commissioner of Education; and the CEO of the NJEDA.
learn moreNew Jersey Economic Development Authority
REQUEST FOR INFORMATION
2025-RFI-264 for Emerging Developers Program-Program Redesign and Expansion
The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (“Authority,” “NJEDA,” or “EDA”), is an independent Authority of the State of New Jersey (“State”) and is seeking information from stakeholders on the redesign and potential relaunch of the Emerging Developers Grant Program (“Program”). Originally launched in 2024, the program provided pre-development grants to smallscale non-profit and for-profit developers across New Jersey. This RFI seeks to gather insights from qualified entities (“Respondents”) on how to improve program design, broaden eligibility, and better support emerging developers- particularly those operating in underserved communities. NJEDA is interested in hearing from applicants from the original Emerging Developers Grant Program, Community Development Finance Institutions, community development lending units of medium and large banks, other mission-based lenders, community development organizations that work closely with MWDE developers, state and local government entities, and other stakeholders with perspectives on structural barriers in terms of access to capital. The NJEDA also seeks interest and ideas on solutions to address those obstacles, including but not limited to, existing programs that address the disparities in financing available for residential and commercial development. 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 access to capital and other forms of financing available to underserved real estate developers
The New Jersey Economic Development Authority serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The Authority 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 Authority 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.
The Emerging Developers Grant Program was created to address the funding gap faced by smallscale developers in accessing early-stage capital. The program offered grants of up to $250,000 for pre-development soft costs such as architectural, legal, and insurance expenses.
This RFI is part of NJEDA’s effort to refine the program to better serve emerging developers and ensure efficient, equitable deployment of public funds.
In The State of Innovation, Building a Stronger and Fairer Economy in New Jersey, the State’s comprehensive Economic Development Plan released in October 2018, Governor Murphy reiterated the importance of supporting the small business community in New Jersey, which employs more than 50% of New Jersey residents. Two of the five explicit goals of the plan are “Closing the racial and gender wage gaps and Encouraging thriving and inclusive New Jersey urban centers and downtowns, with a focus on reducing poverty.” Governor Murphy’s plan also committed to a New Jersey future that supports all the State’s businesses, specifically calling out the importance of ensuring that underserved businesses have enhanced access to the capital, programs, and networks that they need to successfully start and scale their businesses. Understanding the importance of addressing the existing barriers to create a stronger and fairer economy, NJEDA will continue to engage and connect with other state entities to determine additional resources that may be utilized in reducing the necessary capital needed to acquire/rehabilitate proposed project(s), including:
This section is not applicable to this RFI.
Please answer all questions below that are relevant to you or your organization, to the best of your ability. You can but need not answer any question that does not pertain to you or your organization. Feel free to structure your response and add information beyond these questions to increase clarity and efficiency. Answers to these questions are understood to be preliminary and non-binding.
All questions concerning this RFI must be submitted in writing no later than October 28, 2025, via e-mail to: EmergingDevelopersRFI@njeda.gov.
The subject line of the e-mail should state: “QUESTIONS-”2025-264-RFI- Emerging Developers Program-Program Redesign and Expansion”
Answers to questions submitted will be publicly posted on the Authority’s website under the RFIs section, on or about November 4, 2025.
IT IS THE RESPONDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY TO CHECK THIS URL REGULARLY FOR UPDATES.
All RFI responses must be submitted in writing no later than November 18, 2025, via e-mail to: EmergingDevelopersRFI@njeda.gov.
The subject line of the e-mail should state: 2025-264-RFI- Emerging Developers Program-Program Redesign and Expansion
Respondents may be asked to provide additional information to allow the Authority to better understand the responses.
The Authority reserves the right to copy any information provided by the Respondents. The Authority reserves the right to use ideas that are provided by or through Respondents. By submitting a Response, the Respondent represents that such copying or use of information will not violate any copyrights, licenses, or other agreements with respect to information submitted or product solutions demonstrated, if applicable. Responses must clearly be marked for any information the Respondent deems Proprietary and/or Confidential.
This RFI is not a request for qualification/proposal. It will not result in a contract award. It may or may not result in any further action.
This RFI is issued solely as a means of gathering information. Interested parties responding to this RFI do so at their own expense. There will be no monetary compensation from the Authority for the time and effort spent in preparing the response to this RFI. All expenses incurred are the sole responsibility of the Respondent.
