Free Mentorship and Digital Support Now Available for NJ Small Businesses

The new initiatives offer mentorship and digital support services at no cost, connecting small New Jersey businesses with experienced nonprofit partners.

The New Jersey Business Action Center (NJBAC), a division of the Department of State, has launched two new online referral programs designed to support small businesses across the state by providing free access to mentorship and digital development resources.

Through the Mentor Matchmaking Referral Service and the Internet Presence Referral Service, eligible businesses can now connect with nonprofit organizations that offer tailored guidance at no cost. These services are intended to address key challenges faced by small businesses, particularly in the early stages of development or while seeking to improve their visibility online.

The Mentor Matchmaking program is available to New Jersey-based small businesses that have been in operation for five years or less. Qualified applicants can select a mentor from a curated list of participating nonprofit organizations that have agreed to provide advisory support without charge.

The Internet Presence Referral Service, on the other hand, is open to small businesses at any stage of development. This program connects applicants with nonprofit entities that can assist with creating or enhancing websites, improving search engine visibility, and managing digital outreach.

“Businesses face so many challenges in understanding the ‘rules of road’ of doing business, especially in a constantly evolving economic landscape. Our matchmaking referral program facilitates the sharing of knowledge, which is especially important during times of uncertainty. Additionally, the Internet Presence referral program recognizes that the 21st-century economy is an e-economy where businesses must have a digital presence to conduct or grow their business,” said Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way.

To access either program, businesses must visit the NJBAC website at https://www.nj.gov/state/bac/ and navigate to the "Referral Services" tab in the top menu. There, users can choose between the two service options depending on their needs.

These programs were made possible through two separate legislative actions focused on supporting New Jersey’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. They build upon NJBAC’s broader mission of providing comprehensive, no-cost assistance to the state’s business community. In addition to the new referral offerings, NJBAC continues to help businesses navigate regulatory requirements, apply for permits, identify funding opportunities, and connect with state resources through its helpline and live chat services.

The launch of these referral services marks a continued effort by the state to foster a more accessible and supportive environment for small business development and growth.