(Serving Burlington, Camden, Gloucester & Salem Counties)

About Us

The Small Business Development Center (NJSBDC) at Rutgers University–Camden is part of a national network of university- and college-based centers that provide expert business counseling and educational resources to small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs.

By leveraging the support of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the New Jersey Department of Commerce and Economic Development, Rutgers Business School, and other public and private partners, the center plays a vital role in fostering business growth and economic development across Burlington, Camden, Gloucester & Salem Counties.

Nearly all of our services are provided at no cost through funding from federal, state, and local grants, as well as other contributions from the private sector. All business counseling is delivered one-on-one and is completely confidential.

Meet the Regional Director at Rutgers University–Camden 

Akeel Gaines, Ed. D., Regional Director

Akeel Gaines earned his Doctorate in Education and brings a wealth of expertise in operations, leadership strategy, business planning, general counsel, and industry research. As Director of the NJSBDC at Rutgers–Camden, Akeel oversees the center’s strategic initiatives, ensuring operations align with the needs of small business owners across Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, and Salem counties.

With a career foundation rooted in education and institutional leadership, Akeel is adept at guiding organizations through complex challenges and fostering growth. He works collaboratively with clients and partner organizations to deliver tailored business solutions—from startup planning and operational optimization to leadership development and compliance guidance.

Under his leadership, the Rutgers–Camden SBDC continues to deliver high-impact consulting services, promote entrepreneurship, and support regional economic vitality through data-driven insights and strategic partnerships.

Contact Us

The NJSBDC at Rutgers University–Camden offers training and counseling to small business owners and entrepreneurs. For information, please complete our Consulting Request Form.

Our office hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

2025 Holiday Calendar

January 1, 2025: New Year’s Day
January 20, 2025: Martin Luther King Jr. Day
February 17, 2025: Presidents Day
May 26, 2025: Memorial Day
June 19, 2025: Juneteenth
July 4, 2025: Independence Day
September 1, 2025: Labor Day
November 27, 2025: Thanksgiving Day
November 28, 2025: Day After Thanksgiving
December 25, 2025: Christmas Day
December 26–31, 2025: Mandatory Floating Holiday

We are located at: NJSBDC at Rutgers–Camden
336–338 Friends Street
Camden, NJ 08102

Phone: (856) 225-6905
Email: rsbdc@camden.rutgers.edu