As part of the UEZ’s Small Business Consulting Project, selected smaller businesses can enjoy a unique opportunity to have experts analyze their business, identify challenges and opportunities for its improvement, and be reimbursed up to $15,000.00 to cover the cost of implementing suggestions and utilizing professional services.

In 2010, a pilot project brought SCORE advisors and MBA students and professors from Georgian Court University together with Lakewood’s Department of Economic Development to conduct a free business review and assessment designed to produce a corrective action plan to help Creative Kids, a teachers’ resource and craft shop in Lakewood. The resulting report suggested changes, such as upgrading technology, merchandising, accounting, and inventory, among others, that would help the business target new clients, generate sales, and operate more cost effectively.

Patricia Komsa, the director of Lakewood’s UEZ, has announced that limited funding is still available to support the Small Business Consulting Project. Komsa says, “This service will be offered only to UEZ businesses that formally apply for the program. Although all UEZ businesses will be considered, those who are in business less than 10 years or are startups, and net less than $500,000 will receive closer consideration.”

The objective of the Small Business Consulting Project is to help companies grow so they can hire more people, thereby creating local economic growth and jobs.

Businesses interested in participating in the Small Business Consulting project should contact the Lakewood Development Corporation at 732-363-2500 Ext. 5257 or visit lakewoodnj.gov/department/uez for more information. [Submitted by Township]