NJBIA Salutes the Huge Impact of Small Business

On May 2, 2016

The New Jersey Business & Industry Association marked the start of National Small Business Week (May 1-7) by saluting the New Jersey entrepreneurs who work to grow and sustain the small businesses that support the state’s overall economy.

“More than half of New Jersey workers are employed by small businesses,” NJBIA President and CEO Michele Siekerka said.  “Small businesses bring jobs, innovation and economic growth to the communities where they are located, and are also vitally important to the state’s overall economic health.”

Every year since 1963, the President of the United States has issued a proclamation announcing National Small Business Week, which recognizes the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners. Siekerka noted more than 85 percent of NJBIA’s 20,000 member companies are small business owners.

“Our communities are more livable and enjoyable because of the small businesses that have always been the cornerstone of Main Street,” Siekerka said. “Meanwhile, the new small startups, which are driving innovation with their breakthroughs in biotechnology, technology and the pharmaceutical industries, are helping New Jersey secure its reputation as an innovation leader.”

Technology, globalization and specialization are making it possible for entrepreneurs and small startups to compete in the 21st century economy, but small businesses still need assistance to navigate the changing marketplace, Siekerka said.

Since January, NJBIA has been offering personalized assistance through its new Member Action Center (MAC) that allows NJBIA businesses to get help from experts who will either answer questions on the spot or do the research it takes to help callers make informed business decisions. Nearly 300 businesses have received guidance on everything from purchasing insurance, to renewing commercial leases, to rewriting their employee handbooks since the MAC opened.

In addition, NJBIA’s new free legal hotline is providing NJBIA members with 30 minutes a month of complementary legal consultation on labor issues.

NJBIA’s public outreach efforts also include dozens of seminars, webinars, networking events and more to help small businesses grow and sustain in New Jersey. Next week, NJBIA is hosting a Cybersecurity Summit, a topic of particular interest to small business owners seeking information and resources on how to handle digital breaches and take preventative action. Anyone interested in registering for the May 10 Summit in Bridgewater click here.

Related Articles: