>> This week on NJ business beat.

>> it could mean cuts to service.

Really important train and bus service.

>> Advocates by two keep a business tax in place, lawmakers may give corporations a even bigger tax break soon.

>> All those rankings combined help New Jersey come in at number five spot.

>> Why New Jersey ranks among the best states for minorities to start and run a business.

>> We are trying to fight to be inclusive of veteran owned and military spouse owned businesses.

>> We talked to the veteran community about their contributions to the business world, the barriers they face when trying to start and own a business and how the government can better assist our bravest men and women.

That is ahead on NJ Business Beat.

♪ >> This is NJ Business Beat.

♪ >> Hello, I am Raven Santana.

Thanks for joining me on NJ Business Beat.

The state's largest businesses may be in line for some tax relief, a controversial plan to rewrite the states corporate tax code is moving through the legislature.

The 51 page bill includes dozens of changes to New Jersey's already complicated tax codes for his nieces.

It is being held by the Treasury Department and business groups as a way to make the state more competitive it is being held by the Treasury Department and business groups as a way to make the state more competitive.

A tax break for orbit Giants.

One of the biggest changes would allow the state to depart from the federal government and help -- how multicultural businesses is can shift into subsidiaries and tax havens overseas.

The bill has the backing of both the Murphy administration and the Democratic controlled legislature.

These tax rates are being weighed at the same time as the state prepares to sunset the corporate business tax surcharge.

Businesses have asked the state to follow through on its promise and let the surcharge and, but advocates say now is not the time to let crucial revenue go.

It could impact vital government services like NJ transit, which is already struggling financially.

Senior course bandit Brenda Flanagan spoke with advocates as they canvass a stations hoping to persuade the public to get lawmakers to continue the surcharge.

>> Activists are lobbying at New Jersey train station this week, handing out flyers that look like train tickets.

They warn if a surcharge on New Jersey's corporate business tax is allowed to expire at the end of this year, it will take about $1 billion out of the states revenue stream.

That could potentially drive up transit fares, which is's commuters.

>> The consumers are paying enough as it is for everything.

With inflation going on and the prices of everything, gas, food, for a lot of people it is going to be hard to absorb.

>> It should not be on us at this point.

We already are forced to go into work, adding cost to that commute makes life more difficult.

>> A coalition of progressive advocates wants to extend New Jersey's temporary 2.5% corporate tax surcharge on companies that make more than $1 million a year.

They argue that money could benefit several public needs, including the beleaguered transit agency.

>> New Jersey transit is facing $1 billion deficit, that will mean fair hikes for transit riders across the state.

It could also mean cuts to service, really important train and bus service and New Jersey has the tools in its toolbox to fill that deficit by continuing to make wealthy corporations pay their fair share.

>> To say we cannot and Ford -- afford to invest in transportation, if we do not have the highest corporate tax and the entire nation by a very wide margin I think is disingenuous.

>> New Jersey's business and industry Association claims the surcharge pushes the states corporate business tax up to 11.5%, the nation's highest.

That discourages major corporations.

>> We do not want to do anything that makes it less likely major corporations choose to continue here or increase their investments and in jeopardy should hear.

>> Advocates have called for a dedicated funding source to keep NJ transit from going off the budget rails.

Could this tax surcharge help?

>> It is not so simple as saying that NJ transit will suffer losses because the Corporation business tax policy is changing.

It does not work in such a direct way.

>> Our budget and finance reporter explains tax surcharge revenues go into the states general fund.

Some of that money does subsidize NJ transit, which faces a deep fiscal cliff when federal pandemic eight starts running out in 2025.

It is a tenuous connection.

>> This was always supposed to be a temporary surcharge.

It was extended one time beyond and earlier sunset date.

>> Governor Murphy stiffly resisted efforts for a second extension.

Lobbyists will keep trying to change his mind.

Raven: U.S. inflation numbers are finally cooling, but it is not where the Fed wants to be.

Data out this week from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows the consumer price index is now sitting at 4%, the lowest annual rate in more than two years and down by more than half from last year's peak in June and it hovered at 9%.

The report also shows some of the sky high food prices or items like eggs are dropping significant length.

Food prices were up .2% month over month.

Gas saw a significant price decrease, dropping more than 5%.

Housing costs increased by about .5% over the last month.

>> Inflation was something we consistently heard from our members as something that was an impediment to businesses, especially small businesses.

I think it is good news, maybe we can get into a time where the economy starts to calm down a little and gets back to a more predictable economy that we have seen in recent years.

