In 2009, the New Jersey Small Business Development Center (NJSBDC) network helped small businesses create 1,799 jobs and retain an additional 10,837 jobs. NJSBDC-assisted businesses also returned more than $45 million - in conservative estimates - through sales, business, and income and payroll taxes in addition to the indirect economic impact of the purchase of services and products from other New Jersey companies across the state.
For every $1.00
the State allocates to the NJSBDC network, $5.60 is returned to New Jersey's taxpayers.
Over these past two years, the NJSBDC network shared in the State's budget sacrifices with a 75% reduction in funding from $1 million to $250,000.
As you know, our Governor proposed many state funding cuts in the upcoming state budget which must be passed by June 30. This budget appropriates state funding for programs in State Government and becomes effective on July 1 through June 30, 2011. Unfortunately, NJSBDC is currently receiving a 100 percent funding reduction.
Defunding will result in the loss of Federal dollars totaling more than a $980,000 to assist New Jersey's small businesses. No new tax dollars are
needed to restore this funding, only a reallocation of existing Economic Development funds.
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Over the past several weeks, the NJSBDC Network Headquarters in Newark has been engaged with various state legislators who are members of the Assembly and Senate Budget Committees of the State Legislature in Trenton as well as other key legislative leaders. Meetings with key decision-makers from both political parties have been ongoing in order to promote the restoration of state funding to match federal dollars.
NJSBDC network leaders have been successful in being placed on the
"Restored State Funding" list being submitted to our Governor's Office.
In order to supplement our Network leaders' efforts at educating and influencing state legislators to restore state funding for the NJSBDC network in the final budget legislation, we ask for your support and effort to underscore the importance of our assistance to small business owners across New Jersey.
If you have benefited from NJSBDC@TCNJ's business counseling services or training workshops, please join our advocacy campaign by calling for restored funding for the NJSBDC network.
We ask you to take time to contact local key legislators involved with ensuring that restoration is enacted by our Governor's Office. The more small business community member that are heard by these decision-makers the stronger consideration will be given to supporting the reallocate of state funds for the NJ Small Business Development Centers.
Below are the key legislators office phone numbers, fax numbers, and email addresses. - Phone calls are a top priority.
Should you also be able to fax or email a short message, such efforts would further strengthen their support and bolster our efforts.
Additionally, you may wish to download the page of key information and talking points to help you when contacting these key State Legislators.
Please start by telling them how NJSBDC helped you develop or grow your business.
Please ask other business owners you may
know to join our campaign.
Thank you for your time and support on our behalf and on the behalf of all existing and emerging small businesses throughout New Jersey.
Lorraine Allen Regional Director of the NJSBDC@TCNJ----
