Accelerator Program Boosts 16 Newark Small Business Owners

NEWARK, NJ — A group of 16 small business owners in Newark recently got a leg up on their competition with the aid of an ongoing training program.

On Thursday, Invest Newark celebrated the graduation of 16 small business owners from its “Executive Business Accelerator Program” during a ceremony held at Newark City Hall.

The seven-month program, which uses Interise’s StreetWise 'MBA' curriculum, provides established small business owners with more than $100,000 in annual revenues (and at least one other employee) with practical training in areas like strategic planning, marketing, financial management, procurement and sales. Graduates are also eligible to compete for Business Development Grants, with $15,000 in total grant money available for each cohort.

To complete the program, graduates must develop and present a customized three-year growth plan for their business.

Graduates of the 2024 cohort include the following businesses:

• BWS Massage Concierge, LLC
• AP Business Services
• DYNAMIC DIGITAL AIR
• Amazing Strides
• S&A AUTO CENTER
• Transform The Hustle
• All Star Development Enterprises, LLC
• Just Right Technology
• Proud 2 Be Me Learning Center
• Bara Ex Nihilo Holdings, LLC (BENH)
• M Campbell Development
• TMA General Contracting LLC
• Ochoa Enterprises, LLC
• Organic Lyfe LLC
• Brick City Strength
• Uncle Willie’s Wings

Among the graduates, 19 percent identified as Hispanic or Latino, 81 percent as Black or African American and 70 percent represented women-owned businesses.

According to Invest Newark, the program has supported more than 60 Newark-based CEOs across industries such as hospitality, construction, food manufacturing and accounting since 2020.

It’s working, the group says.

Data collected in 2023 – following the graduation of the previous cohort – shows that 76 percent of alumni businesses reported increased or maintained annual revenues, 77 percent were profitable, and 77 percent hired local full-time staff.

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka delivered remarks at this week’s ceremony, congratulating the graduates and wishing them success.

“By equipping local entrepreneurs with the knowledge and resources they need, this program is strengthening our city’s economy and ensuring long-term success for our businesses,” Baraka said.

“This program continues to prove its value by helping businesses reach new heights,” said Marcus Randolph, CEO of Invest Newark.

“We are proud to support entrepreneurs who are committed to growing their businesses and contributing to Newark’s economic future,” Randolph said.

Elizabeth Reynoso, director of research, evaluation and impact at Interise, said eligible small businesses in Newark can apply for the 2025 cohort.

“By empowering business owners in underserved communities, we’re working together to close the wealth gap and create an inclusive economy for all,” Reynoso said.

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