I think the Fed has taken measured responses to try and slow inflation and inflation is something that does hurt the business community and a lot of families in New Jersey.

Raven: As the TV and film industry grows in the state, South Jersey is pushing to make itself a premier destination for productions by launching its own film office cooperative and other resources to attract filmmakers.

Leaders from the area recently touted the big names they have pulled in and the ones they are hoping to get as they show up the southern half of the garden state has to offer.

Marissa reports on New Jersey's entertainment push.

>> M. Night Shyamalan has got a chance to see his work again when his latest film, knock at the cabin, hit the big screen this year.

What some moviegoers might not realize is it was shot in South Jersey.

>> it is a real cabin that was built in tabernacle, New Jersey.

Midnight shamble on -- >> Film industry advocates are hoping more production companies will want to bring the project to the southern part of the state.

Steve garlic, Executive Director for the New Jersey motion picture commission highlighting a few upcoming projects during the southern New Jersey development Council's annual construction forecast at Stockton University.

>> The high energy picture called King primarily filmed and broadcast her counties will have a premier screening in Camden this month for it airs on PET this summer, BT plus, that was filmed here.

So fly Christmas with -- just wrapped in Atlantic City.

Rachel's revenge just wrapped weeks ago in Cinnaminson.

>> Movies work.

They have entertained this nation through depressions, through good times and bad times.

New Jersey's always Haddock plants --always had a place.

>> Applauding the states film credit incentive program which would apply tracks -- tax credits.

>> we support a lot of people about one to be in this business, that get educated in places like this to be part of it, whether it be writing, they have to go elsewhere to work.

This gives us a chance to keep talented people closer to home, not have to travel.

>> Camden County commissioner saying the industry is a huge win for the community.

>> We have seen hotel rooms rented, restaurants full.

>> The growth of the filming industry also means more jobs, making the garden state a great place for setting up shop.

>> And 2017 revenue from film and television production in New Jersey stood at about $67 million a year.

Last year, which was a record year, annual revenue rose to over $700 million.

We had well over 1001 hundred 70 shooting days in the state last year and 14,000 jobs were created.

>> Assemblywoman Carolyn Murphy believes there should be more done to make sure South Jersey gets as much recognition as northern parts of the date.

>> There is just so much down here and so much rich, just rich with I do not know how else to ask plane it other than -- explain it, there is so much country down here.

This is why I had said this in the studio, there is so much a studio can do down here, use for so many sceneries, pictures, things they need.

As we start getting deeper into South Jersey, studio would fit nicely there because of the property that is available.

The farms, understanding the true life of what New Jersey brings.

When we say garden state, you get the full flavor of what garden state means.

>> Film advocates hope will continue to florist, making New Jersey a mainstream filming destination for years to come.

Raven: Throughout the season on NJ business beat we have highlighted the many challenges facing minority entrepreneurs and workers.

From access to capital and mentor ship, many minority struggled to get support they need to do up businesses.

New research this week says New Jersey is the best state in the country for minority entrepreneurs to invest.

It ranks New Jersey as the fifth best in the nation followed by Maryland and Hawaii.

I spoke to the vice president of communications at -- about the factors that led to New Jersey's high rank.

Welcome to Biz beat.

>> Thank you for having me.

Raven: Let's talk about this study.

Lynn deal found New Jersey is the fifth best state for minority entrepreneurs.

What are other interesting findings?

>> What we did is we looked at all 50 states and the Washington, D.C. area to identify the best states for minority entrepreneurs.

New Jersey came in number five overall.

What we found in the state of New Jersey, 24% of businesses are minority owned businesses.

31% of businesses started in the last two years are owned by minorities.

In New Jersey, saw a 1.7% increase in community advantage loans.

All of those rankings combined really help New Jersey come in at that number five spot.

Raven: What was the worst state?

>> Montana came in at number 51.

We have recommendations on our website on why we published this study, why we want to see or share this data.

Everybody has an opportunity to improve.

Raven: Which leads me to my next question.

Tell me how your company was able to come across this data.

>> Absolutely.

We analyzed seven metrics to determine the best and worst states for minority entrepreneurs.

We took into account factors like small business loans, business ownership rates and overall quality.

Raven: Why is New Jersey in the top five when it comes to minority entrepreneurs?

>> It is those data points we looked at around the number of minority owned businesses.

Of the new businesses started in the past two years, how many were minority owned?

The loan approval rate for those community advantage loans.

In New Jersey, that is where we saw an increase their.

