The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) has announced that it will begin accepting applications for the Small Business Liquor License Grant Program on October 29, 2025. The program is designed to support small businesses and nonprofits by providing up to $100,000 in grant funding to those that have purchased an inactive plenary retail consumption liquor license within the last year.
According to the NJEDA, this initiative is part of Governor Phil Murphy’s effort to reform outdated liquor license laws in the state. The program aims to help reactivate more than 1,300 currently unused licenses. The total funding available for the grants is $10 million.
“Forty percent of grant funding will be reserved for applicant businesses located in eligible Opportunity Zone census tracts,” according to the NJEDA. Eligible applicants must own a previously inactive Class C Plenary Retail Consumption License, with a purchase date within 12 months before applying. The New Jersey Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) will determine if a license qualifies as previously inactive.
Applications open at 10:00 a.m. on October 29, 2025. More information about eligibility requirements and how to apply can be found on the NJEDA website.
