UCEDC Wins Unprecedented Third Contract to Train New Jersey Business Owners and Entrepreneurs | UCEDC, a Non-Profit Economic Development Corporation

Will Begin Seventh Year as Entrepreneurial Training Arm of the EDA

back to school
(CRANFORD, NJ) UCEDC, a nonprofit economic development corporation, has been awarded a contract by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) to provide training and technical assistance services to small business owners and entrepreneurs throughout New Jersey.

This is the third such agreement between UCEDC and the EDA; the strategic partnership expands the services provided to the state’s underserved businesses and communities through UCEDC’s innovative training and lending programs.

UCEDC offers a wide variety of free and low-cost training workshops for existing small businesses and emerging entrepreneurs, covering key business and financial literacy topics. A more comprehensive approach is offered in UCEDC’s six-week Entrepreneurship 101 course, which helps start-ups to test their business readiness and build a strong foundation for success.

“We’re so proud to be chosen to continue our relationship with the EDA and service to New Jersey’s small business community,” said Maureen Tinen, UCEDC President. “In the years since our first contract in 2008, we’ve reached thousands of small business owners with critical training and mentorship services. We’re excited to have the opportunity to do even more in the coming years.”

In addition to its training and technical assistance services, UCEDC offers a range of financing vehicles for start-up and existing businesses. “With loans from $5,000 to $5 million, UCEDC is in a unique position to be able to complement our training programs with access to capital for businesses that may not qualify for traditional bank financing,” notes Tinen.

In 2014, UCEDC trained or mentored more than 1,700 entrepreneurs, conducted 55 business training workshops, and provided $4.1 million in loans.

A schedule of UCEDC’s training programs, including the upcoming Entrepreneurship 101 course slated to begin in September, can be found on its website at www.ucedc.com .