In the News

NJSBDC adds more expert pro bono counselors and advisors to help businesses hurt by Super Storm Sandy

New temporary offices being set up and at your door service possible

(March 18, 2013) Newark – A cadre of consultants, funded through a special grant, are now available to help small business owners directly focus on innovation and strategies to reopen, restore and rejuvenate businesses through the myriad of regulation and red tape.

Administered by the New Jersey Small Business Development Centers Network, the program experts will provide pro bono, one-on-one up to date, realistic advice at an existing or temporary NJSBDC service center. The priority is on businesses in the “red zone” hit hardest by the storm.

The experts will help identify the needs of the particular business and customize an approach that helps sustain growth. This special outreach program, which focuses on Monmouth, Ocean, Cape May, Atlantic, Hudson and Bergen Counties, is made possible by a grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration. NJSBDC is also working in collaboration with the NJ Business Action Center and other state and federal partners.

“Thanks to a grant from the SBA, we can further help with recovery efforts in Monmouth and Ocean counties, and other hard hit areas by providing small business owners with additional services,” NJSBDC Chief Executive Officer-State Director Brenda Hopper said.

The NJSBDC has been assisting businesses for 33-plus years, with an expertise in diverse economic conditions and specially provided assistance during disasters and military closures in addition to its daily work with the business communities.

This grant specifically targets businesses affected by Super Storm Sandy and Nor’easter Athena get the assistance they need to get their customers back, grow and flourish.

“Various NJSBDC offices in regions hardest hit by these storms will provide the comprehensive assistance small business owners need to re-boot and revitalize their operations in the right direction,” NJSBDC Chief Operating Officer-Associate State Director Deborah Smarth added.

Governor Chris Christie has promised to make rebuilding businesses post-Hurricane Sandy “priority number one,” and he is being assisted by Lt. Governor Kim Guardagno, who at a December 2012 NJSDBDC Annual Success Awards Luncheon lauded the NJSBDC network for its effectiveness in helping the business community.

“We intend to do everything we can to guide small business owners back to health,” said Ed Kurocka, NJSBDC program manager.

The Regional Directors of NJSBDC offices in Atlantic-Cape May, Bergen, Hudson and Monmouth and Ocean Counties will oversee operations.

To schedule an individual session in:

Atlantic, Cape May and Cumberland Counties call 609-347-2174

Bergen County call 201-489-8670

Hudson County call 201-200-2156

Monmouth and Ocean Counties call 732-842-8685

NJSBDC adds more expert pro bono counselors and advisors to help businesses hurt by Super Storm Sandy

NJSBDC BCC consulting March2013

NJSBDC adds more expert pro bono counselors and advisers to help businesses hurt by Super Storm Sandy

New temporary offices being set up and at your door service possible

(March 18, 2013) Newark – A cadre of consultants, funded through a special grant, are now available to help small business owners directly focus on innovation and strategies to reopen, restore and rejuvenate businesses through the myriad of regulation and red tape. (click here for more information…)

New Jersey Small Business Development Centers Network Awaits Governor Christie’s Budget Proposal for Fiscal 2013-2014: NJSBDC ‘Boots on the Ground’ will Help NJ Comeback

February 25, 2013 (Newark, NJ) – New Jersey’s economy and businesses have received a double shot – Superstorm Sandy and the relentless recession. As Governor Chris Christie unveils his budget for fiscal 2014, the New Jersey Small Business Development Centers (NJSBDC) network urges lawmakers and the administration to maintain a bi-partisan effort in the state’s economic recovery and comeback.

Getting businesses back on track will require an even greater investment in 2013 – 2014. The state’s economy will be boosted by investments in small business assistance through the NJSBDC network, helping small businesses survive, maintain operations, and set the foundation for future expansion and job growth. The NJSBDC network has the capacity and expertise to assist with and impact Superstorm Sandy recovery efforts.

Since Superstorm Sandy, the demands for NJSBDC’s services have dramatically risen, with businesses seeking financial and operating assistance, especially at the NJSBDCs located in the ocean and coastal regions. Those include NJSBDCs at Brookdale Community College in Lincroft , serving Monmouth and Ocean counties; at Richard Stockton College in Atlantic City, serving Atlantic and Cape May counties; at Bergen Community College in Hackensack, serving Bergen County businesses; and at New Jersey City University in Jersey City, serving Hudson County businesses.

“The NJSBDC has been inundated with additional requests and calls for support by business owners in the hardest hit areas,” said Brenda Hopper, NJSBDC’s chief executive officer and state director. “In addition to our regular, core activities of assisting business owners with all sorts of development and growth issues, we are working with Sandy victims to get them running successfully again.”

