New Jersey Business Coalition

The New Jersey Business Coalition is comprised of over 100 state-wide business associations advocating for the safe reopening of New Jersey’s business community by lending its voice and expertise to a successful economic recovery.

New Jersey’s recovery effort from the COVID-19 public health crisis is going to require a comprehensive and collaborative approach between government (state, county and local) and the business community. We are proposing a four-prong approach which focuses on the specific needs of various vertical sectors and geographic regions, recognizing that a one-size-fits-all approach may not be appropriate. It must evaluate the immediate, near-term and long-term needs, while also balancing budgetary needs and resources.

Recognizing that so much is still unknown, this framework is a dynamic document that will be updated as further information that could influence the reopening process becomes available.  

New Jersey Business Coalition Letters

New Jersey Business Coalition Articles

Coalition Partners:

African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey, Inc. 

American Camp Association NY/NJ 

New Jersey Camps Government Affairs Project 

American Council of Engineering Companies of New Jersey 

American Physical Therapy Association of New Jersey 

Bernards Township Regional Chamber of Commerce 

BioNJ 

Burlington County Regional Chamber of Commerce 

Bus Association of New Jersey 

Cape May County Chamber of Commerce 

Capital Region Minority Chamber of Commerce 

Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia 

Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey 

Chemistry Council of NJ 

Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey 

CrossState Credit Union Association 

Downtown New Jersey 

Early Childhood Education Advocates 

Eastern Monmouth Area Chamber of Commerce 

Employers Association of NJ 

Fuel Merchants Associates of NJ 

Garden State Pharmacy Owners, Inc 

Global Business Alliance 

Gloucester County Chamber of Commerce 

Greater Atlantic City Chamber of Commerce 

Greater Toms River Chamber of Commerce 

Greater Westfield Area Chamber of Commerce 

Healthcare Institute of NJ 

Hoboken Chamber of Commerce 

Home Care & Hospice Association of New Jersey 

Home Health Services Association of New Jersey 

Hudson County Chamber of Commerce 

Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce 

Insurance Council of New Jersey 

International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association 

Jersey Shore Partnership 

Mahwah Regional Chamber of Commerce 

Marine Trades Association of New Jersey 

Middlesex County Regional Chamber of Commerce 

Meadowlands Chamber 

Monmouth Ocean Development Council 

Morris County Chamber of Commerce 

NAIOP-NJ 

National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) 

Newark Alliance 

Newark Regional Business Partnership 

New Jersey Asphalt Pavement Association 

New Jersey Association of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons 

New Jersey Association of Mental Health & Addiction Agencies 

New Jersey Business & Industry Association 

New Jersey Campground Owners and Outdoor Lodging Association 

New Jersey Civil Justice Institute 

New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers 

New Jersey Concrete and Aggregate Association 

New Jersey Dental Association 

New Jersey Gasoline-Convenience-Automotive Association 

New Jersey Hotel and Lodging Industry Association 

New Jersey Independent Electrical Contractors Association 

New Jersey LGBT Chamber of Commerce 

New Jersey Liquor Store Alliance 

New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program, Inc. 

New Jersey Motor Truck Association 

New Jersey Pharmacists Association 

New Jersey Podiatric Medical Society 

New Jersey Realtors 

New Jersey Restaurant & Hospitality Association 

New Jersey Retail Merchants Association 

New Jersey Salon and Spa Coalition 

New Jersey Self Insurers Association 

New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants 

New Jersey State Chamber of Commerce 

New Jersey State Funeral Directors Association 

New Jersey State Veterans Chamber of Commerce 

New Jersey Tourism Industry Association 

New Jersey Utilities Association 

New Jersey Warehousemen & Movers Association 

New Jersey Utilities Association 

New Jersey YMCA State Alliance 

North Jersey Jewish Business Alliance 

Ocean City Chamber of Commerce 

Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber of Commerce 

Professional Insurance Agents of New Jersey (PIANJ) 

Recreational Fishing Alliance 

Salem County Chamber of Commerce 

Somerset County Business Partnership 

Southern NJ Development Council 

Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce 

Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of NJ 

Sussex County Chamber of Commerce 

TechUnited:NJ 

The United Boatmen of N.J. 

