May is Small Business Month, and the Burlington County Commission has partnered with the Burlington County Bridge Commission Economic Development Office to help connect local businesses to vital services, resources and networks.
The Commissioners and Bridge Committee will host the second annual Burlington County Small Business Resource Fair from 10 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, May 15, at the Burlington County Human Services Building, 795 Woodlane Road, Westernmpton. This free event allows business owners, managers and entrepreneurs to meet and network with representatives from more than a dozen state, county and local agencies and organizations.
Expected participants include the New Jersey Department of Economic Development, New Jersey Business Action Center, New Jersey Department of Workforce Development, Burlington County Workforce Development Board, Burlington County Area Chamber of Commerce, Burlington County Library System, Rowan College of Burlington County, African American Chamber of Commerce, New Jersey Small Business Development Center, CBAC, ABCO Federal Credit Union, Public Service Electric & Gas, Camden County ARC, UCEDC and others.
“Small businesses are vital to Burlington County's economy and communities, and when they succeed, we all benefit,” said Burlington County Commissioner Felicia Hopson, economic development liaison. “Partnering with the Bridge Commission and the Economic Development Department to host the Small Business Resource Fair is another example of how we are helping small businesses grow and thrive in our county.”
Matt Riggins, chairman of the Burlington County Bridge Commission, said the event will be a low-pressure forum for business owners to network and learn about programs and resources that can help them.
“Last year's inaugural Small Business Resource Fair attracted over 100 business owners who raved about the opportunity they had to meet and network with representatives from organizations such as the Department of Labor, the Business Action Center and the Burlington County Workforce Development Board,” said Riggins. “We look forward to this year's expo providing even more great opportunities for new and longtime business owners alike.”
The Burlington County Small Business Resource Fair is free and open to all Burlington County business owners and entrepreneurs. To register, visit https://www.bcbridges.org/economic-development/.
In addition to the Small Business Resource Fair, the County and Bridge Commission will host a business-to-business social networking event at Splitz Bar and Grill on Route 73 in Maple Shade on June 11 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. This free event will provide additional opportunities for local business owners to network and meet with local officials and leaders in a casual setting.
The commissioners and Bridge Committee are also working together to create a Small Business Workshop Series: free classes and seminars that will cover topics such as tax preparation, fundraising, social media and marketing, and writing a business plan.
Seven workshops will be held in 2023, with a further seven held earlier this year.
“Burlington County fosters a business-friendly atmosphere where business owners can benefit from free programs and seminars designed to make a difference,” Hopson said. “We are proud of our county's track record and continue to look for new ways to help both new and existing businesses succeed.”
State Sen. Troy Singleton praised the commissioners and the Bridge Committee for prioritizing the needs of small businesses.
“I am proud to live in a county with leaders who are responsive to the needs of small business owners and their employees,” said Senator Singleton. “Our upcoming Small Business Resource Fair and business-to-business social networking event will be a great opportunity for business owners to meet, interact, ask questions and learn about state and county programs that can help them.”
In addition to the Small Business Fair, Senator Singleton will partner with the New Jersey Business Action Center to host a Small Business Advocacy Workshop on Friday, May 31 from 8-11 a.m. at RCBC in Mount Laurel. The workshop will allow business owners (or aspiring entrepreneurs) to learn more about how to start or grow their business and how to access programs. A complimentary breakfast will be provided, but seating is limited so attendees should RSVP at https://www.troysingleton.com/njbac.
