TRENTON, NJ - The New Jersey Business Action Center (NJBAC) participated as a State Pavilion for the third year in a row at the 69th Summer Fancy Food Show from June 29 – July 1, 2025, at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City, sponsored by the Specialty Food Association.

NJBAC and its Office of Export Promotion (OEP) showcased a total of 28 New Jersey-based small businesses, making the Garden State the largest State Pavilion. Funded in part by the Small Business Administration (SBA), the New Jersey State Trade Expansion Program (NJSTEP) provides essential financial awards on a first come, first serve competitive basis to eligible domestic New Jersey small business new to export, as well as those businesses who currently sell their goods and services to other countries.

Lt. Governor Tahesha Way, who oversees the NJBAC in her capacity as Secretary of State, performed the ceremonial ribbon cutting of the New Jersey State Pavilion.

“The participation of our 28 NJSTEP businesses at the Fancy Food Show exemplifies our unwavering commitment to promoting New Jersey's export capabilities. I am so excited for folks to explore the exceptional products showcased by these businesses and join us in strengthening New Jersey's position in the global market,” she said.

Melanie Willoughby, executive director of the NJBAC, underscored the intensive work conducted by the OEP in administering the NJSTEP awards, including preparing the businesses poised for growth with global exports for a trade show at the scale of the Fancy Food Show.

“Thanks to the work of the OEP and NJSTEP program, this year’s recipients were able to widen their global network and connect with potential clients, including buyers, brokers and distributors from around the world. The sold-out event had an attendance of over 30,000 attendees and featured more than 2,000 exhibitors,” Willoughby said.

“It was an amazing experience for us, we made incredible connections and it will, without a doubt, help propel our business. We are beyond impressed with the NJBAC team and what [the State of] New Jersey does to stand behind and support its business community. We cannot say enough to express just how thankful we are for being given this opportunity,” said Michael Burns, co-founder of the mozzarella company Mad Mutz, one of the featured businesses at this year’s State Pavilion.

New Jersey businesses interested in exploring export opportunities are encouraged to contact the NJBAC Office of Export Promotion (OEP). The OEP works with small and mid-sized companies interested in expanding sales and their customer base through export, ensuring access to the NJSTEP program for eligible businesses.

For more information: https://www.nj.gov/state/bac/business-support/exports/

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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 further information, call 1-800-JERSEY-7, visit nj.gov/state/bac or visit business.nj.gov and click on the LiveCHAT.