Union Township Chamber of Commerce 

United Way of Northern New Jersey 

Washington Borough BID 

Date:   May 2, 2020 – updated August 15, 2020

Most Businesses Believe They Can Reopen Safely, Amid Great Challenges

Seventy percent of business owners say they are able to operate safely under CDC social distancing guidelines according to a new NJBIA Business Recovery Survey inquiring how a soft opening might affect their business model.

However, a large majority of New Jersey business owners say they'll need more than half of their usual client or customer base to break even in any given month.

Additionally, many respondents said they would never generate a profit, or need at least a year to generate a profit, if businesses are reopened at 50% capacity.

"The results of this survey put a finer detail on the true challenges that lie ahead, even with a soft opening at 50% capacity, as we work toward a recovery and reinvention framework for New Jersey's economy," said NJBIA President and CEO Michele Siekerka.

"Some of our additional data focusing on revenues and financial assistance also reveal great challenges. However, now knowing the true needs and concerns of our businesses in even a partial re-opening allows us to work toward solutions and an effective plan of action for the reopening of our economy."

NJBIA has been working alongside a coalition of 80 business and nonprofit associations, advocating for policies on the state and federal level to provide employers relief and funding during the COVID- 19 health crisis and to aid in their recovery.

REOPENING STATEMENTS

Respondents were asked what percentage of patrons, clients and customers are required, on average, for their business to break even in a given month. They responded:

• 0-24%: 9%
• 25-49%: 7%
• 50-74%: 29%
• 75-99%: 36%
• 100%: 18%

Assuming a 50% partial reopening of business facilities is allowed, respondents were asked how long they anticipate it would take for their business to generate revenues comparable to pre-COVID- 19 profits. They responded:

• 3 months or less: 9%
• 4-6 months: 17%
• 7-9 months: 11%
• 10 months to a year: 14%
• More than a year: 23%
• More than two years: 6%
• I could never generate a profit at 50% capacity: 21%

There was a mixed range of responses from employers when asked what percentage of their total, in-person workforce is needed for their business to operate productively:

• 0-24%: 19%
• 25-49%: 16%
• 50-74%: 23%
• 75-99%: 15%
• 100%: 27%

Employers were also asked to list their top three struggles for their businesses, resulting in the following leading responses:

• Meeting payroll costs: 59%
• Paying the rent: 44%
• Ensuring worker safety: 22%
• Repaying existing loans on time: 22%
• Handling supply chain disruptions: 21%
• Making quarterly tax payment: 20%
• Paying payroll taxes: 19%

Other business struggles yielding 12% or less included: Paying quarterly or annual CBT/GIT payment; complying with labor mandates; cost of maintaining equipment; finding enough employees to fill workplace needs; concerns about future lawsuits. Members were asked if their business is able to operate under CDC social distancing guidelines. A total of 70% said yes, while 19% said they were not sure. Another 10% said they would not be able to operate under CDC guidelines. "It's a positive to see the capability and willingness of employers to operate with appropriate social distancing," Siekerka said. "What remains to be seen is what entry limitations will be put on businesses, and whether customers will have the same initial willingness to patronize out of health concerns."

REVENUES AND REALITIES

A whopping 66% reported a decrease in revenue during the current health crisis, while another 27% reported no revenue – leaving only 5% of respondents reporting normal revenue. At the same time, about 32% of respondents have laid off at least one worker as a result of COVID- 19. "It would appear there's a correlation between the number of companies reporting no revenue to the number of companies having to lay off at least one employee," said Nicole Sandelier, NJBIA's Director of Economic Policy Research. "Nearly 8% of respondents said they have let go of 10 workers or more, which relates to some of the high unemployment numbers we have seen on a state and national level." When asked how they were accommodating for lost revenue, 53% said they either reduced workers' hours, or furloughed or laid off employees. Eleven percent said they tapped into business reserves or personal savings, while another 11% sought additional funding through loans, credit lines, government aid or increased donations.