One example is Bahrs Landing, an oceanfront restaurant in Highlands/Sandy Hook that tapped into NJSBDC’s services at Brookdale Community College following the storm. Bahrs Landing is a fourth-generation family business now run by father and son Ray and Jay Cosgrove. “We’ve seen a few storms in 96 years, but we have never needed disaster assistance,” said Jay Cosgrove.

Cosgrove said he was directed to NJSBDC by FEMA during a Highlands Business Partnership meeting. With the help of the NJSBDC at Brookdale Community College, Cosgrove submitted an application for a loan from the U.S. Small Business Adminsitration (SBA). “We’re hoping the loan will be approved because parts of the property are not insurable and the 4 percent interest rate is enticing,” Cosgrove said.

Bahrs employs 40 full-time workers year-round, and over 100 employees in the summer. A typical summer brings in up to 100,000 customers. Even though Bahrs Landing’s website boasts the restaurant is “still standing” (Bahrs reopened after 15 days), Cosgrove fears the long-term economic impact from the storm could be even more devastating than the physical damage to the property which includes a marina, and a second eatery called Mobys Lobster Deck.

“New Jersey’s comeback and economic revitalization in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy can be bolstered by working with the NJSBDC network,” said Deborah Smarth, NJSBDC network’s chief operating officer and associate state director. “Our program has ‘boots on the ground’ with NJSBDC’s extensive statewide infrastructure and cadre of business consultants, an accredited program governed by national best practices and  built-in oversight and transparency required by the Governor and State Legislature,” Smarth added.

Delivering comprehensive services to those businesses that need it on the ground – in the shore and coastal regions from Ocean Avenue and Main Street to technology parks and research hubs – is at the core of what the NJSBDC network does best. And it never strayed from its commitment and passion to assist small businesses and entrepreneurs even during the most severe state budget cuts.

“We had another banner year in 2012,” said Hopper. “Our impact speaks for itself and our numbers are strong, historically.”

“Our network’s assistance resulted in NJSBDC’s small business clients creating and retaining jobs and provided them with the opportunity to maintain and grow their businesses even in these most challenging times,” added Smarth.

In 2012, NJSBDC provided one-on-one counseling to 5,730 small business clients, helping them to create and save 10,745 jobs.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, New Jersey‘s economy in 2012 created 48,000 jobs, including 46,100 private sector jobs between December 2011 and December 2012, the most jobs in any year since 2000.

NJSBDC operates regional centers at 11 locations on university and college campuses throughout the state. Last year, the State Legislature and Governor maintained stable funding for the NJSBDC program at $250,000. This amount is 75 percent less, however, due to prior state funding reductions to the NJSBDC program since its $1 million allocation in fiscal year 2007-2008.

As a result of SBA, state government, and other leveraged funding, the NJSBDC network delivered 20,712 total counseling hours; 632 NJSBDC clients started a new business; NJSBDC helped its clients access $64.8 million in financing (loans and equity) in 2012.

The program also sponsored more than 820 business training seminars at which more than 10,000 business owners and entrepreneurs attended.

The NJSBDC program leverages federal and state funding and other grant/private sponsorships to maximize resources for the small business sector. In order to obtain its full federal funding amount, which is based on population, the network must meet the dollar for dollar match requirement. State funding is counted towards that match requirement.

Small Businesses are the Answer to New Jersey’s Comeback

January 9, 2013

Small Businesses are the Answer to New Jersey’s Comeback

The New Jersey Small Business Development Center Network’s Leadership Comments on

Governor Chris Christie’s State of the State Address
Media Contact: Angela Harrington
973-353-1927 or 201-306-7163

January 9, 2013 (Newark, N.J.) Following Governor Chris Christie’s State of the State Address, the New Jersey Small Business Development Centers network appeals to lawmakers to make room for small business and address the need for small business recovery and development in the wake of Super Storm Sandy and the flurry of economic challenges that have hampered businesses for too long in the Garden State.

“We applaud the Governor for his leadership and optimism. It’s important to note, though, that New Jersey’s comeback is reliant on additional support and increased state resources to small businesses,” said Deborah Smarth, Chief Operating Officer-Associate State Director of the NJSBDC network based in Newark.

“Lawmakers must make the next fiscal year count by growing support to small and mid-size businesses which generate the bulk of jobs growth in the state,” added Brenda Hopper Chief Executive Officer-State Director of the NJSDBC network.

Demand for small business assistance has increased significantly since Storm Sandy. To assist small businesses with their financial needs, the NJSBDC network has partnered with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and offers pro bono disaster relief and management consulting services and support to small businesses at 11 NJSBDC locations throughout the state.

