Small Business Resources
New Jersey Business Action Center (NJBAC)
What They Do
NJBAC is there to help businesses thrive, grow, and succeed across New Jersey. Tapping into their deep understanding of the current business landscape, they are able to connect you with the appropriate experts to reach your goals. Their business advocates are available to work closely with you and find solutions for your unique business needs. They can help get the answers you need from government and regulatory agencies at the local, state, and federal level. They can facilitate your meetings and handle the follow-ups – confidentially and at no cost to you.
Union County Economic Development Corporation
What They Do
UCEDC offers resources to help new and established small businesses. They are a non-profit economic development corporation offering unconventional loans for underserved populations. They may be able to help find financing solutions for entrepreneurs with no credit history, or low income borrowers. They offer training, mentoring and information on how to obtain government contracts.
New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJ EDA)
What They Do
The NJ EDA works to improve quality of life, enhance economic vitality, and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness. Here are a few examples of potential opportunities available for Rahway businesses:
- Small Business Lease Grant
- Small Business Improvement Grant
- Film and Digital Media Tax Credit Program
- Main Street Micro Business Loan Program
- Main Street Lenders Grant
- Child Care Facilities Improvement Program
Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs)
What They Do
SBDCs are hosted by leading universities, colleges, state economic development agencies and private partners, and funded in part by the United States Congress through a partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration. They offer educational assistance to strengthen small and medium size businesses thereby contributing to the growth of local, state and national economies.
Small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs can go to their local SBDCs for FREE face-to-face business consulting and at-cost training on a variety of topics. Learn more about how SBDCs are helping local businesses start, grow and thrive. They work in all industries including manufacturing, retail, service, wholesale and international trade.
Local Contacts
SBDC at Rutgers, Campus at New Brunswick
Elayne McClaine
[email protected]
(908) 470-9636
BDC at Rutgers, Campus at Newark
Tendai Ndoro
[email protected]
[email protected]
(973) 353-5950
Small Business Administration (SBA)
What They Do
Offer links to Small Business Resource Partners such as:
Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC)
The Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) program is designed to provide entrepreneurial development services, such as business training, counseling, and resource partner referrals to transitioning service members, veterans, National Guard & Reserve members, and military spouses interested in starting or growing a small business. SBA has 22 organizations participating in this cooperative agreement and serving as Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOC).
Score Business Mentoring
SCORE, the nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors, is dedicated to helping small businesses plan, launch, manage and grow. SCORE is a nonprofit organization that is driven to foster vibrant small business communities through mentoring and educational workshops.
Women’s Business Centers
SBA Women’s Business Center and Business Outreach Center Network
Women’s Business Centers (WBCs) are a part a national network of entrepreneurship centers throughout the United States and its territories, which are designed to assist women in starting and growing small businesses. WBCs seek to “level the playing field” for women entrepreneurs, who still face unique obstacles in the business world.
Department of Treasury – Small Business Programs
What they do:
Offer a wealth of information about a wide range of topics including:
- Resources
- Compliance
- Market Research
- Procurement
- And much more
Business NJ
What They Do
- Offer a step by step resource guide outlining how to start a business in N.J.
- One on One Support
- Finance Options
- Up to date Newsletters highlighting regulatory changes.
- Operational and Managerial Tips
Minority Development Business Agency
What they do:
Serve U.S. minority business enterprises (MBEs) owned and operated by African Americans, Asian Americans, Hasidic Jews, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, and Pacific Islanders.
NJ MWBE, SBE, VOB and Other Certifications
What They Do
Learn How to Apply to be a Small, Minority, Woman, or Veteran-owned Business Enterprise (SMWVBE)
Applying for certifications can help your business find funding and qualify for government contracting opportunities. The UCS is the online application service for applying for State certifications, like Minority/Women-Owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE).