Small Business Week 2025 (May 4–10) was a vibrant celebration of entrepreneurship, resilience, and community collaboration. LAEDA proudly participated in several impactful events across South Jersey, empowering small business owners with knowledge, connections, and resources. Here’s a recap of the week’s highlights:

📅 Tuesday, May 6 – Mastering the Art of Networking (Atlantic City Chamber of Commerce, online)
LAEDA’s own Jamila Powell led this dynamic workshop hosted by the Greater Atlantic City Chamber of Commerce. Jamila guided attendees through the essentials of confident networking, offering practical strategies to build meaningful business relationships. The session was well-received, with participants praising the interactive exercises and actionable takeaways.

📅 May 6: NJEDA’s “Show Me the Resources” (The College of New Jersey, Ewing, NJ)
On May 8, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) hosted the “Show Me the Resources” event, providing an overview of the robust support programs available to small businesses in New Jersey. The session highlighted various initiatives, including funding opportunities, technical assistance, and other resources designed to help small businesses thrive. LAEDA promoted this event to ensure that entrepreneurs in our community were aware of the valuable support NJEDA offers.

📅 Friday, May 9 – Senator Troy Singleton’s Small Business Resource Fair (Kennedy Center in Willingboro, NJ)
Over 125 business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs gathered at the Kennedy Center for a resource-rich event hosted by Senator Troy Singleton in partnership with the NJ Business Action Center. The fair featured nearly three dozen organizations, including LAEDA, the SBDC at Rutgers-Camden, SCORE, and UCEDC, offering guidance on financing, licensing, marketing, and more. The New Jersey Department of Military & Veterans Affairs was also present to assist veteran entrepreneurs. LAEDA staff connected with attendees, sharing insights on business development and support services.

🗓️ Other Notable Events During Small Business Week
SBA’s National Small Business Week Virtual Summit: The U.S. Small Business Administration hosted a multi-day virtual summit featuring expert-led sessions on business growth, funding opportunities, and digital marketing strategies. The event provided valuable insights for entrepreneurs nationwide.

SBDC at Rutgers-Camden Workshops: The Small Business Development Center offered specialized webinars on business planning and financial management, equipping participants with tools to navigate the current economic landscape.

NJEDA Funding Programs Overview: The New Jersey Economic Development Authority presented information sessions on available grants and loan programs, helping small businesses access critical financial resources.

SCORE Mentorship Sessions: SCORE chapters across the region provided free one-on-one mentoring, assisting entrepreneurs in refining their business plans and strategies.

UCEDC Training Seminars: The Union County Economic Development Corporation conducted training on credit management and business certification processes, supporting small business owners in strengthening their operations.

Small Business Week 2025 showcased the strength and determination of our local entrepreneurs. LAEDA remains committed to supporting small businesses through education, mentorship, and access to resources. We look forward to continuing our work in fostering economic growth and community development.