Dear LAEDA Team, Alumni, Partners, Funders, and Friends,
2025 was a year of momentum, celebration, and community-powered growth for Camden’s small business community. Through the Buy Camden 1st Initiative and LAEDA’s ongoing commitment to entrepreneurship, hundreds of business owners gained visibility, training, and opportunities to thrive across Camden, Burlington, Gloucester, Atlantic, and Cumberland Counties.
As the year closes, we celebrate growth, learning, and impact—from launching new businesses to expanding networks, mastering new skills, and becoming Camden Verified. Here’s a look at the highlights that made 2025 extraordinary.
Buy Camden 1st: Building a Strong Local Economy
The Buy Camden 1st Initiative, a partnership between the City of Camden and LAEDA, connects institutions, residents, and NJ Grow businesses with Camden Verified vendors through BuyCamden1st.com.
Congratulations to our newly Camden Verified Businesses:
2GoForward LLC • Glassy Brown Cookies • VMX Technologies • Market Gourmet LLC • Bell Rexall Pharmacy • Hairlinkx LLC • The Urban Scent • My Spirits EVB Inc. • Camden Apothecary Dispensary • Lenny’s Appliance LLC • Miller Fabricators Inc. • Hopeworks • Harry’s Plumbing & Heating Supply • Baylock’s Pressure Washing LLC • Waggz Entertainment LLC • Preety Candles • The Original W. Hargrove Demolition Co Inc • Daniel Spearman LLC • Cartun Hardware LLC • Clear Drop DEF LLC • Camden Towing Inc • Klick Studios • Dano’s Worldwide Productions LLC
City Engagement & New Businesses Added
On May 30, 2025, Mayor Victor Carstarphen, joined by Council President Angel Fuentes, Councilwoman Nohemi Soria-Perez, and Councilman Falio Leyba-Martinez, toured Federal Street to promote Buy Camden 1st. Leaders met with business owners, shared resources, and welcomed new additions to the Business Directory:
Legend 43 Barbershop • La Ingrata • Taqueria El Burrito • Ritmo Records
Corporate Partnerships Strengthen Local Commerce
The Campbell’s Company hosted the second Camden Business Bazaar on May 8, 2025, in collaboration with LAEDA. The event transformed their cafeteria into a vibrant marketplace with flowers, baked goods, chocolates, essential oils, candles, accessories, and more. It drew strong employee engagement and vendor sales, reinforcing Campbell’s commitment to supporting Camden entrepreneurs.
Participating Businesses:
Nika Corbett – Curate Noir
Gatty Mercy – The Urban Scent
Jennifer Ortiz – Creations by Jenn
Bruce Smith – Hope Chocolates Inc
Arlene Felder – Glassy Brown Cookies
Britany Frazier – Relentless Studios
Hope Mead – Works of Hope
Sharon McMillion – Jasnell Creations
Jay Jackson – My Spirits EVB Inc
Gina Reilly Coates – The Bedroom Bartender
Mona Wilson – It’s a Cupcake!
Mookie Kamerkar – Market Street Printing
Rashaan Hornsby – Quick Snacks Vending & Party Rentals LLC
Manuel Caban – Manie Mani Catering LLC
Tamika Wyche – Law Office of David Paul Daniels LLC
Dawn Tossie – Happy Vacay Vegan
Ashley Tootle – Crown of Sunshine
Tracy Medley – Millennium Skate World
On December 3, 2025, Campbell hosted its fourth bazaar of the year, featuring 11 vendors and generating over $20,000 in total sales across all 2025 events.
Featured Small Business Spotlight:
City Girl Fun Co. – Camden-owned event planning, party rentals, and bounce house services – delighted the community with creativity, dedication, and memorable celebrations.
Celebrating Entrepreneurship Through Education
Women’s Business Academy Session 101 (Jan–Mar)
Launched January 8, with keynote alumna Nancy Ruiz, CEO of C2C Education Group, LLC. The cohort completed 72+ hours of intensive training by March 12, gaining key skills for entrepreneurial success.
Women’s History Month (Feb 21) – LAEDA honored 37 years of supporting female entrepreneurs and announced the Session 100 Celebration for June.
EDTP Sessions 102 & 103
- Session 102 opened April 16, graduated June 18.
- Session 103 launched Sept 10, with alumni speakers Jennifer Ortiz (Creations by Jenn) and Dan Ninerell (Modern Classical Chefs).
