The History:
The NJSBDC statewide network has been part of the fabric of New Jersey’s small business community and economic development resource since 1977. New Jersey was selected to be part of the initial pilot UBDC program implemented by the SBA due to the entrepreneurial programs established at that time at Rutgers Business School in Newark, NJ. The success of this pilot program helped to solidify the need for SBDC across the country, leading to President Carter signing Title II, The Small Business Development Act of 1980 into law (P.L. 96-302) on July 2, 1980.
The Network & Impact:
Forty-five years later the NJSBDC program services the small and mid-sized business community within the entire state at 12 regional centers hosted by Brookdale Community College, Kean University, New Jersey City University, Ramapo College of New Jersey, Rutgers University at Camden, New Brunswick, and Newark campuses; Stockton University, The College of New Jersey, William Paterson University and most recently, Fairleigh Dickinson University. The state office resides out of Rutgers Business School in Newark.
In 2020 – 2021 alone, the NJSBDC network helped small business clients save and retain 34,171 jobs, open 628 new businesses, gain $199,283,153 in funding, and generate $4,203,993,449 in tax revenue for the state.
The Pathway Forward:
The NJSBDC also launched the very successful “Not-So-Small Business” podcast and webcast hosted by CEO/ State Director Kelly Brozyna and Small Business Edge CEO, Brian Moran. With candid and relatable topics for business owners in and around NJ, new and return listeners are not only engaged but leave better informed and prepared for what’s on the small-business radar.
One of the most innovative offerings the NJSBDC has developed is the Capital Team, made up of carefully selected expert consultants with extensive background securing capital for businesses ready for capital infusion. With the help of the Capital Team, NJSBDC clients are in the process of securing approx. $51M in funding.
The Celebration:
To commemorate the legacy of New Jersey small business development, the NJSBDC will hold a series of NJSBDC@45 Celebrations across the state between June through October 2022, and wrapping up nicely at the Annual Success Awards in December 2022.
More details to come.
For partnership/ sponsorship opportunities, please contact Shy Hopkins at shyekah@business.rutgers.edu.
