The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) is offering local companies up to $500,000 in grants if they re-assign New Jersey residents who are working in another state to a New Jersey location.

Known as NJ RISE, the $20 million pilot initiative is designed to incentivize employers to reassign New Jersey-resident employees currently working remotely from out‑of‑state back to in‑state offices.

Targeting businesses principally located in states like New York, Delaware, and Nebraska that apply New Jersey’s “convenience of the employer” payroll rule, the program offers grants tied directly to state income‑tax withholdings. NJ RISE aims to both retain employees in New Jersey and boost gross income tax revenue.

To qualify, companies must have at least 25 domestic full‑time employees, be in good standing with the NJ Departments of Labor and Environment, and submit their applications before July 1, 2028. Importantly, reassignments initiated before full application submission are not eligible for funding.

Applicants must also meet registration and standing requirements—including current tax clearance certificates and environmental compliance—all maintained throughout the grant disbursement process.

The program is now accepting applications on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted.

Interested businesses can apply here.