ENTREPRENEURIAL SUPPORT
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Discover the organizations, networks, and resources that fuel New Jersey’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. From funding and mentorship to innovation hubs, explore the support that helps founders launch and scale.
Accelerate South Jersey (Rowan RCIE)
Offers microcredit and seed funding of up to $3,000, alongside acceleration support for early-stage ventures in South Jersey.
BioNJ
New Jersey’s life sciences trade association, representing over 400 research-based companies. BioNJ champions innovation with advocacy, networking, cost‑savings, educational programs, and capital resources.
Business Development Centers (NJSBDC)
Provide consulting, training, and resources to entrepreneurs and small businesses across New Jersey, supporting growth, planning, and innovation through a statewide network of centers.
coLab at Bell Works
A dynamic coworking community in Holmdel offering flexible memberships and an inspiring environment to support individuals, startups, and growing teams.
The Fourth Effect
A platform that connects startups with advisors, board members, and investors. Membership unlocks access to 3,500+ executives, pitch competitions, board opportunities, and a vibrant ecosystem designed to elevate founders, advisors, and investors alike.
Greater Newark Enterprises Corporation (GNEC)
A Newark-based CDFI offering loans, technical assistance (planning, marketing, digital), and workshops to support underserved NJ entrepreneurs.
Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership (IFEL)
A Newark nonprofit that empowers historically excluded entrepreneurs—especially Black and Latinx founders—by providing hands-on support, mentorship, and access to capital.
Institute for Life Science Entrepreneurship (ILSE) [Kean University]
Life sciences accelerator providing R&D facilities, incubator space, expert consulting, and entrepreneur training to biotech startups.
NJ Accelerate (via NJEDA)
Funds NJ startups graduating from approved accelerators by matching private investment, providing rent support, and strengthening innovation ecosystems throughout the state.
NJ Entrepreneur Support Program (NJESP)
Helps early-stage NJ startups by offering loan guarantees for private investors backing convertible notes or bridge financing, reducing risk and improving capital access.
New Jersey Business Action Center (NJBAC)
NJ’s one-stop shop for business support under the Dept. of State, NJBAC offers guidance on financing, grants, exports, workforce development, manufacturing, nonprofits, and small- to mid-size biz growth—complete with referrals, webinars, and expert assistance.
New Jersey Innovation Institute (NJII)
A wholly owned non-profit of NJIT with the mission of translating NJIT’s capabilities and technologies to the marketplace across four divisions: healthcare, defense, AI/ML, and entrepreneurship.
New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA)
A century‑old, statewide employer association delivering advocacy, cost‑saving services, networking, and training—driving competitive excellence, partnerships among business, government, and academia.
New Jersey Chamber of Commerce
Statewide business advocacy group offering entrepreneurs networking, education, and influence in policy to help startups and small businesses thrive.
RAISED – Rutgers Advanced Institute for the Study of Entrepreneurship and Development
Academic initiative promoting entrepreneurship across Rutgers Business School and nearby communities through programming and engagement.
Rutgers CUEED (Center for Urban Entrepreneurship & Economic Development)
University-based hub advancing entrepreneurship through teaching, research, and community programs that support diverse founders and urban startup growth across New Jersey.
Research & Development Council of New Jersey
Nonprofit promoting science and technology by linking industry, academia, and government to drive R&D innovation, networking, and recognition programs for entrepreneurs.
Rising Tide Capital
A Jersey City-based nonprofit dedicated to transforming lives and communities through entrepreneurship. With a hands-on approach, it provides business education, mentorship, and capital readiness support—especially in lower-income, urban areas.
SciTech City
Launched is designed by Liberty Science Center as a hub where education, science, and entrepreneurship converge—bringing together students, researchers, startups, and corporations to invent a better future.
Startup Map
A comprehensive listing of leading startups across stages—from seed to later-stage—highlighting tech-driven companies in cybersecurity, fintech, biotech, logistics and enterprise software gaining traction statewide.
TechUnited:NJ (formerly New Jersey Tech Council)
A nonprofit membership organization offering business development, education, networking, advocacy, and recognition to accelerate growth across New Jersey’s tech and life sciences sectors.
MEETUPS
coLab at Bell Works
A creative Holmdel coworking hub offering flexible memberships—from day passes to private offices—24/7 access, meeting rooms, mail services, events, and vibrant community amenities.
Jersey City Tech Meetup
Jersey City’s vibrant tech community converges online and in person to spotlight local founders, emerging innovations in tech, business, and culture—accessible, inclusive, and unfiltered.
Jersey Shore Tech & Design
Monmouth & Ocean Counties’ top tech networking group offering coffee & coworking, workshops, panels, Lunch & Learns, and larger conferences for startups and tech leaders.
Jersey Shore Women in Tech
Supports, educates, and networks women in IT—from students to CEOs—through mentorship, professional development, and community building along the Jersey Shore.
Montclair Entrepreneurs
Organized by Montclair State’s entrepreneurship center, this meetup promotes networking, learning, startup pitches, and innovation-oriented events in Montclair, NJ.
NJ Code & Coffee
A welcoming monthly co-working and networking session in Newark for anyone in tech—from developers to founders—focused on collaboration, community, and code over coffee.
NJ Startups
A community-building group linked with Lean Jumpstart Accelerator at NJIT, hosting physical and virtual events to propel New Jersey startups.
NJ Entrepreneurs and Tech Startups
Connects entrepreneurs, technologists, and visionaries through monthly pitch fests, keynotes, strategic networking, and panel discussions across New Jersey.
Passage to Profit Radio Show Pitch Auditions & Networking
Pitch your business for iHeart Media exposure and join live events and webinars covering IP, employment law, and content creation in startups.
Princeton Tech Meetup
Monthly meetup for nerds, creatives, founders, and investors with demos, keynotes, and networking—fostering collaboration, energy, and shared learning near Princeton.
Quantum Driven New Jersey
Open forum in Princeton for exploring quantum computing, sensing, AI, photonics, and industry applications via presentations from academics, investors, and businesses.
Rowan University Startup Events
University-hosted entrepreneurial events like Mentor Mondays, Innovation Express, and team competitions aimed at accelerating student startup ideas.