STAYING OPERATIONAL

Thirty-six percent of respondents were forced to close as a result of an executive order. Of those, 70% envisioned their closure as being temporary, while 29% weren't sure whether they would reopen or not. Of those that were directed to close their premises, 70% said they were still operating remotely, but experiencing financial losses. Another 18% said they voluntarily closed, while 10% they were continuing operations as normal. Overall, 54% of respondents listed their business as struggling to perform its essential duties, while another 25% said it was unable to perform its essential duties at all. Employers were also asked how, or if, their physical workspace might be affected as a result of COVID-19. Nearly 29% said their workspace will not be impacted, while 23% anticipated increased costs for sanitizing and 20% expected added costs for PPE. Only 7% said they would need structural changes to implement social distancing.

GRANTS AND LOANS

NJBIA's Business Recovery Survey was taken between April 23 and April 28. While there was an expectation that some of the data would change based on respondents receiving grants and loans after they took the survey, the overall results showed that most businesses were, by and large, playing the waiting game. Some 74% of employers surveyed applied for the federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Of those, 65% said they had not yet received their funding at the time they took the survey, while 30% said they had received funding. Five percent said they were not approved. Employers who applied for PPP were asked how they intended to use those funds, and they were not limited to one choice. A little more than 98% of the respondents said they would put it toward payroll costs, while others said they would apply some funds to utilities (68%), rent (66%) and mortgage interest (15%). Of the businesses who applied for a Small Business Emergency grant or loan from NJEDA, 78% had not received their funds as of the past few days. The New Jersey Business Coalition has been strongly advocating for a portion of CARES Act funding to be used for an appropriation for the NJEDA in order to provide further relief to small business.

METHODOLOGY

The NJBIA Recovery Survey was conducted by the New Jersey Business & Industry Association from April 23 to April 28, 2020. At the time of the published press release on Tuesday, April 28, 2020, a total of 1,359 respondents, comprised of NJBIA members and members from other partnering business associations who are participating in the New Jersey Business Coalition, took part in the online survey. In total 1,420 respondents participated in the survey. Because of the additional responses received after the press release was published, the results below may differ slightly from those reported in the original press release. Totals may not equal 100% due to rounding.

QUESTIONS AND RESULTS

The Impact of Coronavirus

1. Do you own or manage a business or non-profit entity?

Answered: 1,398        Skipped: 22

2. Are you a primary decision maker for operational decisions about the organization, including finances and staffing?

Answered: 1,399        Skipped: 21

3. Approximately how many employees did your organization have prior to COVID-19

Answered: 1,397        Skipped 23

4. A) What industry is your business?

Answered: 1,399        Skipped: 21

B) What industry is your business?*

*Responses to “Other” were reviewed and updated to provide more clarity to industrial breakdown.

5. Was your business ordered to close as a result of an Executive Order?

Answered: 1,264           Skipped: 156

6. If your business was ordered to close as a result of an executive order, do you see your closure being:

Answered 667        Skipped: 753

7. If your business was not ordered to close as a result of an executive order, select the answer that best applies to you:

Answered: 1,033        Skipped: 387

*Participants who selected the option for temporary closer were then asked when they plan to reopen. The overwhelming majority responded with some iteration of “when they are allowed”.

8. My business is:

Answered: 1,246        Skipped: 174

9. Financially my business is experiencing:

Answered: 1,246        Skipped: 174

10. What percentage of your operations have been able to be done remotely?

Answered: 1,263        Skipped: 157

11. How many employees have quit their jobs as a result of COVID-19?

Answered: 1,255        Skipped: 165

12. How many employees have you laid off as a result of COVID-19?

Answered: 1,239        Skipped: 181

13. How many employees have you furloughed as a result of COVID-19?

Answered: 1,232        Skipped: 188

14. If you are struggling to access government aid, such as PPP, and EDA grant/loan or unemployment insurance, what is hindering your ability to do so?

