The Greater Atlantic City Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with business associations across Atlantic County, will host a virtual lunch and learn series in celebration of Small Business Week, May 5 to 9, 2025. This collaborative initiative brings together the Margate Business Association, Brigantine Chamber of Commerce, Northfield Business Association, Ventnor Business Association, and Somers Point Business Association to provide valuable insights and resources for local businesses.
“This virtual series represents a unified effort to support and strengthen our local business community,” said Michael Chait, President of the Greater Atlantic City Chamber. “By bringing together multiple business organizations, we can offer diverse perspectives and access to valuable resources that many local businesses may not realize are available to them.”
The week-long series will feature daily virtual sessions from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, covering essential topics for small business success:
Monday, May 5, 2025
Title: Small Business Success: Resources & Support from the New Jersey Small Business Development Center (NJSBDC) at Stockton University
Presenter: Mark Rizzo, Regional Director of NJSBDC at Stockton University
Description: Mark Rizzo, Regional Director of New Jersey Small Business Development Center (NJSBDC) at Stockton University, will lead this essential session for small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs seeking expert guidance, training, and resources. The NJSBDC at Stockton University provides no-cost business consulting, training programs, and financial resources to help businesses start and grow. In this virtual event, Rizzo will share essential strategies and resources available to help entrepreneurs navigate business planning, funding, marketing, and operational challenges. Whether launching a new venture or expanding an existing business, this session will provide valuable insights and support.
Learning Objectives:
- Learn about free and low-cost business consulting services for entrepreneurs.
- Discover funding opportunities, grants, and loan programs for small businesses
- Gain insights into marketing, branding, and digital strategies to grow your customer base.
- Explore business planning, financial management, and operational best practices.
- Engage in a live Q&A session with an experienced NJSBDC business advisor.
Tuesday, May 6, 2025
Title: Mastering the Art of Networking: Build Connections with Confidence
Presenters: Jamila Powell, Program Director, Women’s Business Center from Latin American Economic Development Association (LAEDA)
Description: Networking is a powerful tool for professional and business success—but knowing how to start (and end) conversations, make meaningful connections, and follow up effectively can make all the difference. In this interactive virtual session, networking experts will share practical strategies to help you identify valuable networking opportunities, confidently engage in conversations, and maintain relationships that support your personal and professional growth. Whether you’re preparing for an upcoming event or looking to improve your networking skills, this session will provide you with actionable insights to build connections with purpose.
Learning Objectives:
- Master effective communication techniques for initiating and exiting conversations
- Learn how to prepare for events with confidence and make a strong first impression
- Discover best practices for post-event follow-up and relationship-building
- Engage in a live Q&A session with networking experts
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Title: Unlocking Success: How the New Jersey Business Action Center Can Help Your Business Thrive
Presenter: Donald Newman, Manager, Office of Small Business Advocacy, New Jersey Business Action Center (NJBAC)
Description: Navigating the complexities of starting, managing, and growing a business in New Jersey can be challenging—but you don’t have to do it alone. NJBAC provides no-cost, confidential assistance to help businesses succeed at every stage. In this virtual event, NJBAC experts will share key resources and strategies to help business owners access funding opportunities, navigate licensing and permits, explore workforce development programs, and take advantage of government contracting and international trade opportunities. Whether you’re a startup or an established business, this session will equip you with the knowledge and connections to move forward with confidence.
Learning Objectives:
- Discover grants, funding opportunities, and tax incentives available to NJ businesses
- Understand business registration, compliance, and licensing requirements.
- Explore opportunities in international trade, government contracting, and sustainability.
- Engage in a live Q&A session with NJBAC business experts.
Register here for Unlocking Success: How the NJBAC Can Help Your Business Thrive on May 7th.
Thursday, May 8, 2025
Title: Empowering Job Seekers & Employers: How the Atlantic County Workforce Development Board Can Help You Succeed
Presenters: Cynthia Torres, Assistant Director, and Fran Kuhn, Executive Director at Atlantic County Workforce Development Board
Description: Finding the right job or skilled employees can be challenging in today’s competitive market. The Atlantic County Workforce Development Board (ACWDB) is here to help! Through no-cost employment services, job training programs, and business support initiatives, ACWDB connects job seekers with opportunities and helps employers build a strong workforce. In this virtual session, workforce development experts will provide an overview of available programs, including job placement assistance, skills training, resume workshops, and hiring incentives for businesses. Whether you’re looking to advance your career or an employer seeking workforce solutions, this session will equip you with the tools to succeed.
Learning Objectives:
- Explore job search assistance, career counseling, and resume-building resources.
- Learn about free and low-cost job training programs to enhance skills.
- Discover on-the-job training, apprenticeships, and employer hiring incentives.
- Participate in a live Q&A session with workforce development experts.
Friday, May 9, 2025
Title: Empowering Entrepreneurs: How SCORE Can Help You Start and Grow Your Business
Presenter: Holly Carter, marketing director and senior-level mentor at SCORE
Description: Starting and growing a business comes with challenges, but you don’t have to navigate them alone. SCORE, the nation’s largest network of expert business mentors, provides free, confidential mentoring and educational resources to help entrepreneurs succeed at every stage of their journey. In this exclusive virtual event, SCORE mentors will share insights on how to access personalized business coaching, educational workshops, and valuable tools to turn your ideas into a thriving business. Whether you’re launching a startup, growing an existing business, or seeking expert guidance, SCORE’s resources can help you achieve your goals.
Learning Objectives:
- Discover how free one-on-one mentoring can support your business growth.
- Learn about business planning, funding options, and financial management strategies.
- Explore marketing, branding, and digital strategies to reach more customers.
- Engage in a live Q&A session with experienced SCORE mentors.
The virtual format allows business owners and professionals to participate conveniently from their offices or homes while networking with peers across Atlantic County.
“We’re excited to join forces with business organizations across the county,” said Chait. “This collaborative approach ensures small businesses throughout Atlantic County have access to the resources they need to succeed in today’s competitive marketplace.”
Members of participating organizations can attend all sessions free by registering at acchamber.com. Non-members can join each session for $25.