Should the Authority decide to move forward and issue an RFQ/P or announce a program/product related to this RFI, Respondents need not have submitted a response to this RFI in order to be eligible to respond to the RFQ/P. Should an RFQ/P be issued, responding to this RFI will not affect scoring or consideration for that process.
The Authority is under no obligation to contact Respondents to this RFI.
Respondents should be aware that responses to this RFI are subject to the “New Jersey Open Public Records Act” (N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1 et seq.), as amended and including all applicable regulations and policies and applicable case law, including the New Jersey Right-to-Know law. All information submitted in response to the RFI is considered public information, notwithstanding any disclaimers to the contrary, except as may be exempted from public disclosure by OPRA and the common law.
A person or entity submitting a response to this RFI may designate specific information as not subject to disclosure pursuant to the exceptions to OPRA found at N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1.1, when such person or entity has a good faith legal and/or factual basis for such assertion (i.e. information that may be included in another ongoing public procurement or solicitation). The Authority reserves the right to make the determination as to what is proprietary or confidential and will advise the person or entity accordingly. The Authority will not honor any attempt to designate the entirety of a submission as proprietary, confidential and/or to claim copyright protection for the entire proposal. In the event it receives an OPRA request that encompasses the response, the Authority will redact any information that is not subject to OPRA, including proprietary and/or confidential information. In the event of any challenge to the Respondent’s assertion of confidentiality with which the Authority does not concur, the Respondent shall be solely responsible for defending its designation.
New Jersey Economic Development Authority
REQUEST FOR INFORMATION
2023-RFI-180 for Commercial Building Decarbonization
NJEDA is extending the deadline to submit responses to the Commercial Building Decarbonization RFI to 5:00 pm EDT on July 24, 2023.
INTENT/SUMMARY OF SCOPE
The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (“Authority,” “NJEDA,” or “EDA”), an independent authority of the State of New Jersey, is seeking information and ideas from qualified entities (“Respondents”) regarding potential programs and funding allocations from the EDA to support commercial building decarbonization projects in the State. Specifically, the EDA would be focusing on potential programs for commercial buildings, but these may also include institutional, industrial, and larger multifamily buildings.
Building decarbonization refers to efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the building sector. This includes, but is not limited to, reducing operational emissions via fuel switching; beneficial electrification; energy efficiency improvements; on-site renewable energy generation and storage; replacement, repairs, or installation of leak detection systems for highly warming refrigerants; and implementation of demand responsive building systems. In addition, embodied carbon can be considered, which includes also evaluating the lifecycle emission impacts of the materials that make up the physical construction of the building. Reducing embodied carbon for a building includes evaluating and reducing emissions resulting from a building material’s extraction, manufacturing, transport, construction, maintenance, and disposal.
The Authority is interested in receiving information (including but not limited to comments, questions, recommendations, white papers, tools, case studies, information, ideas, references, and general responses, e.g., willingness to participate in a focus group) that will help it to shape new programs and initiatives to accelerate building decarbonization within the commercial building sector within New Jersey. More specifically, this RFI aims to help the Authority better understand:
BACKGROUND
The Authority serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The Authority is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on strategies that 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 Authority 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.
Under the leadership of Governor Murphy, New Jersey has taken bold action to reduce climate pollutants and accelerate the transition to clean energy, while fostering growth of our clean energy economy. The State has set several key energy and climate targets, including transitioning to 100% clean electricity by 2035 (Murphy E.O. 315). The “Global Warming Response Act”, P.L. 2007, c.112, (“GWRA”) commits New Jersey to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 80% below 2006 levels by 2050, and as updated within Murphy E.O. 274, to 50% below 2006 levels by 2030.
Governor Murphy has furthered the push for building decarbonization in the State with the goal that, by December 31, 2030, 400,000 additional dwelling units and 20,000 additional commercial spaces and/or public facilities statewide will utilize electric systems for space heating/cooling and water heating (Murphy E.O. 316).
Buildings currently are the second highest source of overall greenhouse gas emissions (26% of total emissions) in the State. Commercial buildings alone account for 10% of the total greenhouse gas emissions in the State (NJDEP Greenhouse Gas Inventory, Dec. 2022). Most building-generated direct greenhouse gas emissions result from space heating via energy derived from fossil fuel combustion. A smaller portion is derived from similar energy used for water heating and cooking. Greenhouse gas emissions from electric consumption within buildings are already accounted for via overall electric generation sources (21% of the State’s total emissions).
