Running a business comes with challenges that don’t always have obvious solutions. Finding financing, navigating state regulations, hiring employees, expanding into new markets, and securing government contracts can require expertise and connections that many small business owners don’t have readily available.
What many New Jersey business owners may not realize is that the state offers free assistance to help businesses address these challenges—and the support isn’t limited to startups.
At the October 15 Ocean County Business Association (OCBA) networking meeting, guest speaker Donald Newman shared an overview of the programs, services, and opportunities available through the New Jersey Business Action Center (NJBAC).
As Manager of the Office of Small Business Advocacy, Don helps business owners identify resources, connect with government agencies, and find practical solutions to problems affecting their businesses.
His message to OCBA members was particularly relevant to established companies: You don’t have to be starting a business to benefit from these programs. Business owners who have been operating for five, fifteen, or twenty-five years can access assistance with growth, financing, marketing, expansion, succession planning, and much more.
A Free Business Resource That More Owners Should Know About
The New Jersey Business Action Center, part of the New Jersey Department of State, serves businesses of all sizes and at every stage of development.
Its advocates help companies navigate government requirements, identify financing resources, understand available programs, and connect with specialists who can address more complex situations.
Don explained that business owners don’t need to know which state department or program handles their particular problem before asking for help. The Business Action Center can serve as the starting point and make the appropriate introductions.
That can be especially valuable for small business owners who don’t have the time or staff to research multiple government agencies.
The assistance is available at no cost, and the Business Action Center can be reached through its helpline 1-800-JERSEY-7 (1-800-537-7397) or online chat at Business.NJ.gov .
Government Contracts Could Be a Growth Opportunity for Your Business
One of the most valuable opportunities Don discussed was government procurement, or selling products and services to government agencies.
Many business owners never consider government contracts as a potential revenue source. Yet state agencies, municipalities, and school districts regularly purchase goods and services from private businesses.
Opportunities can exist for contractors, moving companies, professional service providers, technology firms, suppliers, and many other industries.
Don emphasized that government contracting isn’t necessarily a quick way to generate new business. Like entering any new market, it requires research, preparation, and an understanding of how purchasing decisions are made.
However, resources are available to help companies navigate the process.
Small Business Certifications Can Open Doors
New Jersey offers business certifications that may help qualifying companies compete for certain contracts, including Small Business Enterprise (SBE), Minority-Owned Business Enterprise (MBE), Women-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE), and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business certifications.
Don highlighted the state’s small business procurement set-aside program, which can create opportunities for certified small businesses to compete for contracts or participate as subcontractors on larger projects.
These certifications can also provide a marketing advantage. Being able to identify your company as a certified small business or other qualifying enterprise can help distinguish it when pursuing business with public agencies and private companies.
For companies interested in this market, Don recommended exploring APEX Accelerators, which provide assistance with government contracting, including understanding opportunities and preparing to compete.
Helpful resources: New Jersey Business Portal for certification and contracting guidance, and APEX Accelerators for government procurement assistance.
Business Financing: More Than Traditional Bank Loans
Access to capital is another common challenge for businesses preparing to expand, purchase equipment, acquire property, or improve their operations.
Don explained that the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) offers a variety of financing programs, including lending options that may help businesses whose projects cannot be fully funded through traditional financing.
He also discussed Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), which may be able to assist businesses that aren’t yet positioned to qualify for conventional bank financing.
This can be particularly useful for business owners who have already approached a bank but haven’t secured the funding they need.
Rather than treating a declined loan application as the end of the process, the Business Action Center can help identify alternative lenders, technical assistance, and other resources that may prepare a business for future financing.
What About Small Business Grants?
Don addressed a question many business owners have: Are there grants available?
He explained that several popular NJEDA programs, including previous lease and improvement grant programs, had exhausted their funding by the time of his presentation.
However, he identified other programs worth investigating, including assistance related to purchasing owner-occupied commercial property and an e-commerce support program for certain storefront businesses.
The e-commerce program was especially interesting because eligible businesses could work with participating service providers to develop or improve their websites and online selling capabilities.
Grant funding and program availability change frequently, so businesses should verify current eligibility and application status rather than assume previously announced programs remain open.
Helpful resource: Visit the New Jersey Economic Development Authority for financing programs, incentives, and current funding opportunities.
Free Business Counseling Isn’t Just for Startups
Another important takeaway was the availability of technical assistance for established businesses.
Don pointed out that organizations offering business counseling and mentorship are sometimes misunderstood as resources only for entrepreneurs just getting started.
In reality, experienced business owners can benefit just as much.
An established company might need assistance developing a new marketing strategy, entering another market, improving operations, preparing for expansion, or planning an eventual ownership transition.
Don discussed several organizations that can help, including the New Jersey Small Business Development Centers (NJSBDC), SCORE, and Women’s Business Centers.
For example, a business owner approaching retirement may need guidance on succession planning. Another company may be experiencing rapid growth but struggling to develop the systems needed to manage additional employees or customers.
These are exactly the types of challenges where outside expertise can be valuable.
Finding a Mentor or Improving Your Online Presence
The Business Action Center has also established referral initiatives to connect qualifying businesses with participating organizations offering mentorship and internet presence assistance.
The online presence initiative can help business owners find organizations offering support with websites, digital marketing, technology, and online sales.
Don encouraged owners to explore these services rather than assume they need to solve every business challenge independently.
The state’s referral programs have specific eligibility requirements. For example, the dedicated mentor matchmaking program is intended for qualifying newer businesses, while other technical assistance organizations also serve established companies.
Helpful resources: NJBAC Mentoring and Internet Presence Assistance, New Jersey Small Business Development Centers, and SCORE Business Mentoring.
