TRENTON, N.J. – A bill aimed at supporting LGBTQ-owned businesses in New Jersey has made significant progress, passing an Assembly committee on Thursday. Sponsored by Assemblyman Don Guardian, the bill (A3330) seeks to authorize the state to certify businesses owned by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals, thereby making them eligible for certain state contracting initiatives.
This legislative move follows Governor Phil Murphy’s creation of an LGBTQ business certification program in May 2022. The Department of Treasury is tasked with certifying LGBTQ-owned businesses similarly to how it certifies minority and women-owned businesses within the state.
Assemblyman Guardian, representing Atlantic County, highlighted the bill’s importance in promoting diversity and economic opportunity for historically underrepresented groups. The certification program is designed to encourage LGBTQ entrepreneurs to establish and grow their businesses in New Jersey, enabling them to bid on state contracts that support job creation and economic activity.
To be eligible for certification, businesses must be solely owned by an LGBTQ+ individual or have at least 51% of ownership in partnerships, joint ventures, and corporations identifying as LGBTQ+. The program also includes a public vendor database to increase visibility and access for certified LGBTQ-owned businesses to contracting authorities across the state.