Running a small business in New Jersey means navigating high costs while trying to stay competitive. WalletHub recently ranked New Jersey among the most challenging states for small businesses in 2026. For many business owners, the combination of high costs and regulatory hurdles makes it harder to grow and serve customers.
At Jersey1st, we work closely with small businesses across the state and see firsthand how important digital tools have become. Digital advertising helps businesses connect with customers, compete effectively, and stretch every marketing dollar. It allows small businesses to reach the right people at the right time, while giving consumers useful, relevant information.
This isn’t just about business—it’s about New Jersey’s economy. Nearly all of New Jersey’s businesses—99.7%—are small, and nearly half the state’s jobs depend on them. Many rely on affordable digital tools to operate and grow. These tools help businesses stay rooted in their communities by supporting local jobs and giving consumers more choice in a competitive marketplace.
As policymakers consider new approaches to privacy and digital regulation, it’s important to keep those realities in mind. Small businesses need clear, workable rules that protect consumers without adding unnecessary red tape or cost.
A consistent federal privacy standard would help provide that clarity. It can support consumer trust while ensuring that small businesses in New Jersey can continue to use the tools they rely on every day. I encourage New Jersey’s leaders in Congress to continue working toward balanced solutions that protect consumers while supporting jobs and the digital tools that small businesses depend on.
This is an opportunity for our federal or state leaders to deliver a win for New Jersey small businesses!
— Rosemary Becchi, Founder and President of Jersey1st