Raven: What is New Jersey doing right for minority entrepreneurs?

>> New Jersey has a growing number of minority owned businesses and above average access to capital.

When we look at all 50 states plus Washington, D.C., New Jersey short -- scored well in those metrics.

We looked at ETA from the SBA, the census and a number of other publicly available data to compile it all.

A wide breadth of data.

Raven: Does location have anything to do with it?

just wondering.

>> In our overall rankings, we found larger states, as well as mid-Atlantic states tended to higher on the list in general.

Raven: Interesting.

Jane, thank you for joining me.

Another example of what Jersey is doing to support minority entrepreneurs.

>> thank you for having me.

Raven: our countries veterans experience many of the same challenges minorities face when trying to start a business.

The government has a number of programs in place to support that are in business owners, but many veterans say accessing federal support as well as state and local programs can prove difficult.

This week, we are highlighting contributions of the veterans of the business community and talking to community leaders about the barriers they face when trying to launch a business.

According to the Census Bureau, veterans own about 321,000 businesses in the U.S. or about 5.5% of all businesses.

They account for more than $926 billion in sales and economic activity and employ more than 3.5 million people.

Veteran owned businesses have a collective payroll of $176 billion.

In a survey by Syracuse University, veterans made it clear there are a number of obstacles they still face when trying to find the financial support to start a business.

49% said they lack access to capital and 47% say they struggle to access federal funding because of government Iraq receipt.

Overall, 47% feel they do not get enough government support for their business but starting a business can be a major part of transitioning from military to civilian life.

56% said starting a business help them find a purpose after the military.

47% said being an entrepreneur aid the transition easier.

According to a report by the New Jersey veterans Chamber of Commerce, the garden state ranks at the bottom when it comes to supporting veterans in starting and maintaining businesses.

I spoke with the founder and CEO of the New Jersey state veterans Chamber of Commerce about the report and what the state needs to do to assist veterans in the business community.

Thanks for joining me on Biz beat.

>> it is always a pleasure to join you.

Thank you.

Raven: I love the topic we are discussing.

I know your goal is to make business more equitable for veterans.

What are the biggest challenges facing veterans and service disabled veterans when it comes to owning businesses in New Jersey?

>> In New Jersey, there are several hundred veteran owned businesses and service disabled veteran owned businesses.

There is a law and the books in New Jersey that states that 3% of all state contracts are to be set aside for disabled veteran owned businesses.

There is no specific contract opportunities for veteran owned businesses as of yet.

We are trying to fight to be inclusive of veteran -- veteran owned and military spouse businesses.

We try to increase procurement opportunities through events at the New Jersey state veterans Chamber of Commerce to help veteran entrepreneurs meet the right people, to get contracts.

That 3% set-aside has been public law since 2015.

Last year, the state announced they spent 0.005% with disabled veteran businesses.

We are well below where we need to, but good news is, the state is finally tracking the data.

We have a baseline in which to move forward from and improve.

Raven: I have to be honest, a little disappointing.

Do you think the state is doing enough to help our veterans businesses?

>> I personally do not think they are doing enough.

We wrote a white paper last year to give them a pathway of ways they can step up to the plate to be more inclusive and fair to veterans and disabled veteran owned businesses.

We are hoping the state will implement some of the suggestions we wrote in the white paper.

My hope is moving forward that the state really believes and adheres to their commitment to supporting the veterans community.

Raven: you said that you brought up suggestions.

Can you highlight one or two that you would like to see?

>> Yeah, absolutely.

Number one, New York State as opposed to New Jersey, has a 6% service disabled veteran business goal.

We would like to see New Jersey replicate 6% set-aside.

Last year, New York State awarded over $200 million to disabled veteran owned businesses compared to less than $30 million to disabled veteran businesses in New Jersey.

New York has a robust program.

We would like to see the state adapt to adopt that program.

There are other things.

Legislation would drop the number of bidders from three to two every other state and the federal government.

Right now, New Jersey has three bidders so it is tough to find disabled veteran owned businesses that have three qualified bidders in any one category.

Raven: Right.

What is the veterans chamber doing to push the state in the right direction?

>> We routinely have meetings with lawmakers.

We have meetings with treasury.

Joanne, the chief of staff at treasury, has stepped up and done a lot of work to apply resources to help the veterans community.

We are very thankful for her and her efforts to do that.

There is still a lot more work to be done.

We continue to fight for the veterans community.

We just want to be more inclusive.

We want opportunity, we do not want a handout.

Raven: Opportunity, not a handout.

