Earlier this week, a roundtable discussion was held by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) as part of its Black History Month celebration. The event brought together four Black-owned business owners who shared their experiences of starting and growing their businesses in New Jersey. The discussion took place at Mercer County Community College’s Trenton Campus and included participants from various industries such as cannabis, maternal health, hydroponic farming, and the arts.
NJEDA CEO Tim Sullivan highlighted Governor Murphy's commitment to supporting Black business owners in creating an equitable economy. "Since day one, Governor Murphy has been committed to uplifting Black business owners and creating a strong, diverse, and equitable economy," he stated. Sullivan also acknowledged the efforts of Assemblywoman McCoy and the Legislature in implementing programs that provide essential resources for Black entrepreneurs.
Michelle Bodden, NJEDA Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer, emphasized the importance of these discussions for ensuring that NJEDA’s programs meet the needs of minority business owners. "Governor Murphy’s dedication to supporting Black-owned businesses plays a crucial role in strengthening our families, communities, state, and nation," she said.
Assemblywoman Tennille R. McCoy stressed the significance of investing in programs that support Black entrepreneurs: "Black entrepreneurs are crucial to our state’s economic growth... The NJEDA’s commitment to supporting Black-owned businesses empowers more entrepreneurs to realize their visions."
The event featured several notable business owners:
- Tahir Johnson is the Founder & CEO of Simply Pure Trenton, a cannabis dispensary in Ewing that received funding through the Cannabis Seed Equity Grant. He praised NJEDA's support: “As a Black entrepreneur in the cannabis industry... Access to capital remains one of the biggest barriers for minority-owned businesses.”
- Jatesha ‘Jaye’ Wilson is Founding President & CEO of Melinated Moms based in Trenton. Her firm focuses on improving maternal health outcomes for marginalized communities. She highlighted her experience with funding: “While we know Black women account for less than one percent of Venture Capital funding; it is important to learn how other investment funds can diversify their revenue.”
- Desmond Hayes founded GeoGreens in Hamilton—an indoor hydroponics farm aiming for zero waste production year-round—and received multiple grants from CSIT and NJEDA programs. He expressed gratitude: “Simply put... GeoGreens would not be in a position of growth without [their] assistance!”
- Erica Jones owns The Turquoise Cup—a pottery studio and cafe located downtown Burlington—and benefited from both Small Business Improvement Grant and Main Street Micro Business Loan.
The NJEDA's Main Street Recovery Program continues its support for minority-owned businesses across New Jersey through grants totaling $7.8 million last year alone.
For those interested in viewing this roundtable discussion fully recorded online via provided links or visiting njeda.com regarding further details about available resources offered by agencies involved today throughout regions served statewide!
