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SBA Program Helps to Bridge the Small Business Gap

SBA Press Office

January 17, 2012

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Small Business Administration’s national network of Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) plays an essential role in the economic development of their states and local communities through their direct, face-to-face counseling for small businesses, according to a report released today by the SBA. The report, produced by the National Small Business Development Center Advisory Board, focuses on SBDCs’ impact on small business access to SBA’s programs and services, including access to SBA capital, procurement, disaster and international trade programs. (Full Press Release)

Christie's Chance to Erase Unkindest Cuts of All

Our Point of View - NJBiz

December 7, 2009

One way to bring a certain end to a recession is to hastily write and pass a nearly $800 billion economic stimulus bill so laden with pork, the paper it's printed on smells like bacon.

If you believe that, you're probably in Congress, where you're busy not creating jobs. Small-business owners, on the other hand, would rather see the money go toward efforts that could help them stay in business.

That's the goal of institutions like the New Jersey Small Business Development Centers and the UCEDC, which both provide resources and consulting to companies trying to outlast the recession and provide the next wave of employment for the Garden State's out-of-work population.

Owing to ongoing budget crises, Gov. Jon S. Corzine drastically slashed funding for the SBDC's services - annually, it now receives a quarter of the $1 million it won four years ago (see story, Page 8). The nonprofit has argued that its mission makes its work more vital now than ever before, and is pushing Gov.-elect Chris Christie to maintain or restore original funding levels.
In our conversations with small-business owners, we often hear much frustration regarding burdensome regulations and the difficulty in doing business in the Garden State. These entrepreneurs in need could find willing partners if Trenton restores and better markets the services these groups offer. We hope that some of the savings Christie's red-tape review team is finding in eliminating burdensome regulations can be poured into business assistance and development programs like these.

We've devoted this space several times to call on Christie to make a real investment in helping New Jersey's small-business community grow and thrive. That's because above all else, such a commitment will have more of an impact than almost any other enterprise his administration could launch. To the jobless, the recession isn't over unless they're back to work - and if history has taught us anything, it's that small businesses lead the way through a crisis in employment.

What do you think? Tell us at editorial@njbiz.com.

December 7, 2009 - Nonprofit business consultants asking Christie to restore funds, NJBiz

November 4, 2009 - Twitter's Jack Dorsey: Who You Know Still Counts , Princeton Comment

NJSBDC Says Abilities Matter

November 2, 2009

(EWING, NJ) In 2008 blind entrepreneur, Kim Miller, launched her first product, a black on white braille ribbon lapel pin, much like the pink ribbon pins used to promote breast cancer, to promote the use of Braille and blind awareness. Her disability “en-abled” her to start her company, Short and Sweet, just as other people with disabilities are now doing every day.

On November 17, The New Jersey Small Business Development Center (NJSBDC) along with The Mercer and Middlesex Offices of the Disabled, The Progressive Center for Independence and Allies, Inc., will hold an event to enlighten and educate entrepreneurs with disabilities and their caregivers on how to start a business. “Abilities Matter” is a day-long event and will include networking as well as a series of workshops on topics such as start up basics, business planning, marketing, record keeping, financing and resources.

“Since our effort to introduce entrepreneurship to people with disabilities was such a success last year we are expanding the program to include training on how to start a business. It is our intention to inspire these entrepreneurs in the hope that they will realize and maximize their abilities,” says Lorraine Allen, NJSBDC Regional Director.

"My experience with the NJSBDC has been outstanding. I would not have gotten this far without this office. It is truly a sensational asset to me, my company and will be to countless others,” says Kim Miller who will be speaking on November 17.

Abilities Matter will be held at The College of New Jersey in Loser Hall. The event will run from 9 am to 3 pm. To register and for more information, call 609-771-2947 or visit www.sbdcnj.com

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NJSBDC and NJSCPA Sponsor Workshop
in Social Media Marketing

Program Designed to Give Professionals
Insight into Social Media Strategies and Tactics

October 22, 2009

ROSELAND, N.J. – Business development in the accounting and law professions has historically been done by referrals and personal relationships. Today's proliferation of "social media" channels such as LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook have made that kind of communication easier, faster and in many ways, a lot more complicated.

