Governor-Elect Sherrill,

In approximately 154 days, the world will descend on New Jersey for the largest sporting event on the planet—the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Early projections estimate more than $4 billion in economic impact for the New York–New Jersey region. With matches also being played nearby in Philadelphia, this moment presents an unprecedented opportunity to uplift New Jersey’s small and diverse business community and ensure they benefit from the millions of visitors coming to our state.

Unfortunately, recent history gives small businesses reason for concern.

When the Super Bowl came to New Jersey, there was widespread discussion about the millions of dollars that would flow into the local economy. Yet when the dust settled, only one diverse small business received a $10,000 contract, while hundreds of millions of dollars went to global corporations already positioned to profit. That experience has shaped our work over the last three years.

A broad coalition of New Jersey chambers and business organizations has been educating, preparing, and resourcing small businesses so they can market their products and services during the World Cup. We fully understand that global partners have paid millions to participate in this tournament, expecting — and receiving — extraordinary returns on their investments. Small businesses deserve a fair opportunity to participate as well.

For this reason, we respectfully urge you to create a 2026 Small Business Commission as part of the World Cup Transition Team. This commission should begin work immediately to address what must be done in the coming weeks to prepare the nearly 850,000 businesses that call New Jersey home, pay taxes here, and help fund the infrastructure the world will soon enjoy.

Our organizations have supported more than 10,000 businesses over the past three years. With state backing, within 60 days we could reach an additional 15,000 businesses, while also engaging municipalities that fall within the path of World Cup activity to coordinate preparation and maximize local economic impact.

The NY–NJ World Cup Host Committee has been a valuable partner and an essential source of information. We have worked closely with them to coordinate events, information sessions, and resources. However, the Host Committee’s mandate rightly focuses on four pillars: stadium operations, the FIFA Fan Festival, security, and transportation. The visible construction across the region—from the Hoboken Bus Terminal to the Turnpike, MetLife Stadium, pedestrian bridges, and Secaucus Junction—reflects the scale of that

work. What it does not allow is sufficient bandwidth to serve the hundreds of thousands of small businesses statewide.

That responsibility has fallen to New Jersey’s chambers of commerce. We have proven that chambers are the most effective, trusted, and efficient vehicles for reaching small businesses and delivering actionable information. With state partnership, this effort can scale quickly and equitably.

On July 20, 2026, when corporations toast millions and billions in profits, New Jersey small businesses should have the opportunity to celebrate meaningful gains of their own. That outcome will not happen by chance—it will only happen with leadership.

Governor-Elect Sherrill, we ask you to stand with New Jersey’s small businesses. Create the 2026 Small Business Commission and ensure this once-in-a-generation opportunity benefits all who call our state home.

Respectfully,

Gus Penaranda