Therefore, reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the building sector is a critical strategy for reducing overall statewide emissions. This work includes retrofitting and upgrading existing buildings in the State while also constructing new buildings to highly efficient and net zero carbon/energy standards. As outlined in the State’s 2019 Energy Master Plan, successfully acting to combat the threat of climate change includes expanding the clean energy innovation economy to “support the growth of in-state clean energy industries through workforce training, clean energy finance solutions, and investing in innovative research and development programs.”
In accordance with a statewide effort to address environmental justice (Murphy E.O. 23), the Authority is committed to prioritizing building decarbonization and clean energy investments in the State’s overburdened communities—those that have been subject to a disproportionally high number of environmental and public health stressors due to a legacy of historically siting sources of pollution in low-income communities and communities of color.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
The RFI is seeking responses from all interested stakeholders. Specifically, this RFI welcomes input from entities, organizations, and individuals including:
Qualified entities do not need to be located within the State of New Jersey to provide a response.
RFI RESPONSE QUESTIONS
In submitting responses to this RFI, respondents are encouraged to answer any questions they consider relevant and to the best of their ability. Respondents do not need to answer all questions for their response to be considered. Answers are understood to be preliminary and non-binding. Respondents are free to go beyond the scope of the questions and/or structure responses as necessary to increase clarity and efficiency of responses. Respondents should also feel free to submit additional or alternate information as deemed necessary and appropriate.
The NJEDA is considering establishing programs to support building decarbonization projects in New Jersey for the commercial, industrial, and institutional sectors. Potential programs are intended to provide financial support for building decarbonization projects for retrofits and/or new construction. Projects may include, but are not limited to, electrifying building systems/appliances, conducting energy efficiency improvements, and related work that reduces greenhouse gas emissions from the State’s buildings sector. Financial support may be in the form of low interest/forgivable loans, grants, and/or other financing mechanisms. In particular, the NJEDA is looking to understand what kind of additional financial support it can provide to complement other existing building incentive and financing programs offered from its public and private partners.
The questions within this RFI are intended to garner feedback on potential programs and priorities, as well as solicit general information from relevant stakeholders.
Background
Building Decarbonization Projects
2. Given New Jersey’s clean energy goals and commitment to building decarbonization, what specific actions would you recommend the NJEDA take to accelerate building decarbonization in the State?
3. What are the major financial barriers (e.g., construction/installation costs, operational costs, access to capital, enabling work required, investment payback period, etc.) and non-financial barriers (e.g., regulatory barriers, lack of familiarity with new building system technologies, operational and reliability issues, procurement timelines, space constraints, etc.) to the pursuance of building decarbonization projects in New Jersey?
a. How can these barriers be addressed and overcome?
4. Where are there gaps in existing incentive programs (considering all incentives at the local, utility, state, and federal level) that are meant to encourage adoption of energy efficiency improvements, implementation of on-site renewable energy generation, and similar projects related to building decarbonization goals?
a. Are there project costs not adequately covered by incentives that prohibit participation in building decarbonization?
b. Is the timeline for awarding incentives within the overall project schedule sufficient to encourage participation?
5. For what kind of projects [size (capital cost or square footage), building type (style or material), occupant use] is additional financial support for building decarbonization most needed?
a. During what phase (design, procurement, construction, commissioning, etc.) of a typical construction project (renovation or new construction) would this support be most valuable?
6. Does the recognition from securing industry-recognized building certifications (i.e., LEED, ILFI, Passive House, etc.) provide any/sufficient incentive for pursuing building decarbonization projects?
a. Are these certifications appropriate metrics to use for properly evaluating a building’s emissions/energy performance, or should other approaches be used?
b. Are there barriers (i.e., administrative time, application fees) to securing these building certifications that impact decisions on whether to pursue net-zero energy/carbon building design on a given project?
7. Are there any specific or notable barriers to building decarbonization projects that are unique to overburdened communities?
a. How can these barriers be overcome or eliminated?
b. In what ways can residents of overburdened and environmental justice communities be supported to engage in building decarbonization projects both in their own communities and beyond?
c. How could a program best support the inclusion of small and diverse businesses in the building decarbonization economy?
Building Decarbonization Strategies and Technologies
8. Which technologies that support building decarbonization are most viable for adoption in New Jersey in the immediate term? Which technologies are not (or not yet) viable for adoption? Please explain your reasoning and provide any supporting references.