The New Jersey Small Business Development Center (NJSBDC) at the College of New Jersey in Ewing has joined with The New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants (NJSCPA) to co-sponsor a full-day training program titled "Social Media Marketing: Ready, Set, Go!" The program is designed to give professionals a comprehensive look at social media tools, an understanding of how to use them and guidelines for measuring their impact.

“Increasingly, our role at the NJSBDC is connecting small business at all levels with timely ground floor training in order for them to be competitive, not only for their own business or professional services but for the clients they serve as well,” says Lorraine Allen, NJSBDC Regional Director. “In order to remain competitive as marketing venues change, everyone has to stay ahead of or at least on the social networking curve.”

"An understanding of the world of social media is becoming essential for professionals – especially sole practitioners and small firms," says Don Meyer, Director of Communications for the NJSCPA. "At the NJSCPA, we are actively engaged in these media. We have Facebook and LinkedIn pages and use Twitter. We're finding that they are becoming essential communication tools. Anyone in a professional field is going to feel the same way – if not now, then soon."

The social media training program, scheduled for Wednesday, November 11 at the College of New Jersey School of Business in Ewing, will be led by T.C. Coleman, JD, the CEO of Upward Action LLC. His firm specializes in the use of branding and new media to help lawyers and financial professionals develop messages and media in ways that will attract new business.

The syllabus for the program includes topics such as:

How to develop and define your "magnetic" brand image
Systematically attract your ideal clients and business opportunities
Best practices for creating an effective social media marketing program
Raising your visibility in social media and the Internet
Ethical and legal concerns

The program, scheduled to run from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 11, will include step-by-step instructions for how to get started in LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. Tuition for the program is $395 which includes breakfast, lunch and a personal copy of the Upward Action Social Media Marketing Workbook.

For more information or to register call the Small Business Development Center at the College of New Jersey at 609-771-2947 or visit www.sbdcnj.com.

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College of NJ, accounting firm team to help small biz- MyCentral Jersey.com

CPA firm, SBDC partner for business advice program-NJBiz

Amper, Politziner & Mattia and NJSBDC Partner to Help NJ’s Small Businesses

September 24, 2009

(EWING, NJ) The NJ Small Business Development Center at The College of New Jersey is offering a premier Technical Assistance Service under its GET-IT-DONE initiative. Matching area mentors and experts with small businesses, the SBDC and partners intend to help New Jersey’s small companies address and resolve specific issues and concerns in order to help sustain and grow their operations.

Amper, Politziner & Mattia has partnered with the center to provide 5 small business owners with a minimum of 5 hours one-to-one counseling addressing operational and accounting management concerns at no charge to the business owner. The assistance will be provided as objective guidance to help the small business owner address and ideally resolve or position them to resolve pending issues and concerns impeding their progress.

“We look forward to working with NJSBDC at TCNJ on this initiative. Amper is a full-service accounting firm which caters to entrepreneurial businesses. We believe that we can provide all of the tools necessary to help them operate at their best, ” said Dan Gibson CPA, EA of Amper Politziner & Mattia.

To receive this assistance, valued at $1,500, small businesses have to complete an application for review by the center. Selections will be made jointly, by the center and Amper, based on criteria and need. For more information on applying for this free service, contact the NJSBDC at 609-771-2947 or visit www.sbdcnj.com

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NJ Counties “Coming Out” for Small Biz Contracts

September 21, 2009

(EWING, NJ) Never before have the New Jersey county procurement offices convened in one place to help small businesses to get on their bid lists in one day.

