Resources for Rahway’s Small Business Community
Union County Economic Development Corporation, est. 1977
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.
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 Kean University – Rafael Mata, [email protected], (908) 737-4190
SBDC at Rutgers, Campus at New Brunswick – Elayne McClaine, [email protected], (848) 445-8790
SBDC at Rutgers, Campus at Newark – Tendai Ndoro, [email protected], (973) 353-5950
New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJ EDA)
The local state office affiliated with the US Economic Development Administration
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 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, 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
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.