April 2025 Small Business Networking Event
Thank you to everyone who participated in our event. And, thank you to our speakers for sharing their wisdom.
What
SMALL BUSINESS NETWORKING EVENT
Free and Open to Anyone!
When
April 30, 2025
5:30 – 7:00 pm
Where
Mercer County Library
Lawrence Headquarters Branch
2751 Brunswick Pike
Lawrence NJ 08648
Who
Who attended?
Small Business Owners
New Business Founders
Who spoke?
Vince Little - Amerikick Martial Arts
Elizabeth Guerriero- Beth G Consulting LLC
Anthony Carribelli - Mercer County Freeholder
Notes from the Presentations
Please note: the following summary was auto-generated using AI.
Opening Remarks
Chairperson Introduction
Melissa Clark introduced herself as the chairperson of the Growth and Redevelopment Committee.
She welcomed attendees and acknowledged the presence of several committee members.
Attendee Introductions
Members introduced themselves by name (e.g., Jeremy Ryan, Maria Connolly, Joe Gray, Kelly Edelstein).
The group emphasized their role in supporting small businesses in the township.
Networking and Community Engagement
The committee described the event as the second networking session, following a previous one held in December.
Objectives include fostering dialogue among small businesses to spark ideas and strengthen community connections.
Upcoming Events and Opportunities
A community conversation event is scheduled for May at the Community Center regarding the future development of the building.
A Pride Fest is planned near Lawrence Shopping Plaza in June.
Flyers regarding these events and information about available grants were distributed to attendees.
Event Structure
The meeting includes presenter slideshows.
Breakout sessions follow for attendees to discuss topics in more depth and network based on interest.
Economic Development Presentation and Program Updates
Presenter Introduction
Anthony Carabelli introduced himself as the Director of Economic Development for Mercer County.
He explained his role in coordinating several divisions and departments under his office.
Office Services and One-Stop Business Assistance
The office is positioned as a one-stop resource for business needs, offering guidance on state funding, state registration, and other business support.
Assistance may include referrals even if inquiries are not directly within county operations.
Key Programs and Initiatives
Mercer County Small Business Investment Program
Utilizes ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funding received since 2023.
Provides economic development support through various programs.
Connect and Grow Series
Launched in November of the previous year.
Involves municipality-to-municipality events, with notable participation including mayoral attendance.
Partners include the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the College of New Jersey and the state-level Economic Development Authority.
Additional Development Services
Partnership with SBDC for business consulting and development, including business plan modification and competitive analysis.
On-the-Job Training (OJT) grant program for Mercer businesses to offset employee onboarding costs.
Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) services, site selection assistance, and support through the Trade Name Certificate Program to help establish business financial accounts.
Recently initiated Tourism Division under Economic Development with the hiring of a new Director of Travel and Tourism.
Financial Programs and Impact
2023 Small Business Grants Program
Offered grants up to $10,000 for businesses with under 20 employees.
Included Lawrence businesses among a ranking of 12 municipalities (Lawrence ranked fourth or fifth).
2024 0% Interest Rate Loan Program
Launched using ARPA funding and closed as of March of this year.
Approximately 66 or 67 loans were approved, impacting businesses in Lawrence along with those in Hamilton, Trenton, and Princeton.
Ongoing and Future Initiatives
Provided a snapshot of ongoing economic support through ARPA-funded programs.
Highlighted continued initiatives aimed at bolstering local business growth.
Grant Programs Overview and Business Support Initiatives
Revitalize and Grow Grant Program (Ongoing since January)
Funding and Scope
Overall investment of one million dollars funded through ARPA dollars.
Two main aspects: signage improvements and facade improvements.
Signage Improvements
Grant available for replacing existing signs; signage for vehicles is eligible.
Applicants must provide two quotes as part of the submission process.
Submission is made through the grant portal on QuickBase via the GrantWorks team.
Detailed policy and procedures are available on the website and as physical copies in the room.
Facade Improvements
Funding capped at $30,000 per project.
Eligible only for pre-existing facades including elements such as awnings, paintings, siding, doors, lighting, front deck, stairs, and windows.
Requires two quotes and an agreement with the vendor to use prevailing wage.
Additional details are provided in the policy documents available at the venue.
Business Builder Rebate Grant Program
Overview and Eligibility
A rebate-based grant based on the paid invoice for eligible costs.
Eligible costs include:
Cost of a certified public accountant
Cost of a registered agent
Cost of accounting and bookkeeping software
Cost of office supplies
Cost of business parking lot space (as part of a landlord-tenant agreement)
Cost of website development
Submission Instructions and Timeframe
The eligible period is from December 1, 2024 to November 30, 2025.
Applicants must consolidate all eligible costs into a single submission; piecemeal submissions are not accepted.
Submissions are processed through the same QuickBase grant portal.
Special Eligibility Considerations
Home-based businesses are eligible for a $5,000 rebate.
Certain website development grants (up to $11,400 through NJ EDA) require a physical business location.
The program now accommodates a broader range of entities (including franchises) without limitations based on the number of employees or registration date.
