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Invest Newark marked the graduation of a cohort of 16 small business owners from its Executive Business Accelerator Program.

A graduation ceremony was recently held at Newark City Hall to celebrate the milestone.

Using Interise’s award-winning StreetWise “MBA” curriculum, the seven-month program provides eligible small business owners with practical training in areas such as strategic planning, marketing, financial management, procurement and sales. Graduates are also eligible to compete for Business Development Grants – with $15,000 in total grant money available for each cohort.

“This program continues to prove its value by helping businesses reach new heights,” said Marcus Randolph, CEO of Invest Newark. “We are proud to support entrepreneurs who are committed to growing their businesses and contributing to Newark’s economic future.”

“We’re proud to partner with Invest Newark to offer this transformative program,” said Elizabeth Reynoso, director of research, evaluation & impact at Interise. “The outcomes demonstrate the power of equitable business education, leveraging Interise’s award-winning StreetWise MBA program.”

Some key program details include:

• Among the graduates, 19% identified as Hispanic or Latino; 81% as Black or African American; and 70% represented women-owned businesses
• Part of Invest Newark’s ongoing commitment to supporting local and BIPOC-owned businesses
• Has supported more than 60 Newark-based CEOs across industries such as hospitality, construction, food manufacturing and accounting since 2020
• According to 2023 data, following the graduation of the previous cohort – 76% of alumni businesses reported increased or maintained annual revenues; 77% were profitable; and 77% hired local full-time staff

The 2024 graduating cohort includes:

• BWS Massage Concierge LLC
• AP Business Services
• Dynamic Digital Air
• Amazing Strides
• S&A Auto Center
• Transform The Hustle
• All Star Development Enterprises LLC
• Just Right Technology
• Proud 2 Be Me Learning Center
• Bara Ex Nihilo Holdings LLC (BENH)
• M Campbell Development
• TMA General Contracting LLC
• Ochoa Enterprises LLC
• Organic Lyfe LLC
• Brick City Strength
• Uncle Willie’s Wings

“The Executive Business Accelerator Program is helping small businesses in Newark grow and thrive,” said Newark Mayor Ras Baraka. “By equipping local entrepreneurs with the knowledge and resources they need, this program is strengthening our city’s economy and ensuring long-term success for our businesses.”

More details on how to apply for the 2025 cohort can be found here.

Big support for small businesses & startups:

• NJ clean energy, food security startups boosted by grant funding
• OPINION: Supporting Hoboken’s small businesses year-round
• NJBAC receives $400K to support small businesses new to exporting