Incentives aren’t a strategy; they’re a tool. The question is whether New York’s programs align with what you’re already planning to do—hire people, invest in equipment or space, upskill your team. Here’s how we approach it with clients.
How We Screen Opportunities (Fast)
- Business model fit: Do the rules reward what you actually do?
- Scale & timing: Are you hiring or investing within the program window?
- Location factors: Some benefits are geography-sensitive.
- Admin reality: Can your team handle reporting? Will you appoint an owner internally?
If we can’t say “yes” to those, we don’t chase it.
Typical Buckets You’ll See in NJ
- Job creation/retention credits for net new employees.
- Real estate & redevelopment support for projects that activate sites.
- Training & upskilling reimbursements or support.
- Sector-specific boosts (manufacturing, film/TV, innovation) from time to time.
We map these to your headcount plan, lease timeline, and capex schedule—then decide.
The Part No One Mentions: Keeping the Award
You’ll sign agreements with clawback clauses and reports. Miss a milestone or deadline, and benefits can shrink or be rescinded. We put a compliance calendar in writing, name an internal owner, and check quarterly. Boring? Yes. Effective? Absolutely.
What We Tell Clients Upfront
- Don’t hire people for a credit you might get.
- Don’t stretch your lease footprint just to qualify.
- Stackables are real sometimes—but confirm rules in writing.
- Start early. Many programs require pre-approval before action.
FAQs
Are incentives guaranteed? No. They’re application-based and often competitive.
Do small businesses actually win? Yes—when the plan is tight and the paperwork is clean.
Can you do it for us? We can lead or co-pilot. We’ll be honest if it’s not worth the chase.
CTA: If you want a 20-minute “fit check” on incentives before you spend weeks chasing them, we’ll run the screen and give you a pass/focus decision.