Small Business Expo
A community-based event organized by EqualSpace in partnership and support from NJIT Office of Public and Community Affairs aimed to cultivate an inclusive platform that empowered small business supporters and owners.
Small Business Expo 2025: Advancing Inclusive Economic Development
The Small Business Expo 2025, held at NJIT under the theme “Mind Your Business,” was a strategically curated event designed to support small business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs, and NJIT stakeholders through direct engagement with industry leaders and resource partners. The initiative was made possible through a collaborative partnership between the NJIT Office of Public and Community Affairs (Dr. Angela Garretson), the Martin Tuchman School of Management (Dean Oya Tukel), and the Murray Center for Women in Technology (Dr. David Jones), with the support of sponsors including Wells Fargo, United Airlines, and the Local Initiative Support Corporation (LISC) New Jersey.
Through keynote remarks, expert-led workshops, and networking opportunities, the Expo provided a high-impact platform to strengthen local business capacity and foster civic partnership.
Community Participation and Event Reach
The event welcomed more than 120 attendees, including small business owners, NJIT students and faculty, corporate representatives, and community stakeholders. EqualSpace, NJIT’s event partner and a Newark-based entrepreneurial hub, played a central role in reinforcing the importance of inclusive spaces for innovation and business development. Their presence underscored the event’s emphasis on accessibility, equity, and entrepreneurship.
Keynote Speakers and Expert Workshops
A distinguished roster of speakers and facilitators offered insights across areas of business, finance, policy, and entrepreneurship. Featured speakers included:
Chris Witherspoon, Founder & CEO, PopViewers (Keynote)
Jorge Cruz, Executive Director, LISC New Jersey
Tomas Porturas, Sr. Community Impact & Sustainability Specialist, Wells Fargo
Dr. Angela Garretson, Chief of Public and Community Affairs, NJIT
The workshop sessions addressed five core topics:
- Navigating Government Contracts & Grants
- Small-brand identity development and digital presence for startups
- AI Tools for Small Business
- Marketing for Growth
- Financial Readiness for Growth & Opportunities
These sessions equipped participants with actionable knowledge and strategic tools to advance their entrepreneurial efforts.
Laying the Foundation for Future Collaboration
The Small Business Expo 2025 successfully demonstrated NJIT’s institutional commitment to inclusive economic development and community engagement. Through its role in organizing and supporting the event, the Office of Public and Community Affairs helped establish an impactful platform for advancing regional partnerships, supporting small business innovation, and connecting NJIT students to real-world civic and entrepreneurial opportunities.
As OPCA continues its mission to strengthen university-community collaboration, the Expo stands as a model for future engagement that aligns with NJIT’s strategic vision and public value proposition.