On October 16, The New Jersey Small Business Development Center (NJSBDC) at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) has gathered the purchasing offices of Atlantic, Camden, Cumberland, Essex, Hudson, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, Somerset, Union Counties and more in the Brower Student Center at TCNJ for “Doing Business with New Jersey County Governments.” Businesses will have an opportunity to get on the counties’ bid lists, find out where they post their bids, listen to a panel of county purchasing offices and attend a workshop explaining bridge financing in the event they win a contract.

“This has never been done before. People think the county doors are closed for small business to get contracts. Not true. If a business owner can’t attend themselves, they should be sure to send someone for them to get the information,” said Lorraine Allen, NJSBDC regional director.

The event will run from 8:30 to 11:15 am. Registration is $49 and includes breakfast refreshments. For more information and to register visit www.sbdcnj.com or call 609-771-2947.

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County of Middlesex and NJSBDC Partner to Offer Help for Small Business Owners

August 21, 2009

(EWING, NJ) The NJ Small Business Development Center (NJSBDC) at The College of NJ (TCNJ) will begin free one-to-one management counseling at the Middlesex County Administration Building in New Brunswick this month.

“I believe this is one way that Middlesex County can help our residents, small business owners and entrepreneurs weather today’s economic storms and we are happy to be able to offer space for the one-on-one consultations,” says Christopher D. Rafano, Freeholder Deputy Director.

“The County has recognized the challenges small business owners are facing today. We look forward to creating success stories for local business owners,” adds Lorraine Allen, NJSBDC regional director.

The NJSBDC network is the premier provider of comprehensive help services and programs for small business in New Jersey. The organization, which consists of 11 centers statewide, helps businesses expand their operations, manage their growth or start ventures. Expert staff and practicing business consultants help established small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs develop business plans, find financing, identify new markets and expand their operations. The NJSBDC at TCNJ covers Mercer and Middlesex counties. Other counseling locations include the Piscataway Public Library, Middlesex County Regional Chamber of Commerce and The College of NJ.

To schedule a counseling appointment visit www.sbdcnj.com or call 609-771-2947.

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July, 2009

The SBDC @ TCNJ was featured on Fox Business's Career TV! Click below to view Segment.

May 14, 2009

Director of TCNJ Small Business Development Center
Receives SBA’s Excellence and Innovation Award

EWING, NJ - Lorraine Allen, regional director of the New Jersey Small Business Development Center at The College of New Jersey was awarded SBA’s 2009 Small Business Development Center Service Excellence and Innovation Center Award.

In making the announcement, SBA’s New Jersey District Director James A. Kocsi said that Allen was selected for the award based on her Small Business Development Center’s efforts to provide area small business owners with quality business counseling, innovative educational programs, and solutions to the everyday challenges that her clients face.

According to Kocsi, Mira Kostak, regional director of the Kean University Small Business Development Center nominated Allen for her award.

“The SBA has a longstanding partnership with the New Jersey Small Business Development Centers to provide entrepreneurs and existing small business owners with the tools to succeed.” said Kocsi. “Lorraine Allen has certainly created a perfect environment at The College of New Jersey where small business owners in the Mercer/Middlesex County area can thrive and achieve success.”

Kocsi also noted Allen’s alliances with groups like the Metropolitan Trenton African-American Chamber of Commerce, Middlesex County Regional Chamber of Commerce and the New Jersey Association of Women Business Owners have allowed her to expand outreach and access to the programs and services offered by the Small Business Development Center.

“The Small Business Development Center at the College of New Jersey consistently delivers quality counseling and programs to its clients,” said Kocsi. “Due to Lorraine’s efforts and drive, her center is the fabric of the community she serves and it has allowed her to take the Small Business Development Center at The College of New Jersey to new and greater heights.”

Allen was honored with six other New Jerseyans on Friday, May 8, 2009 at SBA’s Annual Small Business Week Awards Luncheon. The luncheon was held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Monroe and was part of National Small Week (May 17th – May 23rd) activities held in New Jersey.

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