9. Please describe the factors that are considered when deciding when to replace or upgrade building systems and determining what technologies should be utilized if replacement occurs. This includes MEP systems, appliances, and building envelope components.
10. Do building owners and/or business owners have sufficient sources of information to make informed decisions on which technologies or equipment to adopt in their buildings?
a. Are building operations and maintenance personnel adequately trained and comfortable working with new technologies?
b. If not, what possible steps could be taken to help support education and information sharing to support building decarbonization adoption?
11. To what extent does consideration of embodied carbon (i.e., lifecycle emissions impact of building materials and construction/deconstruction methods) factor into project decisions about building design and construction?
a. In what ways could financial support accelerate the consideration of embodied carbon on a project level or larger industry scale?
12. What type or level of additional incentives or financial support would be necessary to encourage adoption of building technologies and construction methods that surpass existing minimum building code requirements for energy performance
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS (from Respondents to NJEDA)
All questions concerning this RFI must be submitted in writing no later than 5:00 PM ET, on Monday, June 19, 2023, via e-mail to: buildingdecarbRFI@njeda.gov.
The subject line of the e-mail should state: Questions-2023-RFI-180.
Answers to questions submitted will be publicly posted on the Authority’s website on or about Monday, June 26, 2023, at: https://www.njeda.gov/bidding/#OET as Addenda.
IT IS THE RESPONDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY TO CHECK THIS URL REGULARLY FOR UPDATES.
RESPONSE DETAILS (Info Provided to Respondents Regarding Document Submission)
All RFI responses must be submitted in writing no later than 5:00 PM ET on Monday, July 24, 2023, via e-mail to: buildingdecarbRFI@njeda.gov.
The subject line of the e-mail should state: RFI Response-2023-RFI-180.
FOLLOW-UP QUESTIONS (from NJEDA) / ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Respondents may be invited to provide additional information to allow the Authority to better understand information provided.
PROPRIETARY AND/OR CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
The Authority reserves the right to copy any information provided by the Respondents. The Authority reserves the right to use ideas that are provided by Respondents, applicants, stakeholders, or vendors. By submitting a Response, the submitter represents that such copying or use of information will not violate any copyrights, licenses, or other agreements with respect to information submitted or product solutions demonstrated, if applicable. Responses must clearly be marked for any information the Respondent deems Proprietary and/or Confidential.
The Authority further reserves the right to share information with the NJDEP, NJBPU, and the Governor’s Office on Climate Action and the Green Economy
DISCLAIMER / NO OBLIGATION
The Authority is under no obligation to contact Respondents to this RFI. If necessary, it may contact respondents through telephone calls, written or electronic communications, presentation requests and/or interviews to seek clarification on submissions. Please note that, Respondents shall not be under any obligation to respond to any such request.
This RFI is completely voluntary and will not affect scoring or consideration of any applications that may in the future be submitted to the Authority under programs or projects intended to strengthen New Jersey’s clean energy economy.
This RFI is issued solely as a means of gathering information. Interested parties responding to this RFI do so at their own expense. There will be no monetary compensation from the Authority for the time and effort spent in preparing the response to this RFI. All expenses incurred are the sole responsibility of the Respondent.
This RFI is not a request for qualification/proposal. It may or may not result in further action.Should the Authority to move forward and issue an RFQ/P or announce a program/product related to this RFI, Respondents need not have submitted a response to this RFI in order to be eligible for the program or to respond to the RFP. Should an RFQ/P be issued, responding to this RFI will not affect scoring or consideration for that process.
NEW JERSEY OPEN PUBLIC RECORDS ACT
Respondents should be aware that responses to this RFI are subject to the “New Jersey Open Public Records Act” (N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1 et seq.), as amended and including all applicable regulations and policies and applicable case law, including the New Jersey Right-to-Know law. All information submitted in response to the RFI is considered public information, notwithstanding any disclaimers to the contrary, except as may be exempted from public disclosure by OPRA and the common law.
Any proprietary and/or confidential information submitted in response to this RFI will be redacted by the Authority. A person or entity submitting a response to this RFI may designate specific information as not subject to disclosure pursuant to the exceptions to OPRA found at N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1.1, when such person or entity has a good faith legal and/or factual basis for such assertion (i.e. information that may be included in another ongoing public procurement or solicitation). The Authority reserves the right to make the determination as to what is proprietary or confidential and will advise the person or entity accordingly. The Authority will not honor any attempt to designate the entirety of a submission as proprietary, confidential and/or to claim copyright protection for the entire proposal. In the event of any challenge to the Respondent’s assertion of confidentiality with which the Authority does not concur, the Respondent shall be solely responsible for defending its designation.
