Burlington Review

May is Small Business Month and the Burlington County Commissioners are partnering with the Burlington County Bridge Commission’s Department of Economic Development to help connect local businesses to important services, resources and networking.

The Commissioners and Bridge Commission will host the Second Annual Burlington County Small Business Resource Fair on Wednesday, May 15, from 10 AM to noon at the Burlington County Human Services Building, 795 Woodlane Road, Westampton. During the free event, business owners, managers and entrepreneurs will be able to meet and connect with representatives from more than a dozen state, county and local agencies and organizations.

Expected participants include: New Jersey Economic Development Authority, New Jersey Business Action Center, New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Burlington County Workforce Development Board, Burlington County Regional Chamber of Commerce, Burlington County Library System, Rowan College at Burlington County, African American Chamber of Commerce, New Jersey Small Business Development Center, CBAC, ABCO Federal Credit Union, Public Service Electric & Gas, ARC of Camden County, UCEDC and more.

“Small businesses are essential to Burlington County’s economy and our communities. When our small businesses succeed, we all benefit,” said Burlington County Commissioner Director Felicia Hopson, the liaison to Economic Development. “Partnering with the Bridge Commission and Department of Economic Development to host a small business resource fair is an example of how we’re helping small businesses grow and prosper in our county.”

Burlington County Bridge Commission Chairman Matt Riggins said the event would provide a low-pressure forum for business owners to network and learn about programs and resources that can assist them.

“More than 100 business owners attended our first Small Business Resource Fair last year and they gave rave reviews about the opportunities to meet and connect with representatives from organizations like the Department of Labor, Business Action Center and Burlington County’s Workforce Development Board, to name a few,” said Riggins. “We’re expecting this year’s expo will provide more great opportunities for both new and longtime business owners.”

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 on June 11 from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at Splitz Bar and Grill on Route 73 in Maple Shade. The free event will provide additional opportunities for local business owners to network and meet with local officials and leaders in an informal setting.

The Commissioners and Bridge Commission have also partnered to create a Small Business Workshop Series. The free classes and seminars cover topics such as tax preparation, obtaining financing, social media and marketing, creating business plans and more. Seven workshops were held in 2023 and another seven were held earlier this year.

“Burlington County has created a business-friendly atmosphere where business owners can benefit from our free programs and seminars designed to help them make a difference,” Hopson said. “We’re proud of our County’s record and we continue to seek out new ways to help both new and established businesses find success.”

State Senator Troy Singleton applauded the Commissioners and Bridge Commission for prioritizing the needs of small businesses.

“I’m proud to live in a county with leaders who are so responsive to the needs of small business owners and their employees,” said Senator Singleton. “The upcoming Small Business Resource Fair and Business to Business Social Networking Event will provide great opportunities for business owners to meet, connect, ask questions and learn more about state and county programs that can help them.”

In addition to the Small Business Fair, Senator Singleton is also partnering with the New Jersey Business Action Center to host a Small Business Assistance Workshop on Friday May 31st from 8-11am at RCBC in Mount Laurel where business owners (or prospective entrepreneurs) can learn more about how to start or grow a business and obtain access to programs. Free breakfast will be provided, but seats are limited so attendees must RSVP at: https://www.troysingleton.com/njbac