In the aftermath of Storm Sandy, the NJSBDC network and SBA experts have been assisting small business owners with loan applications and other services for disaster relief and economic injury.

NJSBDC is committed to working with lawmakers and the administration on bi-partisan solutions to economic recovery as well as additional comprehensive small business assistance that will strengthen New Jersey’s businesses and the Garden State’s comeback.

About NJSBDC

This non-profit network is a federal-state-educational partnership. Its expert staff and business practitioners help small business owners and entrepreneurs with every stage of business development and growth. The network headquarters is located at the Rutgers Business School in Newark NJ. As part of a national network of SBDCs, more than 1,100 centers and satellite offices throughout the country serve and assist small businesses, saving and creating jobs across the nation. For more information, visit www.njsbdc.com.

Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno tells honored NJSBDC business clients New Jersey is now two states and one will support the other

13 Businesses celebrated for their success Legislators honored for their support of entrepreneurs

Dec. 18, 2012

(Monroe Township, NJ) Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno told hundreds of small businesses there are now two New Jerseys – a green one and a red one – and one will help the other rise up.

The green area is the majority of the state that was not severely impacted by Hurricane Sandy and the following Nor Easter that hit the Jersey Shore so hard Oct. 29.

The red zone is “devastated to the range of about $37 Billion with 230,000 homes lost and $500 million in funds have already been distributed in emergency aid,” she told attendees of the statewide New Jersey Small Business Development Centers Network Annual Luncheon at the Forsgate Country Club. “Believe me. I know. I live on a street named Riverview in Monmouth Beach, just a block from the town that used to be Sea Bright.”

She made her remarks at NJSBDC network’s annual Small Business Growth Awards Luncheon, a tribute to the leadership of 13 thriving small businesses located across the state – all clients of the NJSBDC network – as well as their advisors from the 11 NJSBDC centers and two specialty programs located statewide.

(Click here to read more…)

The New Jersey Small Business Development Centers (NJSBDC) Network Teams Up With The Small Business Administration To Provide Much Needed Assistance For Small Business Owners Hurt By Hurricane Sandy

Hurricane special team assistance begins November 12th

(Newark, NJ) November 8, 2012- The NJSBDC network and Small Business Administration Office of Disaster Assistance specialists are teaming up to provide on-site assistance for small business owners who experienced property damage and/or other economic injury as a result of Hurricane Sandy.

“SBA disaster assistance specialists will collaborate with our NJSBDC experts at various locations throughout the state,” said NJSBDC Chief Executive Officer-State Director Brenda Hopper.

“This dual effort will begin promptly in order to ensure that small businesses receive the best possible guidance at this time,” added NJSBDC Chief Operating Officer-Associate State Director Deborah Smarth.

NJSBDC and SBA experts will assist small business owners with the application process.  Business physical disaster loans are available for businesses to repair or replace disaster-damaged property. In addition, economic injury disaster loans are available as working capital to help small businesses to meet ordinary and necessary financial obligations that cannot be met as a result of the disaster.

Click here for more information…)

The New Jersey Small Business Development Centers (NJSBDC) Network Teams Up With The Small Business Administration To Provide Much Needed Assistance For Small Business Owners Hurt By Hurricane Sandy

Hurricane special team assistance begins November 12th

(Newark, NJ) November 8, 2012- The NJSBDC network and Small Business Administration Office of Disaster Assistance specialists are teaming up to provide on-site assistance for small business owners who experienced property damage and/or other economic injury as a result of Hurricane Sandy.

“SBA disaster assistance specialists will collaborate with our NJSBDC experts at various locations throughout the state,” said NJSBDC Chief Executive Officer-State Director Brenda Hopper.

“This dual effort will begin promptly in order to ensure that small businesses receive the best possible guidance at this time,” added NJSBDC Chief Operating Officer-Associate State Director Deborah Smarth.

NJSBDC and SBA experts will assist small business owners with the application process.  Business physical disaster loans are available for businesses to repair or replace disaster-damaged property. In addition, economic injury disaster loans are available as working capital to help small businesses to meet ordinary and necessary financial obligations that cannot be met as a result of the disaster.

