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.
First Fridays 2025
Basics of Financing Your Business
Friday, July 11, 2025
10:00 am-11:30 am
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
Learn how to get your business bank ready in this workshop!
Register now at: Basics of Financing Your Business
QuickBooks Basics
Friday, September 5, 2025
10:00 am-11:30 am
One of the most important, yet frequently overlooked components for most business owners is recordkeeping. This introductory webinar walks participants through the ground level stages of “bookkeeping.” This webinar will focus on the following areas:
- The effective use of an accounting system
- How to set up your company in QuickBooks
- Adding customers, vendors and employees to your records
- How to produce accurate and timely reports to analyze your company’s performance and much more.
Register now at: QuickBooks Basics
Past First Fridays 2025
Projecting Financial Results
Friday, May 2, 2025
10:00 am-11:30 am
Financial projections are crucial to helping businesses forecast future revenue and expenses. This webinar will help small business owners project financial results and prepare a business plan with a focus on Sales Projections, Expense Projections, and responsibly Projecting Cash Flow.
In case you missed this event, you may view the Presentation at: Projecting Financial Results Presentation
The Event Webinar may be viewed at: Projecting Financial Results Webinar
Writing a Business Plan
Friday, March 7, 2025
10:00 am-11:30 am
This hands-on, live webinar is designed for businesses of all sizes and stages with resources to empower entrepreneurs with a special interest in supporting minority, veteran, LGBTQIA+, and women-owned businesses.
Participants will learn how to:
-Develop a comprehensive business plan.
-Examine and comprehend components of various audiences.
-Create effective strategies for marketing, sales, and planning.
In case you missed this event, you may view the Presentation at: Writing a Business Plan Presentation
2025 Events
Past 2025 Events
New Jersey Regional Innovation Cluster (NJRIC) Virtual Information Session
Monday, April 7, 2025
9:00 am
Learn more about the New Jersey Regional Innovation Cluster (NJRIC) during this Virtual Information Session. NJRIC is a free, SBA-backed program for New Jersey tech businesses including cybersecurity risk assessments and an accelerator program. This Information Session will provide information on eligibility, benefits and the application process, along with personalized insights from experts.
Register now at: New Jersey Regional Innovation Cluster Virtual Information Session
For more information and to apply, visit: New Jersey Regional Innovation Cluster
How to Get Your Contract Reviewed Webinar
Tuesday, April 1, 2025
11:00 am-12:00 pm
The Community Transactional Law Clinic (CTLC) Team is now offering small businesses the chance to apply for contracts to be reviewed by a Law Clinic Student for Free! Participants will learn how to use strategic contract management to protect their business.
In case you missed this event, you may view the Presentation at: Community and Transactional Lawyering Clinic Presentation
The Event Webinar may be viewed at: Community and Transactional Lawyering Clinic Webinar
To become a CTLC Client, Apply at: Community and Transactional Lawyering Clinic Prospective Client Application
Hudson County World Cup 2026 Kick Off Webinar
Thursday, March 13, 2025
12:00 pm-1:00 pm
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is coming to New Jersey! Get your business ready for this global economic opportunity. Join this webinar and prepare your business for one of the world’s largest sporting events.
This webinar will provide participants with insights into FIFA 2026 and its economic impact. Learn strategies for your local business to capitalize on this tourism opportunity.
In case you missed this event, you may view the Presentation at: Hudson County World Cup 2026 Kick Off Presentation
The Event Webinar may be viewed at: Hudson County World Cup 2026 Kick Off Webinar
Intro to Rutgers Community & Transactional Lawyering Clinic (CTLC)
Tuesday, January 7, 2025
11:00 am-12:00 pm
For-profit and non-profit small business owners are invited to join this introductory session to learn more about the Free Transactional Legal Services available for Northern New Jersey through the Community & Transactional Lawyering Clinic (CTLC). Register now for this opportunity to learn about the invaluable legal support available and learn how to become a CTLC client.
In case you missed this event, you may view the Presentation at: Introduction to Rutgers Community & Transactional Lawyering Clinic (CTLC) Presentation
The Event Webinar may be viewed at: Introduction to Rutgers Community & Transactional Lawyering Clinic (CTLC) Webinar
Basics to Intellectual Property and Trademarks
Tuesday, February 18, 2025
12:00 pm-1:30 pm
The HCEDC is proud to join the Rutgers Law School Intellectual Property Law Clinic for Basics to Intellectual Property and Trademarks, an informative webinar which will provide small business owners with an understanding of intellectual property and trademarks.
In case you missed this event, you may view the Presentation at: Basics to Intellectual Property and Trademarks Presentation
The Event Webinar may be viewed at: Basics to Intellectual Property and Trademarks Webinar