East Orange UEZ Workshop Makes Compliance Clear and Achievable for Local Entrepreneurs
Jersey Desk/10297775

EAST ORANGE, N.J. - JerseyDesk -- This evening, local entrepreneurs packed the second-floor meeting room of the East Orange Public Library for Session 4 of the City of East Orange's Professional Development Workshop Series, titled "Compliance Made Easy – A Roadmap for Success."

This session gave small business owners the knowledge and tools they need to unlock valuable state and local resources—tied to the Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) Program.

The UEZ Program, administered by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, was established to stimulate economic growth in designated urban communities. Businesses certified in the UEZ enjoy a wide range of benefits, including:

• Reduced sales tax (currently 3.3125%) on eligible purchases
• Tax credits for hiring local employees
• Eligibility for special UEZ grant and loan programs
• Priority consideration for other state and municipal contracts and incentives

Workshop participants received direct guidance on:

• NJ State Tax Compliance
• UEZ-specific requirements for certification
• How to complete the paper version of the UEZ application to simplify and prepare for the online Premier Business Services (PBS) submission process

A highlight of the evening was the guest appearance by Mitchell Williams, President & CEO of Williams & White Agency—the first business to achieve UEZ certification during the inaugural cohort of the Professional Development Series.

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"Start early and get your documents ready," Williams told the group. "You'll save time and reduce stress by gathering everything you need before jumping into the online portal. The process becomes much smoother when you prepare up front."

Anna D. Banks, lead facilitator of the workshop and Founder of Thrive Leadership Institute, emphasized the empowerment that comes from understanding compliance:

"When small businesses understand the rules of the game, they're better positioned to win. This session was about making compliance less intimidating and more empowering. It's not just paperwork — it's a pathway to funding, growth, and long-term success."

Mark Cheatam, Economic Development Manager for the City of East Orange's Department of Policy, Planning and Development, added:

"Workshops like these are vital to our UEZ mission. We're not just handing out information — we're building capacity. East Orange is here to ensure that every business has the tools, knowledge, and support to thrive."

This session is part of a 9-week Professional Development Workshop Series sponsored by Mayor Ted R. Green, the East Orange City Council, and the Department of Policy, Planning and Development, designed to build up East Orange's small business ecosystem—especially those operating within the Urban Enterprise Zone.

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Business owners interested in learning more about UEZ certification, Premier Business Services registration, or upcoming workshops can contact the Department of Policy, Planning and Development or visit www.nj.gov/dca/affiliates/uez for more information.