About Us

The Small Business Development Center (NJSBDC) at William Paterson University 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 Passaic and Union 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 William Paterson University

Melissa Rosario, Regional Director

Melissa Rosario is a dedicated business strategist, economic development leader, bilingual consultant, and community advocate. As Regional Director of the NJSBDC at William Paterson University, she leads initiatives that provide the small business community in Passaic County with the tools, training, and resources it needs to launch, grow, and thrive. She is passionate about empowering entrepreneurs, especially those in underserved communities, through direct advising, educational programming, and outreach in both English and Spanish.

Throughout her career, Melissa has demonstrated a deep commitment to inclusive economic growth and innovation. Prior to her current role, she served as a Senior Business Consultant at the NJSBDC at NJCU. She spent nearly a decade with the Hudson County Chamber of Commerce, where she founded impactful affinity groups such as Women of Commerce and Young Professionals Leaders of Hudson County. Her leadership has directly supported the growth of hundreds of businesses and has helped expand access to vital funding, training, and mentoring opportunities.

She holds an MBA in Finance from New Jersey City University and a Bachelor of Science in Economics from INTEC (Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo) in the Dominican Republic. Her work continues to reflect her belief in equitable opportunity, strong community partnerships, and the power of entrepreneurship to transform lives.

Contact Us

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

Office Hours: Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Summer Fridays: Office closed. Virtual services are available.
Note: In-person counseling is available by appointment only.

2025 Holiday Calendar

January 1, 2025: New Year’s Day
January 20, 2025: Martin Luther King Jr. Day
February 17, 2025: Presidents Day
April 18, 2025: Good Friday
May 26, 2025: Memorial Day
June 19, 2025: Juneteenth
July 4, 2025: Independence Day
September 1, 2025: Labor Day
October 13, 2025: Columbus Day
November 11, 2025: Veterans Day (Office closed; appointments available virtually)
November 27–28, 2025: Thanksgiving Holiday
December 25, 2025: Christmas Day (observed)

We are located at:

Our office hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. Counseling is available by appointment only. 

Main Office:
William Paterson University
1600 Valley Road, 4th Floor
Cotsakos College of Business
Wayne, NJ 07470

Parking: Available adjacent to the building.
Walk-ins: Welcome for intake; counseling by appointment only.

Affiliate Office:
131 Ellison Street
Paterson, NJ 07505
(No parking available at this location)

Phone: (973) 321-1378 / (973) 720-4119
Email: sbdc@wpunj.edu / rosariojimenezm@wpunj.edu