New Jersey Economic Development Authority
REQUEST FOR INFORMATION
2023-RFI-199 – Development of a Statewide Employee Ownership Program
1. INTENT/SUMMARY OF SCOPE
The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (“Authority”), an independent Authority of the State of New Jersey, is seeking information and ideas from qualified entities (“Respondents”).
This Request for Information (RFI) is issued by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (“Authority”, “NJEDA”) to seek information 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 creation of such program would 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. 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.
2. BACKGROUND
The New Jersey Economic Development Authority serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The Authority 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 Authority 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.
The Wealth Disparity Task Force (WDTF), under Executive Order 262, was charged to examine the causes of and remedies for the long-standing racial and ethnic-based wealth disparities in New Jersey. Each of the five working groups were tasked with offering recommendations in the areas of criminal justice, economy, education, health, and housing. During the course of its work, the Wealth Disparity Task Force recommended broadening employee ownership opportunities in New Jersey to support asset limited income constrained workers. (ALICE – United Way).
3. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA (If applicable)
NJEDA is soliciting input from any of the following groups: 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.
4. RFI RESPONSE QUESTIONS
Description of your role and qualifications related to creating, administering, or contributing to a statewide Employee Ownership Programs:
Other, please explain
For Business Owners and Business Support Organizations – Experienced and/or potential challenges related to Employee Ownership Programs:
For Employee Ownership Industry Partners, Researchers, Institutions, and Policy Experts – Experienced and/or potential challenges related to Employee Ownership:
5. QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS (From Respondents to the NJEDA)
All questions concerning this RFI must be submitted in writing no later than 12pm EST, on Wednesday, April 10th via e-mail to: EmployeeOwnership@njeda.gov.
The subject line of the e-mail should state: “QUESTIONS-2024 RFI-199 Development of a Statewide Employee Ownership Program”.
Answers to questions submitted will be publicly posted on the Authority’s website on or about Wednesday, April 17th at: Bidding Opportunities – NJEDA as Addendum
IT IS THE RESPONDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY TO CHECK THIS URL REGULARLY FOR UPDATES.
6. RESPONSE DETAILS (Info Provided to Respondents Regarding Document Submission)
All RFI responses must be submitted in writing no later than 11:59pm EST, on Wednesday, April 24th 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”.
7. FOLLOW-UP QUESTIONS (from the NJEDA) / ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Respondents may be asked to provide additional information to allow the Authority to better understand the responses or services available.
8. PROPRIETARY AND/OR CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
The Authority reserves the right to copy any information provided by the Respondents. The Authority reserves the right to use ideas that are provided by Respondents, applicants, stakeholders, or vendors. By submitting a Response, the submitter represents that such copying or use of information will not violate any copyrights, licenses, or other agreements with respect to information submitted or product solutions demonstrated, if applicable. Responses must clearly be marked for any information the Respondent deems Proprietary and/or Confidential.
9. DISCLAIMER / NO OBLIGATION
This RFI is not a request for qualification/proposal. It may or may not result in further action.
This RFI is issued solely as a means of gathering information regarding the Authority’s desire to understand the types of products and level of service available in the market to meet the Authority’s needs. Interested parties responding to this RFI do so at their own expense. There will be no monetary compensation from the Authority for the time and effort spent in preparing the response to this RFI. All expenses incurred are the sole responsibility of the Respondent.
Should the Authority decide to move forward and issue an RFQ/P or announce a program/product related to this RFI, Respondents need not have submitted a response to this RFI in order to be eligible to respond to the RFP. Should an RFQ/P be issued, responding to this RFI will not affect scoring or consideration for that process.
The Authority is under no obligation to contact Respondents to this RFI.