Thank you for joining me on Biz beat.

>> Always great to see you.

Raven: Networking and mentor ship is important in any industry, but it is especially important for minorities and veterans who often struggle to find that support.

We want to introduce you to a military veteran and Army serve Colonel who is not only a business owner, but also makes it his mission to employ and mentor fellow veterans.

I spoke with Antonio Martinez, President and CEO of Renaissance global services, about how he pays it forward.

Thank you for joining me on Biz beat.

>> Thank you for having me, pleasure being here.

Raven: First and foremost, I want to thank you for your service.

>> Appreciate that.

Raven: What I love most about your story is that it is different.

What I mean by that is, I truly think there is this assumption that for those who have served, after they are done serving, they automatically go into law enforcement or maybe into security area type of work.

So, you are an example that is not the only option.

I would really like to talk about that journey, because he went from a senior vice president of Citigroup to intern owning a business that was previously owned by a veteran.

>> Absolutely.

That is a pretty common this conception.

The fact is, people in the military, once they leave the military or are reservists of the military, they go to all types of career paths after they leave the military.

While there are people in law enforcement and people that do firefighting jobs, there are a huge number of people that come out of the military and start their own businesses, that go into corporate America.

If you look at some CEOs of prominent come Panisse today, a lot are former military.

What they carry through from the military into the business sector sets them apart.

Raven: Despite that experience, and despite them being excellent candidates for a lot of these different positions, we know there are challenges.

Talk about your journey.

>> I have been fortunate in my career.

I started as a civil engineer.

After 9/11, I stayed on active duty for about 10 years.

When I decided to go back to the workforce, the opportunity at city presented itself.

Citigroup was a great company.

I worked on a great team.

When the opportunity to work at Renaissance global services and take over as the president and CEO presented itself, I could not pass it up because it was a better opportunity.

I took that opportunity.

The company is a disabled veteran service owned.

Three of us are veteran owners, that is why we have the service disabled veteran owned designation.

Raven: There are challenges, especially for veterans who want to own businesses.

Working so closely with a team that have not only been in that position, but are also creating opportunities and spaces for those veterans, tell me what that is like.

What are you hearing are the barriers?

What do you want to see change?

>> There is a lot of challenges.

We have the same challenges any business has.

How do you succeed in any line of business?

We have the same thing any nonveteran business has.

What is difficult for us is we do not get the same opportunities as a veteran owned business than other disadvantaged businesses do.

Raven: why so?

>> I do not think it is enforced.

It is not a priority at the state level or anywhere else.

For example as a minority business or a eight a business, there are certain set-asides and requirements the state mandates people have to meet.

While there are requirements for veteran owned businesses at the state level, they are not enforced and not as tightly controlled as they are.

There are a lot of opportunities there that veteran owned businesses miss.

Aside from that, in our perspective, we have been lucky.

It is only a small portion of the work we do is contracting work for public entities.

While we rely on certification to get our foot in the door, at the end of the day, it is the service we provide and our expertise that builds us the work.

The biggest challenge is not relying on that certification, but relying on the service you provide and being confident you can do that work.

Raven: Tell me a little bit about, especially for veterans that may be listening, how many do you employ?

For anyone who is interested.

>> We strive to hire veterans.

If there is a qualified veteran, we will hire a veteran over a nonveteran.

The issue is finding qualified veterans.

For the line of business we do, it is highly specialized, highly technical.

Despite that, right now 25% of our workforce are military veterans.

Raven: What do you think needs to be done to really help support, guide veterans who not only one to own businesses but also may want to work at them or work at trying to create a business?

>> Right now, there is a lot of things being done that are pretty good.

The Department of Defense has a program called skill bridge, where they allow veterans that are transitioning out of the military to work at civilian companies as an intern while they continue to get military pay.

They can earn civilian skills and move on from there.

Those kinds of programs, if we can translate that to the civilian sector and have some companies do that, this opens up a lot of doors for our veterans.

Following the model of what the Department of Defense is doing on the civilian side would be a good step forward.

Raven: Thank you so much.

You are a great example of not just talking the talk, but walking the walk and improving the lives of veterans and their chances at being able to own a business and being a great example of that.

Thank you for joining me.

>> Appreciate being there.

Raven: Remember to subscribe to our NJ spotlight news YouTube channel to be alerted when we post new episodes and clips.

Next week, we highlight the states report in the agricultural industry including how fresh produce makes it to New Jersey schools.

Thanks for watching.

We will see you next weekend.

♪