Business Development Services

Newark Urban Enterprise Zone

UEZ Information

The Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) Program was created to foster an economic climate to revitalize designated urban communities and stimulate their growth by encouraging businesses to develop and create private sector jobs through public and private investment. Certified commercial businesses within the Newark UEZ district can benefit from UEZ incentives. With every dollar spent at eligible Newark UEZ businesses, 3.3125% of the sales tax collected is invested back into the local community through special projects. These reinvestment projects may include:

  •  Business Loans
  •  Facade & Signage Grants
  • Special Events
  • Business Recruitment and Retention Initiatives
  • Streetscape Maintenance & Improvements

In Newark, the UEZ is administered by Invest Newark.

Featured Projects

Newark Retail Reactivation Initiative
A comprehensive initiative to revitalize Newark’s retail corridors and support local businesses, the City of Newark and Invest Newark have pledged $2.3 million in funding for eight retail businesses as part of a new Retail Reactivation Initiative to increase the number of amenities in Newark’s Arts & Education District.

UEZ 5-Year Plan

UEZ RESOURCES

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Urban Enterprise Zone?

An Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) is a designated area where businesses can qualify for tax incentives and other benefits to encourage economic growth and development.

What benefits do businesses receive in the UEZ?

Certain certified UEZ businesses can charge their customers 3.3125% sales tax, providing a competitive edge to registered businesses, and benefit from tax-free purchases on capital equipment, facilities expansions, upgrades and certain personal property. Member businesses can also take advantage of the various business assistance programs offered by the City’s UEZ office.

How do I apply for UEZ certification?

Before registering, please review the following questions to ensure your business qualifies.

Q: Is your business physically located within the UEZ boundaries?
Businesses are only eligible for the UEZ program if you fall within the boundary map. PO Boxes and addresses to any Shipping/Mail Centers (like UPS Store or Fedex) are not physical locations of your business. You can check if your business falls within the boundary MAP HERE or if you have trouble with the search map – please give us a call and we’d be happy to check for you.

Q: Do you have a federal tax ID number?
(Commonly referred to as an EIN or FEIN number)

Q: Does your business have an NJ Business Registration Certificate (NJBRC)?
This is different from forming a business in New Jersey. To register for an NJBRC, please visit the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services here. If you need help registering, please give us a call and we would be happy to set up an appointment to assist you. Please make sure that when you register for an NJBRC, you use the physical address of the business.

Q: Is your business in tax compliance with the State of New Jersey?
Have you been consistently filing your quarterly business taxes and corporate annual reports? Do you (or your accountant/bookkeeper) have a MyNJ username and password for the business? If not, do not worry; during the UEZ application process we can assist you in creating one.

You qualify? Great! Here are your next steps.
1.  Create or login to a NJ Premier Business Services (PBS) account & add your business. PBS Instructions Link.
3. Click on the “Urban Enterprise Zone” when selecting a Service Center in PBS.
4.  Complete and submit the UEZ Certification Application
5.  For more info: New Jersey Urban Enterprise Zone Program | (877) 913-6837 | [email protected]

 

Schedule An Appointment to Get UEZ Certified

How long does UEZ certification last?

Your original UEZ certification is valid for three years. Businesses must recertify to maintain their benefits and participation in the program. The recertification form is mailed to you about a month before your certification period is up. Annual reports are due every year on the date of the original certification.

Current Initiatives

Newark UEZ Façade Improvement Pilot Program

The Newark Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) is investing in our local business community with the Façade Improvement Pilot Program. This initiative helps small businesses in the West Ward and South Ward upgrade their storefronts, making them more inviting, visible, and accessible.

This grant focuses solely on South Ward businesses within the South Ward Special Improvement District and the UEZ area, and West Ward businesses within the UEZ area on Orange St between 1st St and Roseville Ave and South Orange Ave between Bergen St and Dover St.

While the current program is focused on the West Ward and South Ward, businesses in other Newark neighborhoods will have opportunities to participate soon. Stay tuned for updates!

Available Funding

  • West Ward: Grants up to $10,000
  • South Ward: Grants up to $10,000 and forgivable loans up to $20,000

Eligible Improvements

Funding can be used for a wide range of exterior upgrades, including:

  • Painting and exterior repairs
  • New signage and lighting
  • Windows and door replacements
  • Awnings and façade enhancements
  • Safety and ADA accessibility upgrades
  • Full exterior renovations

Why Apply?

Improving your storefront not only enhances your business but also strengthens the entire community. The program is designed to:

  • Encourage visual improvements of storefronts
  • Reduce vacancies in commercial corridors
  • Improve public safety for shoppers and pedestrians
  • Support Newark’s small businesses and local economy

How to Apply

Applications are accepted on a rolling, first-come, first-served basis until funds are fully allocated.

Here’s What You’ll Need to Apply

Checklist:

  • Current Urban Enterprise Zone Certificate
  • Color photographs of the façade to be improved in it’s current condition
  • Plans, specifications, concept sketches, and narrative of proposed improvements
  • Detailed budget and three cost estimates from licensed contractors, including name, address, business license number and phone number
  • Proof of Fire and Extended Insurance Coverage for Building and Property, as well as Flood Insurance (if applicable, dependent of Permit Office)
  • Copy of Deed or Tax Bill (property owners only)
  • Valid Zoning Permit (if required)
  • Facade/Signage Permit from the City of Newark
  • If leased property, a signed statement of permission for the proposed improvements, signed by the owner of record
  • Copy of lease agreement (if tenant is applying)
  • Documentation that Municipal Taxes and Water Bills are up to date
  • Copy of Business License, Insurance and Lease (Business owners only)
  • Copy of the Business Registration Certificate (BRC) of the applicant
  • Completed W-9 Form in the name of the applicant
  • Two years of filed federal tax returns for the entity
  • City of Newark Business Certificate (if applicable for business)

Eligible Areas

West Ward Facade Program Map

Orange St.
View PDF Here

West Ward Facade Program Map

South Orange Ave.
View PDF Here

Newark South Ward Existing UEZ Boundary Map

View PDF Here

Via Network

Via Newark is the city’s on-demand weekend transportation service. Book a ride from your phone and get picked up at a corner near you—anytime, anywhere. It’s a convenient, flexible way to get around and make the most of your weekend plans.

Have Questions? Ask the UEZ Coordinator
Andrea Cozier McLean
[email protected]