Session 100 Celebration (June 12) – Hosted at Campbell’s, highlighting decades of mentorship and community-driven entrepreneurship.
Annual Graduation Ceremony (Oct 23) – Honored graduates of Sessions 100, 101, and 102 at the Salvation Army Kroc Center.
Session 103 Graduation (Nov 12) – Graduates completed 72+ hours across industries from consulting to bakeries and youth services.
Community Events & Local Leadership Highlights
March 6 – Women’s Empowerment Expo – Maple Shade Business Association
March 7 – Glassy Brown Cookies Grand Opening – Arlene Felder
May 28 – Parada San Juan Bautista Business & Professional Reception
July 21 – Constituent Services Fair – Congressman Norcross
Sept 5 – LAEDA Team Building Day – Pinsetter Bar & Bowl
Nov 11 – Networking Event at Lupita’s
Looking Ahead & Community Impact
The Camden Verified Program continues connecting businesses with larger corporations and institutions, opening doors to growth and partnerships.
Highlight: LAEDA received the Pioneer Award for outstanding service in supporting business creation and growth.
Across 50+ workshops, training sessions, and counseling programs, LAEDA helped entrepreneurs:
- Gain critical skills in business planning, marketing, and finance
- Build networks and mentorship connections
- Become Camden Verified
- Launch, grow, and sustain their businesses
Since the City Launch on 10/23/24, 166 businesses have been posted to the Buy Camden 1st site, showcasing the growing strength and vibrancy of Camden’s business community.
2025 Event Highlights
January 2025: 3 Kings Celebration, Main Street Mount Holly Quarterly Networking, Hispanic Family Center Job Fair
February 2025: Black History Month Expo, Campbell’s Camden Business Bazaar, ConnectSphere Networking Group, A Celebration of Black History
March 2025: MSBA Women’s Empowerment Expo, Burlington County Winter B2B, Lomax Linkages (Virtual), 2nd Annual HOPE Summit, Women Crushing It Conference
April 2025: Entrepreneur Conference, Meet the Lenders, Speed Networking Card Exchange, NCBW SNJ Business Expo
May 2025: SBA Business Resource Fair, Multi Chamber Business Event, NJEDA Small Business Resource Fair, Small Business Resource Fair, Health and Wealth Expo, Bridgeton Area Chamber Beyond Brick & Mortar, San Juan Bautista Reception
June 2025: NJ Pathways to Business Forum, Juneteenth Celebration, Black Artisan and Farmers Market, 8th Juneteenth Festival, True Covenant Worship Center Wellness Fair, Tea & Empowering: A Women’s Gathering, Wellness & Finances for Families, Business Card Throwdown
July – December 2025: SBA Walking Tour, Congressman Norcross 8th Annual Constituent Services Fair, Community Outreach Day, Center for Family Services Resource Fair, SBA Lending Resource Event, Burlington County Small Business Forum, Meet the Lenders, Salem County Small Business Resource Fair, Small Business Resource Event, UEZ Business Expo – multiple locations, CCSNJ Camden Business Council, Breakfast Connect at Juice Capitol, The South Jersey Business Pull Up, Haddon Street Festival pre-event, Hispanic Heritage Celebration, Men’s Health Event, UEZ Fuel the Future, Connect and Elevate Annual Camden Resource Fair, Entrepreneur Exchange, Bridgeton Chamber Hispanic Heritage Event, SBDC Entrepreneurship Expo, Senator Andy Kim’s Constituent Services Resource Fair, Next Impact Hub Business Summit, Business Over Bites.
For more information about starting or growing your business, visit www.LAEDA.com or call (856) 338-1177.
LAEDA Alumni are encouraged to join our Facebook group, LAEDA Alumni Connections, to network, promote their businesses, and support each other’s growth.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Your dedication, participation, and partnership make all the difference. Together, we continue to build opportunities, strengthen communities, and celebrate the power of entrepreneurship.
Since the City Launch on 10/23/24, 166 businesses have been posted to the Buy Camden 1st site, showcasing the growing strength and vibrancy of Camden’s local business community.
To learn more about the Buy Camden 1st Initiative and how to get your business Camden Verified, please visit the LAEDA and Buy Camden 1st webpages.
“Together, we’re not just growing businesses—we’re building stronger communities, one entrepreneur at a time.”
Sincerely,
The LAEDA Team