Centenary Hosts Small Business Summit

Centenary Institute of Entrepreneurship and Hackettstown BID hosted a Small Business Summit to introduce students to local businesses and grant them more networking opportunities on campus in the Lackland Center on Monday, Sept. 15.

Featured businesses emphasized the role of local collaboration in helping startups and furthered President Dale Caldwell’s mission of building bridges between Centenary and the local community.

Caldwell opened the event by calling entrepreneurship “a solution to broader economic challenges” and described the summit as “a potential model for national replication.” 

“This is possibly really transformational for New Jersey and the country at a time when we need small businesses to stand up,”  said Caldwell.

When it comes to business, networking is the most important skill to have. However, many college students may fear their introverted personalities can hinder their chances at making those connections. 

However, introverts can still be a part of the conversation. Business cards, attending networking events, and writing timely, genuine follow-up emails to supporters go a long way in building these foundations. 

With 77% of customer engagement now happening on social media, according to Forbes, branding has become essential for small businesses to thrive.

Businesses are urged to choose the right platform to advertise their services, finding the best way to approach their desired audience. Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok, each with billions of users, target different demographics. Each social media platform provides a unique experience– from lengths of videos and topics covered to degree of professionalism. 

Entrepreneurs are encouraged to post regularly about their work by sticking to calendars and schedules. Instagram reels and TikTok short-form videos continue to be the most effective in reaching younger audiences, giving newer businesses an opportunity to build a following. And, when they post about both their wins and loses, they form deeper connections with their audiences. 

It’s recommended that businesses set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) to streamline social media presence, according to a 2017 how-to guide by the University of California.

“SMART goals are meant to address all of your major job responsibilities,” read the how-to guide. “Remember, goals are intended to focus attention and resources on what is most important so that you can be successful in achieving your priorities.”

Experts across the board recommend a mix of 80% entertainment and 20% product or service promotion. Business owners should also track how many followers become paying customers, how many clicks their websites receive, and whether their marketing strategies are profitable. 

Many local businesses were featured at the Summit. 

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) is extending opportunities to college students through internships in Newark, New Brunswick, and online platforms. These programs aim to introduce students to business development, economic policy, and public service while offering talent pipelines to growing companies. They have offices in Trenton, North Brunswick, Camden, and Newark.

“The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) grows the state’s economy and increases equitable access to opportunity by supporting high-quality job creation, catalyzing investment, and fostering vibrant, inclusive community development,” reads the About Us section of the NJEDA’s website. “NJEDA works in partnership with a diverse range of stakeholders to implement programs and initiatives that improve quality of life, enhance economic vitality, and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

For more information, call (844) 965-1125, by email at customercare@njeda.com, or find them on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn. 

Another important organization at the Summit was Warren County Community College (WCCC), with campuses in Phillipsburg and Washington. Centenary has been a proud supporter of WCCC, granting graduates immediate acceptance and several major scholarships to their university. WCCC also offers specialized programs for business startups and nonprofits.

“This facility also is home to the Warren County Small Business Growth Center, which leases office space for start-ups and emerging small businesses,” according to the WCCC website. 

For more information, call 908-835-2300, submit your contact information at https://www.warren.edu/contact-us/, or visit their education center at 445 Marshall Street, just off of Route 22 in Phillipsburg. 

Other local businesses included Center Point Wellness, which offers holistic health services; Better Together K9 Training; Greene’s Beans, a local coffee shop on High Street; Delloons, a balloon shop on Main Street; and Raising Hands Literacy Project, a tutoring service on Main Street.

If you’re interested in connecting with small businesses or are studying business at CU, be sure to check out next year’s Small Business Summit, where you can get involved with the community and find local internship or job opportunities.