Best Small Business Resources in the Mount Laurel Area

Description

The Rutgers EcoComplex is a multi use research facility that serves as a nexus between academic research, industrial incubation, and government projects. The EcoComplex offers incubation services for promising “green” technologies and business ideas, featuring laboratory facilities, access to academic resources and mentorship, and engineering support.

Restrictions

Must be an environmentally friendly (green) project

Description

The BCLS has several library branches around Burlington county and boasts access to a number of research databases on subjects ranging from New Jersey industry overviews to US census data. The BCLS has also aggregated a list of local and statewide resources that may be useful to someone in the business planning and startup stages. These services are free to use, though you may need to be a member of the library to access them.

Restrictions

May need a free library membership for some services

Description

Women's Business Centers are nationwide programs established by the SBA to assist women in starting small businesses. Some of these centers are combined with other local organizations and use that relationship to offer even more services. Each Women's Business Center has counselors who can provide mentorship and assistance with business planning. Women’s Business Centers also provide a network of other businesses, and some have loan programs available

Restrictions

The Women's Business Centers are, as the name implies, meant for women primarily.

Description

SCORE (Service Corp of Retired Executives) is a leading, nation-wide organization that has assisted millions of entrepreneurs over its 50+ years of operation. SCORE is a resource partner of the SBA that offers access to a network of experienced business leaders who donate time to mentor entrepreneurs and small business owners. They also host free or inexpensive workshops online and at 300 local chapters around the United States. Mentoring can be conducted either in person or remotely and is always free and confidential, no matter how often you take advantage of this service.

Description

RBAC provides low-cost loans to new companies in New Jersey, offering a variety of SBA 504 loans, Community Advantage Loans, and Microloans. After a loan is secured, RBAC provides technical assistance on a range of topics including recordkeeping, marketing, and financial analysis.

Restrictions

Must be a resident of New Jersey.

Description

The greatest strength of the SBDC is their free, confidential, 1-on-1 business mentoring for anyone who seeks it. Sometimes in order to be considered for mentoring from one of their professional business advisors, you may have to attend a class/workshop or at least present your business plan. SBDC's are located all throughout the state and you should use the SBDC closest to your location if possible, but you can often transfer to a different location if they do not fit your needs.

Description

Waterfront lab is a co-working space for startups and small businesses. Amenities include conference rooms, a full kitchen, and even free beer. The facility also hosts frequent events that bring in local speakers to share useful knowledge pertaining to small businesses. A variety of membership plans are available, ranging from access to shared workspaces to private offices.