SBA recovery teams will be based at the following Small Business Development Center locations and/or their partner offices:

-NJSBDC at Brookdale Community College, Bankier Library, Room 246, 765 Newman Springs Road/ (732)842-8685;

-NJSBDC at New Jersey City University, 285 Westside Avenue, Suite 189-191, Jersey City/ (201)200-2156;

-NJSBDC at Richard Stockton College, Carnegie Center, 35 South Martin Luther King Boulevard, Atlantic City/ (609)347-2174;

-NJSBDC at Rutgers-Newark, 25 James Street, Newark/ (973)353-5950;

-NJSBDC at Bergen Community College, CIARCO Learning Center, 355 Main Street, Room 121, Hackensack/ (201)489-8670;

-NJSBDC at William Paterson University, 131 Ellison Street, Paterson/ (973)754-8695;

-NJSBDC at Kean University co-hosts efforts at the Business One Stop Service-The Incubator, 320 Park Avenue, Plainfield/ SBDC contact (908)757-5155;

-NJSBDC at The College of New Jersey co-hosts efforts at the John F. Kennedy Library, 500 Hoes Lane, Piscataway/ SBDC contact (609)771-2947.

Other key Small Business Development Centers like the NJSBDC at Rutgers-Camden (Burlington, Camden, and Gloucester counties/ 856-225-6221), NJSBDC of Northwest Jersey (Morris, Sussex, and Warren counties/908-269-8475) and NJSBDC at Raritan Valley Community College (Hunterdon and Somerset counties/908-526-1200 ext.8516) will also provide disaster assistance services for small business owners in their regions.  Based on demand in these regions, other SBA specialists could be made available in the future to supplement support at those centers, too.  Several training events on disaster assistance are already being planned by the Northwest Center in the very near future.

“Some of these special Hurricane Sandy SBA-NJSBDC assistance operations will begin at the end of this week and during the week of November 12,” said Hopper.  “They will continue for several months.”

“These important efforts with our major resource partner, SBA, are all about helping out New Jersey’s small business owners so they can revitalize from the effects of Hurricane Sandy,” stated Smarth.  “This initiative will be ongoing until we succeed in assisting every business owner who seeks our help.”

The NJSBDC network is a formal partner of the New Jersey Business Action Center under the jurisdiction of Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno.

“We are coordinating efforts with our key partners,” Hopper said.  “We provide the infrastructure.”

“We are the boots on the ground for field operations and our teaming with SBA will enhance intake and assessment for small business owners who seek help promptly,” Smarth added.

Disaster Assistance for Small Business and Other Guidance Available through the New Jersey Small Business Development Centers (NJSBDC) Network

HURRICANE SANDY RECOVERY November 1, 2012 (Newark, NJ) — Executives of the 11-Center Small Business Development Centers (NJSBDC ) network indicated that their offices will begin collaborating with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the New Jersey Business Action Center (BAC)–within the purview of Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno – beginning the week of November 5th.

“Once the state restores electricity to full capacity and repairs other basic communication infrastructure damaged during hurricane Sandy, our network will be up and running to assist small business owners around the state who have experienced damage to their operations,” NJSBDC Chief Executive Officer – State Director Brenda Hopper said. “Our offices around the state serving small businesses in all 21 counties can be tapped by those entrepreneurs and small business owners in need during this difficult time.”

Click here to read more…

Media Contact: Jody Calendar 732-245-9181
Dolores Stammer 908-269-8475

NEW PARTNERSHIP ANNOUNCED BETWEEN THE NEW JERSEY SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER IN BERGEN COUNTY AND REGUS HEADQUARTERED IN PARAMUS

October 17, 2012 – (Paramus, NJ) – Regus, the world’s largest provider of flexible workplaces with 1,200 offices nationally and overseas, and representatives of the New Jersey Small  Business Development Centers network formally announced their new alliance on Tuesday, October 16, to further provide support to small business owners — the engine behind innovation and economic resurgence.

Art Campbell, area sales manager of Regus, hosted the event at its Headquarters in Paramus which was attended by some area small business owners, the Director of the Bergen County Economic Development Corporation and Regus officials as well as representatives of the statewide New Jersey Small Business Development Centers network and its Bergen Center.

(Click here to read more…)

SMALL BUSINESSES SUCCEED WITH LOCAL TALENT, TEAMWORK AND COACHING FROM THE NJSBDC NETWORK

(October 11, 2012) -Like the citizens of New Jersey, its small businesses are resilient, used to rolling with the punches and keep finding solutions to difficult challenges through a team approach.

iFortress, a West Paterson firm, combined the strengths of three major companies to create a structural security system that is militarily and civilian tested and protects the nation’s data centers and technology infrastructures from terrorism, unauthorized access as well as natural and man-made disasters. The result is its revenue doubled in three years and the CEO anticipates it growing again next year.

DKBWave, a West Orange, based training and consulting and training firm, teamed up with several New Jersey based educational institutions to not only expand their firm but also teach others how to do so.

Both firms give significant kudos to the New Jersey Small Business Development Centers Network for their development and success.

(Click here to read more…)