Application Process for Both Programs
Step 1: Basic Information Submission
Submit your name, business, and email address.
You will receive an email with a link to the QuickBase platform.
Step 2: Eligibility Verification
Complete a 12-question eligibility verification, which includes information about employment with the county, tax compliance, and status of state and local tax filings.
For new businesses without tax filings, budget projections for the year must be submitted.
Step 3: Documentation Upload
Upload required documentation such as tax filings or budget projections.
The system is designed to be intuitive despite recent tweaks.
Additional Grant Programs and Services
On the Job Training (OJT) Grant Program
Provides up to 50% of the agreed-upon wages for individuals coming off unemployment.
Maximum duration of six months (the individual cannot be terminated on the seventh month).
Coordinated with the Workforce Development Board / One Stop Career Center.
FTZ (Foreign-Trade Zone) Program
Relevant only for businesses involved in importing goods.
Site Selection Service
Assistance in identifying or relocating business space within Mercer County.
Trade Name Certificate Program
Facilitates the process of obtaining a notarized document for opening a business checking account.
Involves a $50 fee payable at the Mercer County Clerk’s Office.
Tourism Initiatives
Mercer County’s tourism efforts include highlighting cultural, outdoor, and historical attractions such as Mercer 250.
A tourism website is expected to launch within the next month or two, integrated with the county website.
The initiative aims to promote local restaurants, diners, eateries, wineries, breweries, hotels, and conference centers.
The tourism director, hired in November, has been actively engaging with local organizations and the business community.
Chaos and Leadership by Beth Guerriot
Overview of Presentation
Title: “Chaos and Leadership” focused on managing periods of chaos in leadership roles.
Beth Guerriot from Beth G Consulting introduced the topic.
Professional Background
Interim Executive Director of Essex County Family Justice Center.
The Family Justice Center is the primary domestic violence support center for women and families in Newark.
Funding Structure: 87% of the center’s funding is federal; a critical funding deadline is on June 6, 2025 to prevent the shutdown.
Engaged with influential figures (e.g., Senator Kim, Senator Booker, Assemblywoman Swain, Senator Ruiz, among others) to secure funding.
Consulting Focus
Specializes in providing interim leadership to stabilize organizations during periods of transition.
Assists in day-to-day operations and prepares nonprofits for the appointment of a permanent executive director.
Connects with clients in the arts and other fields, underscoring a multifaceted consulting approach.
Essex County Family Justice Center & Nonprofit Consulting Overview
Federal Funding & Organizational Impact
An unexpected federal funding outcome allocated 87% of funding, leading to an imminent risk of closure for the center.
There is a strong chance that the center may close on June 6, 2025, jeopardizing 13 full-time positions, with media coverage already underway.
Role & Consulting Activities
The speaker serves as an interim executive director and works in development, fundraising, strategic planning, and executive mentorship.
Currently engages with eight clients in nonprofits spanning arts, education, and organizational turnaround—from startup to growth, maturity, decline, and turnaround.
Client Examples & Diverse Engagements
Former and current clients include:
Princeton Pro Musica
Westrick Music Academy
Philadelphia Symphony (noted for placement on Walnut Street)
East Brunswick Symphony Orchestra
Consulting with Beta Sub Philega (an NGO based in Kansas City) focused on reconnecting Ethiopian adoption children with their birth families through DNA testing.
Over 10 years, connected over 350 children with their birth families.
Outreach & Communication Approach
Emphasized a philosophy of uniting chaos and leadership through open and thoughtful conversations.
Provided details on connecting via a digital card available at fgconsulting.com for scheduling a free half-hour consultation on nonprofit topics.
Mentioned timing the presentation to be approximately 8 minutes before segueing into breakout sessions.
Organic Marketing & Strategic Partnerships
Organic Marketing & Strategic Partnerships in Martial Arts Business (Vince Little)
Business Background & Expansion Plans
Vince Little introduced himself as the owner of an American Commercial Arts franchise in Lawrenceville.
A new location in Pennington is expected to open in about a month and a half.
Shared his early experience of launching his first business at age 19 with a zero-dollar marketing budget.
Now owns a location that has been operating for over eight years.
Organic Marketing Strategy
Emphasized that organic marketing is based on building relationships rather than spending on paid ads.
Detailed his approach of finding complementary businesses and local organizations (such as schools, PTOs, and daycares) to form partnerships.
Cited collaborations with local businesses like Code Whiz (tech coding initiatives) and Urban Air for events and free assemblies.
Value Exchange & Partnership Approach
Noted a strategy of trading his time for leads without expecting immediate monetary compensation.
When partnering with schools, PTOs, or local businesses, he offered free events and donated signups or leads to enhance partner fundraising capabilities.
Emphasized that giving without expectation helped in generating mutually beneficial relationships.
Identifying Complementary Opportunities
Looked for organizations that complemented his business’s core values, including child development aspects beyond martial arts.
Considered nearby businesses, such as an art store in the same shopping center, for potential collaborative events.
Leveraged proximity and complementary services to co-host events that benefited both parties.
Consulting & Broader Involvement
Besides running his martial arts schools, he consults for other martial arts schools by analyzing their business numbers and strategic positioning.
