NJ Program Certifying LQBTQ+ Businesses Signed Into Law

TRENTON, NJ — Gov. Phil Murphy on Wednesday signed into law bipartisan legislation establishing a certification program for LGBTQ+-owned businesses in New Jersey.

The program was initially part of an executive order issued by Murphy in 2022. Certification through the New Jersey Department of the Treasury allows LGBTQ+ business owners to access government programs and contracting opportunities through the state.

The state currently has similar established programs for small, minority-owned, women-owned and veteran-owned businesses.

Though certification already existed under Murphy's executive order, the new legislation signed by the governor establishes it into state law and ensures certification remains in place after Murphy leaves office.

“New Jersey is proud to celebrate our LGBTQ+ community year-round, but it is particularly special to sign this law into effect just a few weeks ahead of PRIDE month," Murphy said in a statement. "LGBTQ+ business owners are critical to the Garden State and our economy and I am honored to support endeavors that uplift underrepresented communities and embrace authenticity."

Certification through the program is free of charge to businesses who identify as LGBTQ+-owned in their advertising. Certifications are overseen by the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services.

To be eligible for certification, businesses must be at least 51 percent LGBTQ+ owned and controlled.

Certification is valid for five years. As of Wednesday, the Department of the Treasury had certified 141 LBGTQ+ businesses across New Jersey.

Learn more about business certification in New Jersey.