Trenton - The New Jersey Business Action Center (NJBAC), in partnership with Bergen County Economic Development, held a "Resources for Growth" networking and resource event for small businesses at the Meadowlands on April 30, 2025.

The "Resources for Growth" event, a signature NJBAC initiative, brings representatives of state agencies and other business organizations directly to the small business community. Its primary objective is to help business owners and entrepreneurs discover the various financing and incentive programs, technical assistance and services available to facilitate business growth and success.

Melanie Willoughby, executive director of NJBAC, described the event's purpose described the event’s purpose as simplifying the process for businesses to access support. "Small business owners often contend with lengthy and ever-expanding to-do lists," she stated. "Our 'Resources for Growth' event is crafted to remove obstacles and facilitate businesses in identifying available support, bringing together representatives from the relevant resource providers conveniently in one location."

With more than 30 state agencies and community partners participating, attendees had the chance to meet one-on-one with representatives from:

• New Jersey Business Action Center
• New Jersey Economic Development Authority
• NJ Small Business Development Center
• New Jersey Board of Public Utilities
• Department of the Treasury
• Department of Labor and Workforce Development
• Department of Environmental Protection
• Regional Chambers of Commerce
• Other various state agencies and organizations

Donald Newman, manager of NJBAC’s Office of Small Business Advocacy, kicked off the event with opening remarks. He noted that getting this many business resource providers in one room was a rare opportunity for businesses.

“No other event in New Jersey brings together this many state agencies and business support organizations like Resources for Growth. I’ve been participating in these events every year and even I learn something new every time. I encourage anyone who runs a business to connect with these resource providers. You will walk away with an important contact, learn about an opportunity or meet someone who can assist you with a business problem,” said Newman.

Thanks to the partnership with Bergen County Economic Development, NJBAC was able to host the event at the Bergen Community College location in the Meadowlands.

"We were thrilled to team with our incredible partners at the New Jersey Business Action Center on the Resources for Growth event in Bergen County. All in one day, business owners connected with critical resources, met with experts, and in some cases, found solutions they've been looking for all along. They left feeling more informed and way more confident. That was the outcome we hoped for," said Joanne Cimiluca, director of Bergen County Economic Development.

Nearly 200 attendees, representing start-ups and existing businesses, had the opportunity to connect and network with agencies, and learn about a wide range of topics including financing, contracting or certification, hiring, and energy rebates.

Betty Grullon, president of Progsit LLC, an IT service provider, said the event was a great place to find the right resources for small businesses rapidly and efficiently.

“I have attended other events that provide this type of resource opportunity, and this one was different because it was a very comfortable setting and the right number of people for us to have the chance to meet the organizations and create a more personal relationship. The staff supporting each table was friendly, easy to talk to, and very knowledgeable and eager to help,” said Grullon.

The next Resources for Growth event will be held in Middlesex County on July 16, 2025. Visit the New Jersey Business Action Center at www.nj.gov/state/bac.

About the New Jersey Business Action Center
The New Jersey Business Action Center (NJBAC), housed within the New Jersey Department of State and operating under the leadership of Executive Director Melanie Willoughby, is a business-first resource that offers no-cost, confidential assistance to help businesses grow. The team helps companies of all sizes save time and money by getting answers from government agencies, directing businesses to appropriate officials and contacts, and facilitating meetings and follow-ups from regulatory agencies. For additional information, call 1-800-JERSEY-7, or visit www.nj.gov/state/bac or visit business.nj.gov to use the LiveCHAT.