Reinforced his strategy as one rooted in organic marketing and relationship building.
Collaboration and Cross-Promotions Strategy
Aligning businesses through mutual promotions:
For example, a karate student’s deli offered a 10% discount to members of the karate school through in-person or Facebook group arrangements.
The strategy includes aligning and building additional perks for membership-based businesses by collaborating with complementary businesses.
Identified Benefits
Drives traffic and increases overall service levels by providing extra benefits.
Provides mutual exposure through joint promotions like video collaborations highlighting available member benefits.
Emphasized that collaboration builds trust by offering value before asking for reciprocation.
Enhancing Membership Value and Customer Engagement
Integration of perks to boost membership experience:
Additional benefits (such as discounts at partnered businesses) enhance the core membership offering.
A practical example is a gym offering extra perks at local businesses, adding tangible value beyond gym access.
Relationship-Building Approach
Embraces a “giving first” philosophy to build trust and facilitate organic growth.
Creative Networking and Marketing Hacks
Unique marketing tactic shared by a mentor:
Using branded items (e.g., customized jelly beans from jellybeancalm) to introduce the business in a casual setting.
The tactic involves dropping off a jar of branded jelly beans at local businesses as an ice breaker.
Planned Implementation
The idea is set to be used for a new business location opening in Pennington.
Small, creative gifts are used to initiate introductions and build professional relationships.
Community Engagement & Organic Growth
Teacher Appreciation & School Engagement
Organized events around Teacher Appreciation Day to support schools, PTOs, and teaching staff.
Initiatives included dropping off branded items such as donuts, coffee, and branded jelly beans as tokens of appreciation.
Focus on building relationships through genuine appreciation rather than a hard sell.
Digital vs. Organic Marketing
Discussed the balance between digital marketing and organic growth.
Noted that while digital methods (e.g., Facebook and Google leads) are used, organic leads have produced stronger results.
The sentiment “I’d rather invest more time than money” reflects a strategic decision to prioritize quality engagement.
Accounting & Financial Health (Danielle Parks’ Presentation)
Introduction & Background
Presenter Danielle Parks has 15 years in accounting and is described as a creative thinker, strategist, and doer.
Represents Parks Projects NJ, a firm specializing in accounting, tax preparation and planning, business consulting, and financial coaching.
Also a licensed real estate agent in New Jersey and actively involved with the Trenton Track Club.
Profit Prioritization Strategy
Introduced the “profit first” formula:
Instead of “Sales – Expenses = Profit”, the focus is on “Sales – Profit = Expenses” to ensure owners pay themselves and reinvest in the business.
Provided a practical example: For a gross income of $350,000, allocated 20% for profit, 15% for owner’s pay, 35% for taxes, with the remainder covering expenses.
Recommendation to segregate finances into four distinct bank accounts: profit, owner pay, taxes, and operating expenses (with a note that S-Corp structures may differ).
Financial 360 Approach
A comprehensive review covering accounting software, entity structure, payroll, tax issues, and an optimized chart of accounts.
Integration of technologies to streamline business processes.
Additional Resources & Engagement
Use of QR codes linking to a white paper detailing the accounting methods.
A scheduling link for coffee consultations (15 or 30 minutes) was provided.
STEM Education & Coding Programs
Business Overview & Background
iCode Princeton, originally registered in Princeton, is now permanently located in Lawrence Township.
Woman-owned small business with multiple franchise locations across America, predominantly in the Midwest and West Coast, and expanding to the East Coast.
New Jersey locations include Shrewsbury, Bridgewater, and Lawrence Township, with a new location forthcoming.
Program Offerings & Curriculum
Focus on soft skills and survival skills taught through coding.
Programs include:
Mobile and web application development
Robotics: building and programming robots
Drone programming with AI integration for automated recognition and tracking
2D/3D design, 2D animation, and practical 3D printing
Game development where students design, code, and monetize their own games
Unique “belt programs” modeled after martial arts (progressing from white belt, gray belt, green belt, orange belt, etc.) and specialized “path programs” for areas such as YouTube content creation, game development, or 3D design.
Certification & Collaborative Initiatives
The curriculum is STEM.org certified; students earn a STEM.org certificate upon completing the BELT program.
All instructors hold STEM.org certifications.
Partnerships with schools include tech labs, after-school programs, summer/holiday camps, game nights, hackathons, and birthday events.
Community offerings include “kids get together” sessions, parent night offs on Saturdays, and involvement with organizations such as Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts (with badge eligibility).
Facility and Operational Details
A virtual tour showcased areas including the collaboration room, lobby, gaming room, robotics room, and a dedicated space for the juniors’ STEM program.
The center caters to students aged four to 16 years.
Mention of bundled packages and tax-deductible summer camps (dependent care FSA eligible).
Event & Networking Wrap-Up
Final remarks included coordinating group photos of presenters.
Attendees were encouraged to view flyers and engage with QR codes for further information.
The meeting concluded with an open-ended invitation to network and engage informally until approximately 8:30.
Sponsored by Lawrence Township's Growth & Redevelopment Committee