10. NEW JERSEY OPEN PUBLIC RECORDS ACT
Respondents should be aware that responses to this RFI are subject to the “New Jersey Open Public Records Act” (N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1 et seq.), as amended and including all applicable regulations and policies and applicable case law, including the New Jersey Right-to-Know law. All information submitted in response to the RFI is considered public information, notwithstanding any disclaimers to the contrary, except as may be exempted from public disclosure by OPRA and the common law. Any proprietary and/or confidential information submitted in response to this RFI will be redacted by the Authority. A person or entity submitting a response to this RFI may designate specific information as not subject to disclosure pursuant to the exceptions to OPRA found at N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1.1, when such person or entity has a good faith legal and/or factual basis for such assertion (i.e. information that may be included in another ongoing public procurement or solicitation). The Authority reserves the right to make the determination as to what is proprietary or confidential and will advise the person or entity accordingly. The Authority will not honor any attempt to designate the entirety of a submission as proprietary, confidential and/or to claim copyright protection for the entire proposal. In the event of any challenge to the Respondent’s assertion of confidentiality with which the Authority does not concur, the Respondent shall be solely responsible for defending its designation.
New Jersey Economic Development Authority
REQUEST FOR INFORMATION
2024-RFI-214 for Film, Television, & Media Workforce Needs
RFI – 214 Addendum #1
The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (“Authority”), an independent Authority of the State of New Jersey, is seeking information and ideas from qualified entities (“Respondents”) with perspectives on the current workforce needs of the film, television, and media industry, including but not limited to: professionals in the film and media industry such as employers, training providers, and unions, other education and service providers, and institutions interested in the investment and financing of the arts. The New Jersey Motion Picture & Television Commission, now part of the Authority, has supported and nurtured the film, television, and media industry for over 45 years. The Commission attracts and supports production work and promotes infrastructure growth through financial incentives, permitting, production services, site selection and clearance. The Commission is a critical partner in advancing the goals of this RFI.
Qualified entities do not need to be located within the State of New Jersey to provide a response and the Authority welcomes perspectives from entities outside of the state.
Through this RFI, the Authority is seeking information from respondents on the scope and characteristics of effective workforce training programs in anticipation of creating or supporting programs and initiatives to support workforce development for film, television, digital and other media production occupations, including but limited to, production assistants, production accountants, studio managers, carpenters, grips, electricians, set-dressers, wardrobe assistants, make-up, hair, script supervisors, voiceover artists, editors, computer generated imagery artists, edit assistants, screenwriters, story editors, assistant directors, writer’s assistants, music supervisors, and post supervisors. Given the projected growth of the film, television, and media industry over the coming years and its capacity to provide high-value employment to communities throughout the state, the NJEDA has earmarked at least $5 million in funding through an appropriation in the state budget from Governor Murphy and the NJ State Legislature to support and accelerate robust workforce development in the film, television, and media industry in New Jersey. The NJEDA is interested in receiving comments, questions, recommendations, facts, information, ideas, and responses that will help the Authority better understand best practices for industry workforce program designs, parameters, and details that NJEDA should consider when developing a portfolio of film and media production training programs that enable NJ residents to be part of this growing industry.
This RFI seeks to:
2. BACKGROUND
The New Jersey Economic Development Authority serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The Authority is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on strategies that 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 Authority creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State, and to strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.
Governor Murphy’s Economic Development Strategic Plan, “The State of Innovation: Building a Stronger and Fairer Economy in New Jersey” specifically highlights investing in emerging innovative industries as critical to the State’s economic development strategy. The plan identifies Film & Digital Media as a strategic sector that has the potential for outsized growth over the next five to fifteen years where the State could use targeted initiatives to promote innovation and economic development within the sector. Additionally, the plan includes goals to create the most diverse innovation ecosystem in the country and close the racial and gender wage and employment gaps.
New Jersey has witnessed impressive growth in the film, television, and media industry, attracting multiple film studios and production companies with many high-profile productions being filmed in the state. This boom is due in large part to the State’s tax and other incentives including the Film and Digital Media Tax Credit Program, the Studio Partners and Film-lease Partners Facilities designation programs, and the pilot Film and Digital Media Studio Infrastructure Program. Utilization of the state’s Film Tax Credit has increased substantially. In State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2019, NJEDA made 4 awards resulting in $19.7 million of film production spend in the state. In SFY 2021, 24 awards resulted in $185.5 million spent in NJ. Those figures climbed to 56 awards totaling over $758 million of film production spend in SFY 2023. More information on these programs can be found at https://www.njeda.gov/film/.
Notable highlights of this industry growth in the state include Lionsgate’s on-going construction in Newark of the first purpose-built studio in New Jersey to be constructed for TV and film production using tax credits (expected to open in 2025), Netflix’s planned construction of a studio complex in Monmouth County (2027-2028), and the proposed construction of 1888 Studios in Bayonne (recently designated a Film-Lease Partner Facility). The number of film projects and productions in New Jersey in 2024-2025 are expected to reach over 1,000, and the projected number of film-related jobs for 2024 is close to 15,000. These projects mark a pivotal moment in New Jersey’s evolution as an emerging force in film and television production. This RFI is a critical input into New Jersey’s efforts to further invest in the film, television, and digital media industry and build an inclusive and dynamic workforce to meet industry needs.