Expanding Your Business Beyond New Jersey
An opportunity that surprised some attendees was the potential for small businesses to enter international markets.
Don explained that exporting isn’t limited to manufacturers shipping physical products overseas. Professional services can also be exported.
For example, an architectural firm in New Jersey could provide design services for a project in another country. Other service businesses may also have opportunities to reach customers internationally.
Through its Office of Export Promotion, NJBAC helps businesses explore international markets, develop export strategies, and understand relevant requirements.
Don shared the story of a New Jersey food business owner whom he had previously encouraged to explore exporting. Two years later, that business was participating in a major food industry trade show, having developed new opportunities through the state’s export assistance resources.
The New Jersey State Trade Expansion Program (NJ STEP) can help eligible small businesses offset certain export promotion expenses, including trade shows, international marketing, and export-related activities. The state’s current program page provides application details and eligibility requirements.
Helpful resource: New Jersey State Trade Expansion Program (NJ STEP).
Expanding or Relocating? The State Can Help Navigate the Process
For businesses planning to move into a larger facility, purchase commercial property, or develop a new location, government approvals can become complicated.
Don explained that NJBAC’s business advocacy team can help companies navigate site selection, permitting, regulatory questions, and coordination with state agencies.
That might include questions about environmental regulations, highway access, construction approvals, or other requirements associated with a property.
During the question-and-answer session, an OCBA member asked how the state could help a business looking to expand into another county.
Don explained that the team can assist with property searches and help businesses understand the government processes involved in moving a project forward.
While the state won’t negotiate a real estate transaction on behalf of a business, it can help owners identify the appropriate agencies and navigate regulatory obstacles.
The Business Action Center also works with business improvement districts and other local economic development organizations, including initiatives relevant to downtown areas such as Toms River.
Helpful resource: NJBAC Business Advocacy and Expansion Assistance.
New Jersey’s Film Industry Creates Opportunities for Local Vendors
One particularly interesting discussion involved the growth of film and television production in New Jersey.
As more productions come to the state, they need far more than actors, cameras, and studio space.
Production companies also rely on local vendors for transportation, equipment, printing, catering, construction, and numerous other services.
During the Q&A, an OCBA member in the crane business asked about connecting with production companies that might need specialized equipment.
Don explained that the New Jersey Motion Picture & Television Commission maintains resources through which vendors can make their services known to the industry.
He also described how a local food business that successfully fulfills a production company’s urgent catering request can develop a reputation that leads to additional opportunities.
For Ocean County companies, this represents another potential customer base that may not have been on their radar.
Helpful resource: New Jersey Motion Picture & Television Commission for film industry resources and information.
Hiring, Workforce Training, and Other Business Challenges
Finding and retaining qualified employees remains a concern for many businesses.
Don reminded attendees that the New Jersey Department of Labor offers workforce development resources, including programs that may assist with employee training and recruitment.
He also mentioned assistance with state licensing, business registrations, annual reports, employer requirements, and tax-related questions.
One practical benefit of the Business Action Center’s live chat is the ability to connect businesses with specialists in other state agencies.
For example, a business owner having difficulty with a state tax matter may be directed to the appropriate taxation representative without having to independently navigate multiple departments.
Don also discussed New Jersey’s evolving online tax portal and encouraged businesses to become familiar with the system as additional tax functions transition to it.
Helpful resource: New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development.
Stay Informed: Programs and Funding Opportunities Change
One of Don’s most practical recommendations was also one of the easiest to implement: sign up for the state’s business newsletters.
Grant opportunities, financing programs, training resources, and government initiatives can change quickly. Some funding programs close once their available money is committed.
Don encouraged business owners to subscribe to updates from NJBAC, NJEDA, and Business.NJ.gov so they can learn about new programs as they become available.
This is particularly useful for established businesses that may not have an immediate need but want to recognize an opportunity when it appears.
He also recommended the state’s Small Business Manual, which provides guidance on establishing, operating, and expanding a business.
Helpful resources: Subscribe to NJBAC’s NJ Connections Newsletter and Download the New Jersey Small Business Manual.
The Most Important Takeaway: Ask for Help Before You Need It
Throughout his presentation, Don returned to a consistent message.
Business owners don’t need to understand every state program or know exactly which agency to contact. They simply need to be willing to start a conversation.
A challenge involving financing might lead to a lending resource. A question about growth might lead to business counseling. A need for new customers might uncover government procurement or export opportunities.
Sometimes one introduction or piece of information can change the direction of a business.
For Ocean County business owners, the New Jersey Business Action Center is a valuable resource worth knowing about and sharing with fellow professionals.
To explore assistance for your business, contact Donald Newman, Manager of the Office of Small Business Advocacy, at Donald.Newman@sos.nj.gov, visit the New Jersey Business Action Center, or use the state’s live chat through Business.NJ.gov.
Why Presentations Like This Matter to OCBA Members
Don Newman’s presentation illustrated an important benefit of participating in the Ocean County Business Association: access to useful information and relationships that help local business owners become better informed and better connected.
OCBA brings together professionals from a wide range of industries through regular networking lunches, member presentations, and guest speakers who share insights affecting the local business community.
Learning about state programs and resources can benefit an individual company, but it also creates opportunities to help others. An accountant may be able to direct a client toward a business certification program. A commercial real estate professional may share a state expansion resource. A marketing professional may introduce a client to business counseling or digital assistance.
Those connections complement the referrals and professional relationships that are central to OCBA’s industry-exclusive membership model.
Interested in building stronger relationships with Ocean County business owners and professionals?
We invite you to attend an upcoming OCBA networking lunch as our guest. Meet local business leaders, learn from experienced professionals, and discover how membership can help you expand your network, increase your visibility, and develop meaningful business referrals.