Answered: 1,181        Skipped: 239

15. A) To adjust for lost revenue, my business has to:

Answered: 1,235        Skipped: 185

B) To adjust for lost revenue, my business has to:*

*Responses to “Other” were reviewed and updated to provide more clarity.

16. Please select the top three larges struggles for your business:

Answered: 1,254        Skipped: 166

The Paycheck Protection Program

17. Did your business apply for the SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)?

Answered: 1,292        Skipped: 128

18. Did your business receive PPP funding?

Answered: 882        Skipped: 538

19. How does your business intend to use the PPP funds? (Select all that apply)

Answered: 868        Skipped: 552

20. To have your loan forgiven, 75% of your funds must be used for payroll expenses. Do you intend to seek forgiveness?

Answered: 869        Skipped: 551

EDA Grants and Loans

21. Did your business apply for an EDA grant or loan?

Answered: 1,228       Skipped: 192

22. If your business applied for an EDA grant or loan, which did you apply for? (Select all that apply)

Answered: 401        Skipped: 1,019

23. Did you receive the funds yet?

Answered: 381        Skipped: 1,039

The Recovery from Coronavirus

24. If required, is your business able to operate under CDC social distancing guidelines?

Answered: 1,105        Skipped: 315

25. If a 50% partial reopening of business facilities is allowed, what percentage of your total workforce is needed in-person for your business to operate productively?

Answered: 1,055        Skipped: 365

26. If a partial reopening of business facilities is allowed, what percentage of business by way of patrons, clients, customers etc. does your operation require on average to break even on any given month?

Answered: 1,044        Skipped: 376

27. If a 50% partial reopening of business facilities is allowed, how long do you anticipate it taking for your business to generate revenues comparable to pre-COVID-19 profits?

Answered: 1,059        Skipped: 361

28. Before the COVID-19 health crisis, what percentage of your workforce worked remotely at any given time?

Answered: 1,098 Skipped: 322

29. Was your business able to find new efficiencies and cost-savings opportunities as a result of an increased reliance upon a remote workforce?

Answered: 1,099        Skipped: 321

30. If you answered yes to the previous question, will you continue to utilize a remote workforce more than you previously had when New Jersey is back open for business?

Answered: 412        Skipped: 1,008

31. How will your physical workspace be affected as a result of COVID-19? (Check all that apply)

Answered: 1,076        Skipped: 344

32. Do you anticipate needing any kind of regulatory relief in order to reopen your business?

Answered: 1,095        Skipped 325

33. What regulatory hurdles or relief could impede your ability to reopen?

Answered: 992 Skipped: 428

34. What impact will your supply chain have on the ability for your business to operate post COVID-19 (Check all that apply)

Answered: 1,063        Skipped: 357

Grants & Loans

STATE:

• NJEDA Announces Second Phase of Small Business Emergency Assistance Loan Program
• NJEDA: Phase 3 Small Business Emergency Grant Program
• NJEDA Entrepreneur Guarantee Program (Applications now open)
• NJEDA Partnering with CDFIs to Support Low-Cost Financing for Small Businesses and Nonprofits Impacted by COVID-19.
• Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant Program

NJEDA offers this screening tool that lists emergency assistance programs that you may decide to consider based upon information you provide about your organization. Click on the above logo to open the wizard.

NJ Economic Development Authority:

• NJEDA: Technical assistance applying to federal or State financial assistance programs

LOCAL:

Trenton Business Emergency Loan Program

Newark Grant Program for Small Business

Camden County CARES Small Business Grant

PRIVATE:

New Jersey Pandemic Relief Fund

The New Jersey 30 Day Fund

Best Practices by Industry Sector

Personal Protective Equipment Connect

NJBIA is the New Jersey Representative of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) and we are making the following free resource available to connect suppliers of PPEs to those that need them. Suppliers can submit their PPE supply capabilities and register on this national database.  All suppliers will be connected to FEMA as a supply chain resource.  

If you are looking for PPEs, click the Find a Supplier link.  You can filter by state and the type of equipment you are looking for.  This national database is growing.  If specific supplies are not available today, please check back as more suppliers are added on a daily basis. 