3. RFI RESPONSE QUESTIONS
In submitting responses to this RFI, respondents are encouraged to answer any questions they consider relevant and to the best of their ability. Respondents do not need to answer all questions for their response to be considered. Answers are understood to be preliminary and non-binding. Respondents are free to go beyond the scope of the questions and/or structure responses as necessary to increase clarity and efficiency of responses. Respondents should also feel free to submit additional or alternate information as deemed necessary.
Background
Film and Media Industry Occupations and Skills
3. What film and television positions are in greatest demand in the NJ region today and/or expected to be in greatest demand in NJ over the next five years?
(a) What existing certifications, training, education, and/or knowledge, skills, and abilities are required to work in these high-demand jobs? Please be as specific as possible and differentiate by specific occupation where possible.
(b) Do employers train/hire certified staff or have them obtain certifications once employed?
(c) What are the biggest challenges individuals face when seeking to obtain these certifications/skills?What are the biggest challenges employers’ face when seeking to hire qualified candidates?
(d) What level of education is required for new hires?
(e) Are there any other prerequisites (e.g., working hours on a set)?
Training Programs
4. NJEDA is aware of various workforce initiatives implemented by states and other organizations throughout the country (e.g., Georgia Film Academy, Washington Filmworks, etc.). What are the most effective initiatives applicable to New Jersey and should be pursued in the state?
5. What are the characteristics of the most effective education or training programs for in-demand film industry occupations?
(a) What type of program (e.g., short-term boot camps, professional mentoring programs, workshops, professional certifications, associate degrees, etc.) and why do you think it is a viable option for job seekers to enter the entertainment industry?
(b) What are the preferred primary eligibility requirements to enroll? Any suggestions for improvement?
(c) What is the most effective duration for these programs—and why? What time of day is most beneficial to hold these trainings?
(d) What are the required qualifications for instructors?
(e) Is there a typical or expected cost to participants?
(f) How are graduates connected to employers for job placement?
6. What are best practices to specifically feature instruction or mentorship by working professionals in training programs?
7. If not currently readily accessible for New Jersey residents, how can these training programs be replicated, or linked to programs in New Jersey to increase this accessibility?
8. Are there other supports, incentives or programs needed to maintain a sufficient and qualified film and media labor force?
9. Would your organization or others seek to participate as an investor or funding partner in film and media-related workforce training programs?
10. Are there any other factors the state should consider that may have an impact on training needs or the industry at large? How do we continue to grow the industry and develop workers alongside innovations in digital content and other technologies?
Recruitment
11. Where and how do you currently recruit training participants or film workers? What partners do you work with to assist with recruitment?
12. Unions are a critical workforce development partner in the industry. How do we best coordinate their activities with other partners to maintain and develop career pathways for New Jersey residents?
13. What are the biggest challenges/obstacles to film workforce recruitment and retention? What is the average turnover in the industry?
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
As part of Governor Murphy’s Economic Development Strategic Plan and NJEDA’s mission, the Authority seeks opportunities to support the film and television industry that include a focus on strengthening diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) for underserved populations.
14. How can underserved populations be supported to engage in the film and media industry both in their own communities and beyond?
15. What suggestions do you have for encouraging the inclusion of minorities, women, and veterans in film and media workforce training programs and employment?
16. What innovations can training providers utilize to accelerate or improve training for a diverse and inclusive workforce?
4. QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS (from Respondents to NJEDA)
All questions concerning this RFI must be submitted in writing no later than 5:00 PM E.D.T., on June 3, 2024, via e-mail to: workforceInnovation@njeda.gov.com.
The subject line of the e-mail should state: Questions-2024-RFI-214 – Film, Television, & Media Workforce Needs.
Answers to questions submitted will be publicly posted on the Authority’s website on or about June 7, 2024, at: https://www.njeda.com/bidding/#RFI as Addendum.
IT IS THE RESPONDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY TO CHECK THIS URL REGULARLY FOR UPDATES.
5. RESPONSE DETAILS (Info Provided to Respondents Regarding Document Submission)
All RFI responses must be submitted in writing no later than 5:00 PM E.D.T. on June 19, 2024, via e-mail to: workforceInnovation@njeda.gov.com.
