With the world’s eyes turning toward the region for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, Middlesex County is making sure local small businesses don’t miss out on the action.
The Middlesex County Office of Business Engagement has announced a free informational webinar on May 13 at 3 p.m. to guide local entrepreneurs through the enrollment process for the Welcome World Rewards Program.
The Welcome World Rewards Program serves as the official small business platform of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ NYNJ Host Committee. It is a free, gamified digital platform designed to connect the thousands of international fans and visitors attending the tournament with local retail, dining, and service providers.
By participating, businesses gain a unique opportunity to:
- Increase Foot Traffic: Attract visitors looking for authentic local experiences.
- Gain Global Visibility: Be featured on a dedicated digital platform used by fans throughout the games.
- Access Gamified Marketing: Engage customers through a rewards system designed specifically for the tournament season.
The session is tailored to simplify the enrollment process and maximize the impact of each business listing. Key topics include:
- Step-by-step guidance on completing the Enrollment Form.
- Expert tips on how to make a business listing stand out to international travelers.
- A breakdown of program benefits and expectations during the high-traffic tournament window.
- A live Q&A session to resolve specific enrollment questions.
County officials are urging all eligible businesses—including those in the hospitality, entertainment, service, and food industries—to act quickly. While the webinar takes place on May 13, the final deadline to enroll in the Welcome World Rewards Program is May 15.
“This exciting opportunity will allow businesses to gain global visibility and increase foot traffic by being listed on a dedicated platform for fans to explore during the games,” the Office of Business Engagement said in the announcement.
Interested business owners can register for the webinar via the Middlesex County website at middlesexcountynj.gov.
Event Details:
- Event: Welcome World Rewards Program Enrollment Webinar
- Date: Wednesday, May 13, 2026
- Time: 3:00 p.m.
- Cost: Free
