Sussex, NJ, April 4, 2024 – On Thursday, April 4, USDA Rural Development State Director Jane Asselta joined Mark Valli, CEO of Northwest New Jersey Community Action Partnership, to announce funding in support of local entrepreneurs and small businesses in northwest New Jersey.
Through a $77,797 Rural Business Development Grant, Norwescap – a nonprofit dedicated to supporting underserved, low-income residents in New Jersey -- will support the sustainability of local entrepreneurs and small businesses by providing key administrative resources, space, technology, and other required assistance.
“Local, small businesses are the centerpiece of rural communities, providing essential services and employment for so many,” said Asselta. “These funds directly support the sustainability of local entrepreneurs and small businesses in New Jersey, and we’re continually proud to partner with Norwescap to ensure our rural communities thrive.”
In addition to the USDA grant, Norwescap contributed funding to push the total project effort to $216,346 -- demonstrating the collaborative commitment to fostering economic development and job creation in the rural region.
The funding is being used through the Norwescap Center for Entrepreneurship, which aims to inspire individuals to invest in themselves through entrepreneurship. The grant helps expand the sustainability and stability of local entrepreneurs and small businesses by providing key administrative resources, technology, professional development, mentorship, networking, and other assistance. Additionally, the project includes establishing a physical space, recruiting businesses, offering summer entrepreneurship programs, and collecting data on business growth.
"This funding is a testament to the collaborative efforts of the USDA and Norwescap to empower local entrepreneurs and small businesses,” said Mark Valli, Norwescap CEO. “We believe that by providing access to resources and support, we can help these businesses achieve long-term success and contribute to the growth of our community."
Today’s event also marked the beginning of the Entrepreneurship Center’s inaugural program titled "Business Development Academy”, an eight-week-long series of professional development workshops for entrepreneurs.
USDA Rural Development funds projects in New Jersey under the leadership of its state office staff located in Mt. Laurel and is supported by offices located in Hackettstown, Columbus, and Vineland. For more information on programs, visit our state website or follow us on social media.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: This $77,797 Rural Development investment will be used to support the creation and sustainability of local entrepreneurs and small businesses with key administrative resources, space, technology, and other assistance. Northwest New Jersey Community Action Program will purchase and install equipment and software (computers, 3D printers, smart boards & more) to directly benefit local businesses for years to come. This will help local entrepreneurs and small businesses achieve stability and business growth through high-quality professional development, mentorship, networking, and resource access. The project also promotes economic development and job creation in Sussex Borough, Warren County, New Jersey.