The subject line of the e-mail should state: “RFI Response-2024-RFI-214 – Film, Television, & Media Workforce Needs”.
6. FOLLOW-UP QUESTIONS (from NJEDA) / ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
All RFI responses must be submitted electronically no later than 11:59:59 PM EST, on Tuesday, May 28th via e-mail to: njwindport@njeda.gov.
The subject line of the e-mail should state: RFI Response-2024-RFI- -#217 NJWP Manufacturing Technical Inquiry.
7. PROPRIETARY AND/OR CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
The Authority reserves the right to copy any information provided by the Respondents. The Authority reserves the right to use ideas that are provided by Respondents, applicants, stakeholders, or vendors. By submitting a Response, the submitter represents that such copying or use of information will not violate any copyrights, licenses, or other agreements with respect to information submitted or product solutions demonstrated, if applicable. Responses must clearly be marked for any information the Respondent deems Proprietary and/or Confidential.
8. DISCLAIMER / NO OBLIGATION
This RFI is not a request for qualification/proposal. It may or may not result in further action.
This RFI is issued solely as a means of gathering information regarding the Authority’s desire to understand the types of products and level of service available in the market to meet the Authority’s needs. Interested parties responding to this RFI do so at their own expense. There will be no monetary compensation from the Authority for the time and effort spent in preparing the response to this RFI. All expenses incurred are the sole responsibility of the Respondent.
Should the Authority decide to move forward and issue an RFQ/P or announce a program/product related to this RFI, Respondents need not have submitted a response to this RFI in order to be eligible to respond to the RFP. Should an RFQ/P be issued, responding to this RFI will not affect scoring or consideration for that process.
The Authority is under no obligation to contact Respondents to this RFI.
9. NEW JERSEY OPEN PUBLIC RECORDS ACT
Respondents should be aware that responses to this RFI are subject to the “New Jersey Open Public Records Act” (N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1 et seq.), as amended and including all applicable regulations and policies and applicable case law, including the New Jersey Right-to-Know law. All information submitted in response to the RFI is considered public information, notwithstanding any disclaimers to the contrary, except as may be exempted from public disclosure by OPRA and the common law.
Any proprietary and/or confidential information submitted in response to this RFI will be redacted by the Authority. A person or entity submitting a response to this RFI may designate specific information as not subject to disclosure pursuant to the exceptions to OPRA found at N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1.1, when such person or entity has a good faith legal and/or factual basis for such assertion (i.e. information that may be included in another ongoing public procurement or solicitation). The Authority reserves the right to make the determination as to what is proprietary or confidential and will advise the person or entity accordingly. The Authority will not honor any attempt to designate the entirety of a submission as proprietary, confidential and/or to claim copyright protection for the entire proposal. In the event of any challenge to the Respondent’s assertion of confidentiality with which the Authority does not concur, the Respondent shall be solely responsible for defending its designation.
On September 16, 2021 Governor Phil Murphy and NJEDA announced the NJEDA’s participation in four regional coalitions preparing applications for the U.S. Economic Development Authority’s Build Back Better Regional Challenge. The Challenge is a federal grant program to help communities adopt and implement transformational, industry-based economic development strategies that strengthen economic diversity and resiliency in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications must be centered around developing or growing a regional industry cluster, with a long-term transformational vision and a plan for execution. Applicants for the Challenge act as a regional coalition with one lead entity per application. The four coalitions that NJEDA has joined focus on regional industry clusters that are part of Governor Murphy’s Stronger and Fairer Economic Plan, including biomanufacturing, clean energy, aviation, and smart ports.
Learn MoreNEWARK, N.J. (October 8, 2025) – Governor Phil Murphy kicked off the inaugural meeting of the newly-formed Strategic Innovation Center Advisory Council (SIC-AC) today at Prudential Plaza in Newark.
Read More >TRENTON, N.J. (September 22, 2025) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) will open applications for the Next New Jersey Manufacturing Program on Thursday, September 25, 2025.
Read More >TRENTON, N.J. (September 15, 2025) – Last week, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board approved a new $15 million pilot program to bridge capital access gaps for recreational cannabis cultivators, manufacturers, and testing laboratories.
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EVP
Manufacturing- Incentives & Tax Credits and Corporate Engagement
paul.ceppi@njeda.gov
609-858-6863
