Small business owners networking over coffee.

NJSBDC State Director Brenda B. Hopper talked about the agenda for the day, which included visits to several women owned businesses.

Rutgers-Newark SBDC Regional Director Tendai Ndoro talked about the services her center provides in Essex County.

NJSBDC Emerging Markets Director Charles J. Jackson led the tour.

South Orange Mayor William Calabrese, Ndoro, Hopper, South Orange Administrator John O. Gross.

Hopper (center) thanks breakfast sponsor Paul Lachau (on Hopper's left), publisher of the Carribean American and Hispanic Business Journal.

Breakfast attendees outside the Blue Moon Diner with owner Sal kneeling in the green sweater.

Monique Gable proudly hands Hopper a bag of candles at The Little Candle Shop at116 W. South Orange Ave.

Shoppers enjoy the scents and merchandise.

Local merchant Theresa Mensah meeting Hopper (center) and Ndoro (right) at her 6 Village Plaza Hi-Class Textiles shop.

Karen Wilson of the Good Shepard Christian Books and Gift Shoppe at 54 South Orange Ave. shows Hopper a verse or two.

Jackson picks up a new book cover from the Good Shepard.