The Borough of Swedesboro and the Economic Development Committee are dedicated to the success of any new business that wants to open in our town. The EDC offers the following checklist for your consideration in starting or relocating your business here. There are a number of ways we can help you, including assistance with permits and licenses from the Borough, business networking and collaboration on marketing and promotional efforts. If there is anything not covered here or you have more specific questions, please contact us at (856) 467-0202 or click here.

Building Construction

1. Prior to choosing a building check zoning and code compliance. The borough zoning director can help. To ensure the facilities meet safety standards, the building inspector will probably consult the fire department.
2. Obtain a Certificate of Occupancy from the construction official.
3. If modifications are required, obtain the proper permits to complete any remodeling. Ask the borough construction official.
4. If the business is food related check with the County Health Department for additional requirements.
5. Check with your insurance carrier to arrange for necessary coverage.
6. See Planning and Zoning Department in Borough Hall for sign permits
7. Contact the utilities to have electricity and gas, if needed, turned on.

Business Start-up

1. Obtain a federal employee ID number first if you are not going to use your Social Security Number to report on your taxes. This will be mostly determined by how you legally choose to form your business and would usually involve your accountants input and recommendations. This number should be handy when applying for other permits. You can get an application at the County Clerks Office.
2. Register with the post office for mail service.
3. Select a bank and order your checks. Don’t forget check stamps and deposit forms.
4. Apply for a New Jersey sales tax permit.
5. Obtain business licenses from both the borough and county.
6. Have a business plan and mission. If you are not experienced in forming one yourself, there are many books on the subject and you may also be eligible for consulting from you local Small Business Association chapter (see important contacts section at the end of this section).

Marketing and Promotions

1. Contact the EDC and other local business organizations to announce your opening.
2. Schedule a ribbon cutting ceremony.
3. Investigate and invest in advertising. Be sure to plan these efforts early and make sure it is a continuous endeavor.
4. Promote your store with an engaging website and social media planning.

After You’ve Opened

1. Keep the Borough and the EDC informed of all events and press about your store so information can be placed on the Borough’s website. It’s easy to do through the contact form found here http://www.historicswedesboro.com/news-from-swedesboro/submit-your-news/
2. Stay abreast of retail and restaurant trends, attend seminars in your industry and always keep your business evolving with your customers. Continuously engage them and maintain and relationship that shows how interested you are in them and their business.

Important Numbers and links

For Great Trips and Tracks as an Entrepreneur

Borough of Swedesboro

1500 Kings Highway
Swedesboro, NJ 08085
Tel: (856) 467-0202
Fax: (856) 467-5767

Swedesboro Economic Development Committee (EDC)

Diane Hale, Councilwoman
Phone: (856) 467-0202
Click here to contact via e-mail.

Zoning and Planning Officer

Robert Schmid
Phone: (856) 467-0348
Click here to contact via e-mail.

Borough Clerk

Lois Elder
Tel: (856) 467-0202
Fax: (856) 467-5767
Click here to contact via e-mail.

Fire Department

Woolwich Township Fire Department
1517 Kings Highway
Woolwich Township, NJ 08085
Phone: (856) 467-2195

Police Department

Woolwich Township Police Department
120 Village Green Drive
Woolwich Township, NJ 08085
Phone: (856) 467-1667

Gloucester County

2 South Broad Street
PO Box 337
Woodbury, NJ 08096
Phone: (856) 384-6900
8:00am – 4:30pm M-F
http://www.co.gloucester.nj.us

Lisa J. Morina
Director – Business & Economic Development
(856) 384-6930
lmorina@co.gloucester.nj.us

Tom Bianco
Executive Director – Workforce Investment Board
(856) 384-6951
tbianco@co.gloucester.nj.us

E. Christina Moran
Division Head – Housing & Community Development
(856) 384-6867
cmoran@co.gloucester.nj.us

Michelle Shirey
Division Head – Business Development & Tourism
(856) 384-6902
mgiuliani@co.gloucester.nj.us

State of New Jersey Business Website

www.nj.gov/njbusiness

Local Business Organizations and Chambers of Commerce

Greater Swedesboro Business Association
www.greatersba.org

Gloucester County Chamber of Commerce
www.gloucestercountychamber.com