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Cross River Bank, based in Fort Lee, and nonprofit TechUnited:NJ kicked off National Entrepreneurship Month by launching the second annual Women and Minority Business Owner Mentorship Cohort to benefit underrepresented entrepreneurs in the Garden State. 

The program, which runs through January, is meant to provide support and guidance to underrepresented founders and business owners as they launch and grow their businesses, according to Nov. 2 announcement.  

Offering both virtual and in-person sessions, the program matches mentors with business owners based on their strengths and needs, including help in resolving business challenges and advice or guidance in decision-making. 

Phil Goldfeder, Cross River‘s senior vice president of global public affairs, said the organizations were proud to launch the second year of the program, adding, “When we invest and empower women and minority business owners with the resources to succeed, we all win.” 

“These types of programs are critical,” added Jasmine Ward, head of experience at TechUnited:NJ, which is a membership organization focused on empowering entrepreneurs and innovators. 

“While our region is No. 2 in the country for investment, still less than 3% of venture financing is awarded to female-founded companies when women own and operate over 22% of businesses in the U.S.,” Ward continued. “Our goal is to continue building the momentum of New Jersey’s women and minority entrepreneurs so that they can access the guidance, capital, and customers needed to succeed.” 

Assemblywoman Angela McKnight, D-31st District, praised the program, as well as Cross River and TechUnited, saying these types of offerings “are the key to improving our community and helping our businesses thrive.” 

“As an entrepreneur and business mentor, I know firsthand that having someone in your corner guiding you, educating you, and providing business acumen you wouldn’t normally have access to, is life-changing,” she said.

Applications into the cohort will be accepted until Nov. 15. Learn more and apply by clicking here.