Education
Whether you are a business-savvy expert or looking to start a new venture, we can help you sharpen your skills to take your business to the next level. We have partnered with chambers, local colleges, universities and training experts in the fields of finance, sales and business to provide a variety of lectures, courses and workshops throughout Hudson County. Our training ranges from two-hour lectures to six-week courses; in-depth, advanced training up to 15 weeks is also provided to established businesses.
We focus on helping businesses evaluate the realities of starting a business and help those in the early years of operating a new business to achieve stability and sustainable business practices. Financial education is a priority and we offer education topics ranging from: knowing and improving your credit score, financing and accounting tools to manage your business.
Business Smarts 2023
Entrepreneurship Essentials for Business
In-Person & Live Webinar
Wednesday, March 15th, 6:00-7:30 pm
North Bergen Downtown Library
1231 JFK Boulevard, North Bergen
Starting a small business is a rewarding but risky proposition. Before you hang the “Open for Business” sign or get in too deep into your new venture, you should take an honest look at your preparedness to succeed. This free in-person and live webinar
This program will guide you through the assessment process and introduce you to the tools you’ll need to start and grow your business. You’ll be better prepared to:
- Determine if you have the traits necessary to be a business owner
- Identify your strengths and weaknesses and how they fit with business ownership
- Assess the feasibility of your business idea within your targeted market
- Conduct market research, business planning, and financial projection
Setting up the right foundation for your startup will put it on the path to success.
In case you missed this event, you may view the Presentation at: Entrepreneurship Essentials For Your Business Presentation
The Event Webinar may be viewed at: Entrepreneurship Essentials For Your Business Webinar
Starting a Business In New Jerey
In-Person & Live Webinar
Wednesday, March 29th, 6:00-7:30 pm
North Bergen Downtown Library
1231 JFK Boulevard, North Bergen
Have a great idea? Ready to start a business? Learn what you need to know before you take the plunge!
The decision to start a business is an exciting time for any entrepreneur. However, there are many steps you’ll need to take to protect yourself from potential liability, legal, and tax issues.
This webinar is designed to guide you through the mechanics of starting your business and make sure you get off on the right foot. In this workshop, we’ll cover:
- The pros and cons of different legal business structures
- How to name and register your business
- What taxes apply to your business and how to make sure you are set up to file them
- What’s required of your business if you have employees
- The insurance you’re required to have to operate in New Jersey
Give your business the best chance to succeed by getting started the right way.
In case you missed this event, you may view the Presentation at: Starting a Business in New Jersey Presentation
The Event Webinar may be viewed at: Starting a Business in New Jersey
Marketing Research Tools for Small Business
In-Person & Live Webinar
Wednesday, April 19th, 6:00-7:30 pm
North Bergen Downtown Library
1231 JFK Boulevard, North Bergen
In this webinar, you’ll gain a practical understanding of marketing research techniques and tools. You’ll learn how to develop a marketing strategy by utilizing free resources to access customer demographics, spending habits, and possible trends in your industry. There will be particular emphasis on how to target your best potential customers and minimize wasted exposure, helping you deliver your products and services cost effectively. You’ll also:
- Discover how to put Reference USA and Demographics NOW to work for you
- Learn how business librarians can help you with your specific research needs
- Leave with tangible market research skills you can put into practice immediately
Get to know your market in this free workshop.
In case you missed this event, you may view the Presentation at: Marketing Research Tools for Small Business Presentation
The Event Webinar may be viewed at: Marketing Research Tools for Small Business
Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program
Hudson County Economic Development Corporation
In Partnership with LISC, Verizon and Next Street
Small Business Digital Ready
Running a small business has never been more complex. That’s why Hudson County Economic Development Corporation is proud to join Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), and Next Street to present the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready program supporting women- and minority-owned businesses. This free program is designed to give small businesses like yours more tools to succeed in today’s digital world.
Through the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready program, business owners can access English, and Spanish language:
- Courses to help your business grow
- Expert coaches to reach your goals
- Tech tools for powering businesses
- Networking opportunities
- Grant Applications
You don’t want to miss this!
The first 20 Hudson County businesses to register will be featured in an HCEDC Small Business Saturday or Business Spotlight social media promotion.