New Jersey Resources:

This tab provides links to various state agencies providing news and information relating to COVID-19.

• New Jersey Vaccine Scheduling System
• State of NJ Covid-19 Oversight
• Changes to Temporary Disability and Family Leave (TDI & FLI)
• NJ Department of Labor: Returning to Work Amid COVID-19
• NJ Department of Laborto Begin Making PUA Payments to Sole Proprietors and Independent Contractors
• NJ Department of Labor: Guide Helps Workers Claim Weekly Unemployment Benefits
• Guidance for Self-Employed Individuals: Filing a Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Claim
• NJDOL - Self-Employed NJ Workers: Unemployment Benefits During the Coronavirus Emergency, updated 4/14/2020
• Unemployment FAQs: Prepared by NJBIA
• An employer who has at least 10 employees may apply to the division for approval to provide a Shared Workprogram. The purpose of such a program is to stabilize an employer’s workforce during a period of economic disruption by permitting the sharing of the work remaining after a reduction in total hours of work. Under an approved Shared Work program, workers who have their hours of work reduced may receive "short-time" unemployment benefits for the lost hours of work, while continuing to work at reduced hours with a continuation of their health insurance, pension coverage, and other benefits.
• Guidance for Self-Employed Individuals: FILING A PANDEMIC UNEMPLOYMENTASSISTANCE CLAIM
• Benefits for Independent Contractors Under the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act
• New Jersey Extends Tax Deadlines, Here's the List (Source: njcpa.org)
• Senator Cory Booker's Coronavirus Resource Guide for New Jersey
• Employee Travel Letter Template 
• Updated Schedule for claiming/certifying unemployment benefits
• Emergency Child Care Assistance Program Launched
• STATE OF NJ: COVID-19/Novel Coronavirus Information for New Jersey Businesses
• New Jersey Business Action Center (NJBAC)
• NJDOH Information for Businesses & Schools
• NJDOH Information for Healthcare and Public Health Officials
• NJDOL: What  NJ Workers Need to Know About the Families First Coronavirus Response Act
• NJDOL Worker Benefits Guidance - Coronavirus
  • COVID-19 Scenarios & Benefits Available
• NJDOL Division of Unemployment Insurance
• NJDOL: Unemployment Information for Corporate Officers and Business Owners
• NJEDA Waives Work-from-Home Requirement for Employment-based Tax Incentive Programs
• NJEDA: Information for NJ Businesses on the COVID-19/Novel Coronavirus Outbreak
• New Jersey Testing Centers
• For Healthcare Providers: Administrative Guidance Relating to Telehealth
• New Jersey Pandemic Relief Fund

Federal Resources:

This tab provides links to various federal agencies providing news and information relating to COVID-19.

• • CDC: SARS-CoV-2 Testing Strategy: Considerations for Non-Healthcare Workplaces
    OSHA Releases New FAQ on Wearing Masks in the Workplace
  • Senator Cory Booker's Coronavirus Resource Guide for New Jersey
  • Benefits for Independent Contractors Under the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act 
  • Families First Coronavirus Response Act Notice-FAQs
  • How Does the New Families First Act Effect Employers? (source: SHRM)
  • DHS issues guidelines defining critical jobs during the coronavirus crisis (source: The Hill)
  • US Chamber of Commerce: Coronavirus Resource Page
  • USDOL New Guidance on Unemployment Insurance Flexibilities
  • IRS Guidance on High-deductible Health Plans
  • What Employers Need to Know About the Fed Coronavirus Act
  • Families First Coronavirus Response Act 
  • The IRS guidance documentation

Executive Orders

A summary of each executive order passed by the Governor's office during this crisis. Contains in-depth explanation of Executive Order 107 and what is considered exempt or non-exempt.

