Radio Garden State Exclusively Broadcasts NJ Gubernatorial Forum on Small Business, Equity, and Economic Growth

This past week, Radio Garden State was proud to serve as the exclusive broadcaster of the New Jersey Gubernatorial Forum on Small and Diverse Business, hosted live from NJIT in Newark by the New Jersey Diverse Business Advisory Council.

Seven of New Jersey’s leading gubernatorial candidates came together for a raw, candid, and at times fiery conversation about how to support small businesses, expand equity, and move the Garden State economy forward.

This wasn’t just politics — it was personal. Entrepreneurs from across the state were in the room asking questions directly, sharing real struggles, and calling for real change.

Streamed Live — Now Available On Demand

Radio Garden State was the only outlet broadcasting the entire event live, making it available to listeners across the state and beyond. If you missed it, the full recording is now available on the Greetings From the Garden State podcast — your go-to source for Jersey stories that matter.

🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts or head to greetingsfromthegardenstate.com.

What They Talked About:

• Governor Murphy’s Economic Council
  Should it stay or go? Candidates had very different answers. Some said it's ineffective. Others said it needs more small business voices at the table.

• Access to Capital
  Small business owners shared firsthand how difficult it is to get loans — especially in underserved communities. Investment banks, state support, and holding traditional banks accountable were all part of the conversation.

• Equity and Representation
  From veterans to LGBTQ+ to women- and minority-owned businesses, the current system is still leaving people out. Candidates debated how to fix it — or whether government should be involved at all.

• Cannabis in New Jersey
  Legal, but not equitable. Several candidates admitted the rollout has been a mess, and those it was supposed to help have often been left out.

• Workforce Development
  Apprenticeships, trade programs, and AI disruption were hot topics. Everyone agreed: the future workforce needs new tools and new paths, especially in underrepresented communities.

• Taxes and Paid Leave
  Small businesses paying the same as massive corporations? Many in the room said it’s unfair — and candidates weighed in on how (and whether) to fix it.

• Support for Niche and Seasonal Businesses
  Skateboarding lessons. Creative services. Programs for kids. These businesses don’t fit the mold — so how do we help them survive and thrive?

• Language Access
  With nearly half of NJ identifying as non-white or multiracial, language access in state services is a growing issue — and one some candidates said must be addressed.

• Veterans and the “364-Day Disconnect”
  The Veterans Chamber of Commerce posed a blunt question: “What will you do the other 364 days of the year?” The answers varied — but the message was clear: lip service isn’t enough.

Why This Matters

At Radio Garden State, we’re not just here for the music — we’re here for New Jersey. This exclusive broadcast is part of our commitment to amplifying local voices, local issues, and the stories shaping our state. Whether you're a small business owner, a voter, or just someone who cares about the future of NJ — this conversation matters.

Listen to the Full Forum

Catch the replay on the Greetings From the Garden State podcast now.
🎙️ greetingsfromthegardenstate.com

Special thanks to the New Jersey Diverse Business Advisory Council. Learn more about their work at diversechambers.com.