Networking Event Gives Entrepreneurs a Platform for Sharing Ideas

Kean University is partnering with 1 Million Cups to help students and budding business owners collaborate and innovate. 1 Million Cups is a nationwide program designed to accelerate early-stage startups. Every Wednesday two entrepreneurs present their startups at the Barnes & Noble Bookstore located in Kean’s Green Lane Academic Building. The weekly event provides nascent enterprises with an opportunity to meet potential investors, network and receive valuable feedback.

New Jersey Small Business Development Center [NJSBDC] at Kean University Regional Director David Margulies and his staff hosted a 1 Million Cups event on Wednesday, October 4. Local small business owners attended the presentation, alongside students from Kean’s School of Management, Marketing and International Business.

Claudia Yarborough, lender relations specialist at the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and Harry Menta discussed the services the SBA provides for small businesses including programs for women-owned or financially disadvantaged companies such as the 8(a) Business Development Program.

“We are the voice for Small Business society as a whole,” said Yarborough.

Attendees included Keith Dent, the senior manager of Rising Tide Capital, a non-profit organization headquartered in Jersey City. The company's mission is to assist struggling entrepreneurs and communities to build strong businesses that transform lives.

“Working with the SBA really helps entrepreneurs to bridge the gap, taking your idea and making it a reality by providing the capital needed in order to become a startup,” said Dent.

1 Million Cups events are held weekly on Wednesdays from 9 to 10 a.m. Admission is free and the event is open to the public. For more information on 1 Million Cups in Union, please visit www.1millioncups.com/union.