Details for EO-107

Exempt, Non-Exempt or Unclear

Gov. Murphy announced Executive Order No. 107 on Saturday, March 21, 2020, effective at 9:00 p.m., containing new standards for businesses which supersede previous orders. The following focuses on what the state considers Exempt, Non-Exempt and what to do if you are unclear of your business status. We have constant contact with the state in an effort to gain more clarity. Please continue to check back here as we update this page on a daily basis, often several times per day. If you have specific questions, please complete the Question/Comment form on this page.  We will try to respond as quickly as possible.

1. Exempt from Executive Order 107

Businesses that are considered essential and able to continue operations so long they follow CDC guidance and social distancing recommendations. Only the following RETAIL businesses are considered essential and exempt from the mandate to cease storefront operations include. All other RETAIL businesses must follow the EO and close. Essential retail businesses that are exempt from the mandate to cease storefront operations:

• Grocery stores, farmer's markets, and farms that sell directly to customers, and other food stores, including retailers that offer a varied assortment of foods comparable to what exists as a grocery store
• Pharmacies and medical marijuana dispensaries
• Medical supply stores
• Gas stations
• Convenience stores
• Ancillary stores within healthcare facilitiesHardware and home improvement stores
• Vehicle rental locations
• Banks and other financial institutions with retail functions
• Laundromats and dry-cleaning services
• Stores that principally sell supplies for children under five years
• Pet stores
• Car dealerships, but only for auto maintenance and repair, and auto mechanics
• Printing and office supply shops
• Mail and delivery stores
• Liquor stores

Added 3/24 as per administrative order No. 2020-5

• Mobile phone retail and repair shops
• Bicycle Shops, but only to provide service and repair
• Livestock Feed stores
• Nurseries and Garden Centers
• Farming Equipment Stores

All businesses or non-profits must accommodate their workforce for telework or work-from-home wherever practicable. To the extent that employees need to be on site, businesses should operate with the minimum number of on-site employees needed for critical operations to continue. Examples of such employees include cashiers or store clerks, construction workers, utility workers, repair workers, warehouse workers, lab researchers, IT maintenance workers, janitorial and custodial staff, and certain administrative staff.

Manufacturing, industrial, logistics, ports, heavy construction, shipping, food production, food delivery, and other commercial operations may continue to operate, but they should also limit staff on site to the minimal number needed for essential operations.

Medical facilities may continue to operate. Medical facilities include any facility where a sick or injured person is given care or treatment, such as: doctor’s offices, hospitals, dentist offices, long-term care facilities, and other medical offices.

Other Special Instances

Employees reporting to work are permitted to travel to and from their place of business. Businesses are encouraged to give each employee a letter indicating that the employee works in an industry permitted to continue operations.

Governor Murphy also signed Executive Order No. 108, which invalidates any county or municipal restriction that may conflict with Executive Order No. 107. This is effective at 9 p.m. on Saturday, March 21, 2020, as well. The only exceptions are two categories in which municipalities or counties may impose additional restrictions: 1) online marketplaces offering lodging; and 2) municipal or county parks.

If you believe your retail business is unique and should be considered an "essential business," it may be submitted to the State Director of Emergency Management, who is the Superintendent of State Police. The Director has the discretion to make additions, amendments, clarifications, exceptions, and exclusions to these lists. If your business falls into a category already exempted, or you are not a retail business, you do not need an exemption and should not pursue this option.

If any business is not following social distancing guidelines, you can report the business by contacting your Local Health Department, which you can identify with the Find Your Local Health Department tool. (Source: Business.NJ.gov)

2. Non-Exempt: Subject to Closure

Businesses considered non-essential and therefore, must cease operations as of 9:00 pm 3/21/2020 do not fit the definitions outlined in number 1. We are working in real time with the Governor’s office and state agencies and are waiting for the State's Waiver Form.  We will post it to this page as soon as it is available.  If you wish to seek a waiver when it is available, we will try to gather more guidance on your behalf.  You can also contact the state through the NJ Business Action Center for information about waivers: NJ Business Action Center

3. Classification Unclear

We are working in real time with the Governor’s office and state agencies, trying to gather more guidance relating to this. Please stay connected to this page.  We will update it as soon as we have more clarity.