The Small Business Voice; February 2019
Brenda’s Letter
Small Business Is ‘Big’ Business in New Jersey
In 2018, America’s SBDC – New Jersey (NJSBDC) celebrated 40 years of generating economic impact and opportunities for growth statewide. The network provided comprehensive counseling and technical assistance to existing businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs.
Our network of 12 regional centers has maximized business opportunities for growth and sustainability through one-on-one counseling, training, innovative business technologies and strategies to thousands of small business owners and entrepreneurs. As we look back at our accomplishments we are proud to have become New Jersey’s premier small business resource entity. Four decades of service has linked us to thousands of new and existing small businesses, promoted the creation and retention of thousands of jobs, and served as an advocate for successful entrepreneurship. As a result, this has contributed to the improvement of the state’s economy.
Our 2018 impact says it all! The preliminary impact data indicate that 640 NJSBDC clients started a new business, NJSBDC advisors helped our small business clients create and save more than 14,000 jobs statewide and facilitated $118.4 million in total financing (loans & equity). The Centers counseled one-on-one 4,202 clients and delivered 18,884 total counseling hours. We sponsored 453 training sessions on various business topics with 6,650 attendees statewide. Earning the respect and trust of our clients is important and I appreciate the hard work and dedication of our network in achieving this success. As you see in this edition of The Small Business Voice, 15 small businesses that benefited from NJSBDC counseling, were recognized at the annual success awards luncheon for their accomplishments and solid partnerships with the network.
Small business is “big” business in the state as these companies bring vital goods and services to New Jersey residents. The future will bring new technology, new innovations, new needs and new opportunities for small businesses. Moving into 2019 and a new decade, the NJSBDC and I look forward to new challenges as small businesses continue to rely on our business assistance.
Madame C.J. Walker, the first African American millionaire entrepreneur remarked, “I had to make my own living and my own opportunity. But I made it! Don’t sit down and wait for the opportunities to come. Get up and make them.” The NJSBDC network helps small businesses “get up and make the opportunities.”
Congratulations to the NJSBDC clients, staff, stakeholders and supporters for their contributions to our success. Together we can continue our legacy of excellence!
Brenda B. Hopper is the Chief Executive Officer and State Director of America’s Small Business Development Centers — New Jersey Network.