Click here for more information about the Small Business Digital Ready program and to register or Scan the QR Code Below
Business Smarts 2022
Business Planning in Times of Economic Change
Thursday, November 17th, 10:00-11:30 am
This webinar was developed to guide businessowners through the process of developing a business plan and provide participants with a hands-on systematic way to develop an outline, investigate and evaluate the resources and create a draft business plan. A particular focus will be placed on assessing aspects of the business plan to meet the challenges of economic change and disruptions like the COVID-19 crisis. In this workshop, participants will learn how to:
- Research and analyze the individual components needed for a business plan
- Apply skills to create a business plan for different audiences, including investors and banks
- Explain the purpose and future of your business in easy to understand terms
- Describe your marketing, sales, and planning strategies and more
For More Information & to Register, Visit: Business Planning in Times of Economic Change
Disaster Preparedness for Your Business
Wednesday, September 21st, 10:00 am-11:30 am
This Live Webinar will focus on preparing for disaster, insurances a business should have in place and resources in the event of a disaster. Participants will learn how to shift their business from a state of vulnerability to a state of readiness with a sound and actionable plan that will help avoid costly and disruptive incidents.
For More Information & to Register, Visit: Disaster Preparedness for Your Business
Basics of Financing Your Business
Thursday, November 3rd, 10:00-11:30 am
This Live Webinar will address how access to capital is critical to many small businesses, yet most owners don’t understand how to determine what they qualify for, what money is available to them and the roadblocks they may face obtaining financing. This workshop was created to address these issues as well as inform business owners of what’s expected of them in obtaining capital. This workshop will focus on the following areas:
- Financing options available to small businesses
- What lenders look for
- Matching the right financing program to your needs
- How to prepare for a meeting with a lender
- Identify issues that will “kill” your deal
For More Information & to Register, Visit: Basics of Financing Your Business
Digital Marketing & Social Media
Thursday, November 10th, 10:00-11:30 am
This Live Webinar will address the basics of harnessing the power of digital, within the context of an organization’s marketing strategy. Digital marketing is an important part of a business’ promotional mix and social media platforms are valuable tools to use in a marketing communications strategy. This workshop, will cover:
- Using your website to build a foundation for communicating content
- Integrating digital marketing into your overall promotions
- Search Engine Optimization
- Key aspects of popular social media platforms
For More Information & to Register, Visit: Digital Marketing & Social Media
Climate Change Business Resiliency Free Webinar Series
Disaster Preparedness for Your Business
September 21, 10:00 am-11:00 am
This webinar will provide participants with an overview of the essentials for developing and executing a preparedness plan. For more information and to register, visit Disaster Preparedness for Your Business
Identifying Key Climate Hazards
September 27, 10:00 am-11:00 am
This webinar will provide information and examples of climate disasters. Participants will learn about potential barriers to preparedness. For more information and to register, visit Identifying Key Climate Hazards
Business Risk Assessment
October 5, 10:00 am-11:00 am
This webinar will guide participants through the basics of conducting a risk assessment of their business and prioritizing investments. For more information and to register, visit Business Risk Assessment
Action Plans
October 18, 10:00 am-11:00 am
This final webinar will help participants develop strategies and a recovery plan. Participants will be guided on adapting to short and long-term changes in the business environment. For more information and to register, visit Action Plans
Small Business Resiliency Network
The Hudson County Economic Development Corporation is proud be a part of the Local Initiative Support Corporation (LISC)’s 20-organization cohort of the Small Business Resiliency Network. With the generous support of the Wells Fargo Foundation, the Small Business Resiliency Network would ensure that businesses are prepared for disasters and have adaptation strategies in place to strengthen the resilience of communities through the resilience of small businesses.
The HCEDC will offer a range of services in partnership with various organizations including educational webinars, as well as access to disaster recovery experts and Hudson County Community College interns.
To learn more about the Small Business Resiliency Network, contact Michelle Richardson, Executive Director or Rosennies Feliz, Program Coordinator at (201) 369-4370, ext. 2 or by e-mail at info@hudsonedc.org
Further information regarding the Wells Fargo Foundation/Local Initiative Support Corporation (LISC) partnership, please visit: LISC Launches Pilot Program with Wells Fargo Grant to Help Small Businesses Build Disaster Resilience
Energy Incentives for the Business Community- Including Direct Install, Energy Assessments, Rebates and More Webinar
The HCEDC joined the Passaic County Division of Economic Development for a Live Webinar: Energy Incentives for the Business Community- Including Direct Install, Energy Assessments, Rebates and More on April 29th.
In Case You Missed It, You Can View the Webinar at: Energy Incentives for the Business Community- Including Direct Install, Energy Assessments, Rebates & More
You Can View the PSE&G Presentation at: Energy Savings for Every Business
You Can View the Donnelly Energy Presentation at: Energy Assessments and the Direct Install Process
Counting Down to New Jersey’s 2022 Plastic Carryout Bag and Polystyrene Foam Ban Webinar
