Every Resource You Need to Start a Business in NJ - Working in the Wild with Hub:868 - Issue No. 18
Interested in starting a new business? We are here for you! We have several culinary entrepreneurs beginning to use our Incubator Kitchen and want to share some of the resources they are utilizing to get their businesses up and running.
Have you learned enough about coworking to know that it is an excellent resource for entrepreneurs? If you weren’t aware, read up about it here, here and here. We recently learned start-ups that have employees in office space grow 3.5 times faster than those that are fully remote. Now, this doesn’t mean you need to go out and sign an office lease! We know how expensive typical office rent is and how long-term that commitment can be. That’s why we offer month-to-month private office memberships or your small team can utilize our shared workspace for a fraction of the cost of a conventional office.
You’re going to need more than just a space to work when starting a new business. Collingswood, Camden County, and the state of New Jersey provide support in many ways.
If you choose Collingswood as home to your new business, Collingswood Partners is a wonderful resource. They work on many cooperative marketing initiatives, events, seminars, business district beautification projects and more. If you open a business in Collingswood you are automatically a part of this partnership, so be sure to take advantage of their assistance. You can also receive a sponsorship kit to learn how the Borough can help to promote your business. Reach out to Lindsey Ferguson (lferguson@collingswood.com 856-854-0720x116), Director of Collingswood Community Development to learn more. The Borough has shared a useful checklist from the US SBA on how to get started with your new business - pay close attention to #9 as the license and permit information is Collingswood-specific. There is also the Collingswood Green Business Alliance to help facilitate the sharing of ideas and support among local businesses and also to market these businesses to local eco-conscious customers.
If your business will not reside in Collingswood, there are still many resources available through the county, state and federal government.
In Camden County:
Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is a program through Rutgers University designed to provide assistance and support to entrepreneurs and small business owners in New Jersey. The SBDC offers a variety of services to help new businesses succeed, including:
• Business planning: The SBDC can help new business owners
create a business plan, which is essential for securing funding
and outlining the strategyfor the company.
• Market research: The SBDC can provide information and analysis
on the local market, industry trends, and competitors, which can
help new businesses make informed decisions about marketing
and sales.
• Financial analysis: The SBDC can help new business owners with financial planning,
forecasting, and budgeting, which are essential for managing cash flow and making
informed financial decisions.
• Training and workshops: The SBDC offers training and workshops on a variety of topics,
such as business management, marketing, and finance, which can help new business
owners acquire the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.
• Access to resources: The SBDC can connect new businesses with resources such as legal
and accounting services, funding opportunities, and other business support organizations.
Overall, the Rutgers SBDC is a valuable resource for new businesses looking to start and grow in New Jersey. By providing assistance and support in key areas, the SBDC can help new businesses overcome common challenges and increase their chances of success.
Camden County Office of Economic and Workforce Development: The Office of Economic and Workforce Development offers services such as site selection, business planning, and financial assistance.
Camden County Regional Chamber of Commerce: The Chamber of Commerce provides networking opportunities, marketing assistance, and access to business resources.
NJ Economic Development Authority: The NJEDA offers a variety of programs to support businesses in New Jersey, including financing, tax incentives, and technical assistance.
Camden County One-Stop Career Center: The One-Stop Career Center offers job training, recruitment, and career counseling services to businesses in the area. Reach out to Jeanne Page-Soncrant at Jeanne.page-soncrant@dol.nj.gov for business services.
In NJ:
NJ Business.gov https://www.nj.gov/state/bac/index.shtml offers a full range of resources and support for businesses in New Jersey. They can help every step of the way with learning about State, and sometimes federal and local, opportunities and regulations in New Jersey. Explore a rich library of content on registering, hiring, funding, and more.
UCEDC is a private non-profit Community Development Financial Institution that fosters economic growth. We accomplish this by providing financial and technical assistance to new and existing businesses with emphasis on benefiting under-served people and communities.
NJ Department of Labor and Workforce: offers Business Services Representatives who provide concierge-like services, connecting employers with our statewide network of resources and referrals that will meet their business needs, including: existing worker incentives, new employee opportunities, specialty hiring programs for employers who want to hire returning veterans and/or individuals with a disability, as well as grant opportunities.
While this article is a little older, it is full of helpful information and resources “10 Things You May Not Know (but should) Before Starting a Business in N.J.”
Federal Programs:
US Small Business Administration: Created in 1953, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) continues to help small business owners and entrepreneurs pursue the American dream. SBA is the only cabinet-level federal agency fully dedicated to small business and provides counseling, capital, and contracting expertise as the nation’s only go-to resource and voice for small businesses.
Check with your local library to access the Small Business Reference Center | EBSCO which offers exclusive full text for many top consumer small business reference books, as well as tools to address many small business topics. It includes business videos, a help and advice section and details on how to create business plans.
Lending:
