Looking ahead: New Jersey business leaders weigh in on 2026

The basics:

• NJBIZ surveyed executives statewide about expectations for 2026
• Many respondents remain optimistic due to recent strategic moves
• AI seen as a major emerging influence on business

The next 12 months are likely to be … interesting. A new administration is taking over in Trenton. Geopolitical uncertainty is likely to continue and perhaps intensify. Trade issues persist, clouding the outlook for many industries. The direction of the Federal Reserve on interest rates is up in the air. Midterm elections this fall could bring even more upheaval. Given all of that, the NJBIZ editorial staff wanted to get a sense for how New Jersey business leaders are approaching 2026. So, we asked.

We sent a list of questions to some prominent executives and business owners in a variety of industries. We were pleasantly surprised at the response – too many insightful answers to publish here. So, we chose the 10 questions that elicited the most responses, which itself shows what’s on the minds of business leaders around the state. Those questions and answers are presented below.

But all of the questions we asked produced some interesting answers. For example, while more respondents were willing to tell us whether they were optimistic about economic growth in 2026, fewer shared their thoughts on their own businesses. But some did, and they were bullish on their prospects, in large measure because of actions they’ve taken in recent months.

“I am a partner at FBT Gibbons, the recently merged firm formed by Newark-based Gibbons PC and the national firm Frost Brown Todd,” wrote Christine Amalfe, who is also the president of the New Jersey State Bar Association. “The firms officially combined in early January and now comprise approximately 800 attorneys across 25 offices nationwide, serving clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to high-growth and mid-market businesses. With the firm’s expanded footprint in New Jersey and across the country, the deeper bench provided by an 800-lawyer firm and the greater resources available to a larger firm, I am really optimistic about the enhanced capabilities and new opportunities and capabilities we can deliver for our clients.”

That makes sense. Other respondents were confident because they believe the plans they’ve put in place will stand them in good stead.

“[W]e plan on opening six more partnership stores in 2026,” wrote Sam Brill, the CEO of cannabis retailer Ascend Wellness Holdings. “Our focus moving forward will be on disciplined growth, improving retail performance, and strengthening loyalty, which has driven solid customer engagement and positions us well for the year ahead.”

AI, of course

We also asked which emerging technologies respondents believed would have the greatest impact on their businesses. Artificial intelligence was a common answer.

“Artificial intelligence is expected to materially impact family law in 2026, particularly in how courts evaluate the authenticity of evidence,” wrote David Carton, a partner and co-chair of matrimonial and family law at Mandelbaum Barrett PC.

“Judges and practitioners are increasingly focused on the challenges posed by AI-generated or modified documents, images, and recordings. As deepfakes and altered digital evidence become more prevalent, greater scrutiny of proofs will be required, which may change how family law cases are prepared, tried, and decided.”

In general, despite the economic and political uncertainties, our respondents said they are quite confident about 2026. And that bodes well for the state’s business climate. Optimism can breed optimism, and pessimism can become self-fulfilling.

With experienced and talented leaders, New Jersey’s business community seems to be facing the new year with verve and energy. For that, we should all be grateful.

Of course, as we say online, your mileage may vary. So, if you have a different take on 2026, let us know. There are no wrong answers.

Want to share your thoughts? Email NJBIZ Editor Jeffrey Kanige at jkanige@njbiz.com.

Read the Q-and-A’s in the stories below: