In New Jersey, a business can certify that it is minority, woman, veteran or disabled veteran-owned. Soon, LGBTQ+ will be added to the list.
NEW JERSEY — In New Jersey, a business can certify that it is minority, woman, veteran or disabled veteran-owned. And soon, the designation of LGBTQ+ will be added to that list, officials say.
On Tuesday, Gov. Phil Murphy signed Executive Order No. 295, instructing the New Jersey Department of the Treasury to establish a state-backed certification program for LGBTQ+ owned business enterprises. Certification, which will be free of charge, will expand access to public and private contracting opportunities and enable businesses to identify as “LGBTQ+ owned” in their advertising.
According to a statement from the governor’s office:
“The state already has certification programs in place for small businesses and businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans and disabled veterans. Last year, the treasury department began waiving the $100 fee for these businesses to become certified. Under the program to be established by the treasury per Executive Order No. 295, businesses that are majority-owned and operated by one or more individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ can become certified for free as an LGBTQ+-owned business. Certification provides state-backed documentation of a business’ status, which can be beneficial in pursuing contracting opportunities at the local, state, and federal level, as well as in the private sector.”