Seton Hall University is set to become a hub for innovation and economic empowerment in northern New Jersey with the upcoming launch of ImpactNJ, a comprehensive entrepreneurship program designed to nurture startups and support small-business growth in underserved communities. The initiative, which officially begins in January 2026, combines hands-on mentorship, business training, and student-led consulting to give aspiring entrepreneurs the tools they need to thrive.
ImpactNJ is spearheaded by the Urban Ventures Collaborative and operates under the larger framework of the Urban Poverty and Business Initiative (UPBI). The program is specifically aimed at fostering economic mobility for individuals and small businesses in cities including Newark, Jersey City, East Orange, Orange, Irvington, Paterson, and Elizabeth. By connecting participants with experienced mentors, Seton Hall faculty, and student consultants, the program ensures entrepreneurs have the guidance and resources necessary to launch and sustain viable ventures.
The program kicks off with an intensive six-week Saturday boot camp, offering foundational training in business planning, financial management, marketing, and operations. Sessions run from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Equal Space ES89 Sharespace & Incubator in downtown Newark. Participants contribute a modest fee of $25, with scholarships available, a fraction of the program’s $725 value. Those who complete the boot camp can extend their experience with four months of one-on-one mentorship, followed by collaborative projects with Seton Hall students to enhance web presence, social media engagement, and operational efficiency.
Coca-Cola has played a pivotal role in expanding ImpactNJ, providing funding to support the initiative’s reach across North Jersey. The beverage giant’s involvement aligns with broader corporate efforts to engage with communities ahead of major events like the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will feature multiple games—including the final—at MetLife Stadium in the Meadowlands. Coca-Cola’s backing not only helps facilitate workshops and mentorship but also reinforces long-term community growth, aiming to leave a lasting legacy of access, collaboration, and financial empowerment.
Susan Scherreik, director of ImpactNJ and founding director of the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Seton Hall’s Stillman School of Business, emphasized the significance of corporate-community partnerships. “We are grateful to Coca-Cola for its support of urban entrepreneurship in northern New Jersey,” she said. “Through UPBI, we hope to foster connections, opportunity, and lasting success that extend far beyond any single event.”
Community engagement is central to ImpactNJ’s mission. Local business organizations such as Greater Newark Enterprises Corp., alongside faculty, students, and regional business leaders, collaborate to provide mentorship, insight, and practical experience. This hands-on approach ensures that participating entrepreneurs gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to navigate real-world business challenges while contributing to the local economy.
ImpactNJ represents a model for inclusive economic growth that merges academic expertise, corporate support, and grassroots entrepreneurship. For aspiring business owners in northern New Jersey seeking guidance, resources, and networking opportunities, the program offers a rare opportunity to turn ideas into sustainable ventures. By fostering innovation and empowering communities, Seton Hall’s initiative strengthens the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem while demonstrating how universities can serve as catalysts for meaningful change.
For more information about programs that support local business growth and entrepreneurship in New Jersey, visit business.
