Special Forum: NJ Gubernatorial Candidates Talk Business, Equity & The Future
In this special edition of Greetings From the Garden State, host Mike Ham broadcasts live from NJIT for a groundbreaking gubernatorial candidate forum presented by the New Jersey Diverse Business Advisory Council. Seven of the nine candidates vying to be New Jersey’s next governor sit down to address some of the most pressing issues facing small businesses and diverse communities across the state.
This candid and, at times, fiery conversation covers a wide range of topics including:
The future of Governor Murphy’s economic council
Access to capital for small and minority-owned businesses
The rollout and regulation of New Jersey’s cannabis industry
Diversity in procurement, hiring, and state-funded programs
Workforce development and trade education in underserved communities
Language access, DEI, and inclusion in state policy
Family leave and tax burdens on small business owners
Equity for niche, seasonal, and youth-oriented businesses
The “364-Day Disconnect” experienced by veteran-owned businesses
Throughout the forum, candidates challenge each other, offer unique perspectives on what government should (or shouldn’t) do, and make their case for why they’re best suited to lead New Jersey into the future.
🎤 Notable Voices:
Mayor Ras Baraka (Newark)
Senator Jon Bramnick
Jack Ciattarelli
Steven Fulop
Bill Spadea
Sean Spiller
Steve Sweeney
With commentary and moderation by Elisa Charters and other members of the Diverse Business Advisory Council
🌐 Resources & Links:
Learn more about the New Jersey Diverse Business Advisory Council and their mission to empower minority-, women-, veteran-, and LGBTQ+-owned businesses across the Garden State: diversechambers.com
