New Jersey became one of the first states to prohibit discrimination based on gender identity and expression, and sexual orientation. 

To further extend the administration’s support toward the upliftment and empowerment of LGBT-owned businesses, Governor Phil Murphy signed the bipartisan legislation codifying the program, which was established through Executive Order No. 295 (2022).

Following this, the New Jersey Department of the Treasury can establish a state-backed certification program for pride community-owned businesses. This free-of-charge certification will allow these businesses to gain wider access to government-funded and private contracting opportunities, while also identifying as an LGBT-owned business in advertising.

This similar privilege is already available to small businesses and businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, and disabled veterans. 

To be certified, a business must have at least 51% ownership and control by individuals who identify as a member of the LGBT community. The certification is valid for five years, after which it needs to be renewed.

The main sponsors for this bill, S1313/A3330,  were Senators Nellie Pou and Teresa M. Ruiz and Assemblymembers Benjie E. Wimberly, Sterley S. Stanley, and Donald A. Guardian.

Governor Murphy stated, “I am honored to support the endeavors of entrepreneurs from a historically underrepresented community through the creation of this certification program. New Jersey will always value the contributions of our LGBTQ+ community.”