TRENTON, NJ – The NJ Business Action Center (NJBAC), a division within the Department of State, has launched a no-cost online referral program to assist eligible New Jersey businesses find a mentor or establish or grow their presence on the internet.

Two separate laws paved the way for these Mentor Matchmaking and Internet Presence referral programs. Under the Mentor Matchmaking program, a New Jersey small business in operation five years or less is eligible to search for a mentor from a list of participating nonprofits that have agreed to provide services at no cost.

The Internet Presence referral program is open to established New Jersey small businesses at any age or stage that would like assistance to develop or expand on their internet presence. Companies will be referred to a nonprofit that best matches their search criteria.

“Businesses face so many challenges in understanding the ‘rules of road’ of doing business, especially in a constantly evolving economic landscape. Our matchmaking referral program facilitates the sharing of knowledge, which is especially important during times of uncertainty. Additionally, the Internet Presence referral program recognizes that the 21st century economy is an e-economy where businesses must have a digital presence to conduct or grow their business,” said Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way, who oversees the NJBAC in her capacity as Secretary of State.

To use the referral programs, eligible businesses must visit the NJBAC website (https://www.nj.gov/state/bac/) and go to “Referral Services” from the top menu bar. Users will have the option of choosing Mentor Matchmaking Referral Service or Internet Presence Referral Service from that page.

The Mentor Matchmaking and Internet Presence referral programs are the latest additions to a host of no-cost services that the NJBAC provides to New Jersey businesses of all sizes. As the state liaison to the business community, the NJBAC provides a wide array of support and advocacy assistance that includes helping businesses navigate state government programs, comply with regulations, obtain permitting, identify funding sources, and get answers to questions that affect their individual businesses via a helpline or live chat.

“We look forward to assisting small businesses find the mentoring assistance they need to guide them or to identify an organization that can support them creating or building on their internet presence,” said NJBAC Executive Director Melanie Willoughby. “We are proud to partner with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA); the NJ Small Business Development Centers (NJSBDC); SCORE; The New Jersey State Women’s Chamber of Commerce (NJSWC); and the Women’s Center for Entrepreneurship (WCEC) to the provide their resources and support.”

About the New Jersey Business Action Center
The New Jersey Business Action Center (NJBAC), housed within the New Jersey Department of State and operating under the leadership of Executive Director Melanie Willoughby, is a business-first resource that offers no-cost, confidential assistance to help businesses grow. The team helps companies of all sizes save time and money by getting answers from government agencies, directing businesses to appropriate officials and contacts, and facilitating meetings and follow-ups from regulatory agencies. For additional information, call 1-800-JERSEY-7, or visit nj.gov/state/bac or visit business.nj.gov to use the LiveCHAT.