Middle Township Offers Free Business Resource Workshop, Dec. 5

COURT HOUSE – Middle Township and its partners will host a free business resource, funding and financing workshop the morning of Dec. 5, at the Municipal Building, 33 Mechanic Street, Cape May Court House. The event will highlight tools and programs available to establish, enhance or expand a business in various industries, including agriculture, aquaculture, fishing, hospitality, eco and beverage tourism, technology, retail, light production, construction, the arts and others.
The workshop is open to all in the region and registration is required. Contact Middle Township Economic Development Coordinator Nancy Sittineri at 609-465-8731 or nsittineri@middletownship.com. Sign in, networking and light refreshments begin at 8:30 a.m. with a prompt 9:00 a.m. start time.  The formal program will conclude at 10:30, however the financing agencies will be available with promotional materials and to answer questions until 11:30 p.m.
¨This event is aimed at helping bring business visions and plans to fruition. We encourage you to attend, meet our panel of experts and access the local, state and federal resources that can help you succeed”, said Mayor Michael Clark.
The forum is part of the township Economic Development Council’s ongoing efforts to support business retention and attraction, increase employment opportunities and highlight the area’s unique offerings. The volunteer group meets monthly and seeks public input and participation in charting Middle Townshipś future. ¨Our goal is to serve as a partner to our unique, diverse business community. This workshop is a great opportunity to access a team of business experts eager to share information and resources”, said chairman Brian Murphy.
Representatives from the following organizations will participate in the December 5 event and meet individually with attendees to discuss special funding, incentives and other resources:
NJ Community Capital
NJ Economic Development Authority
US Department of Agriculture
Cooperative Business Assistance Corporation
Stockton Small Business Development Center                            
US Small Business Administration
Rutgers Cooperative Extension
Workforce Development Board/One Stop Career Center             
Cape May County Fishing Loan Program
UCEDC
¨The purpose of this workshop is twofold. We want local businesses to be fully aware of the programs available to promote their success. But we also want to hear about the challenges they face. This will help us to better tailor our economic development toolkit to target areas of real need,¨ said Committeeman Tim Donohue.
Township Business Administrator Elizabeth Terenik will moderate the panel and the Township will also provide details of the municipality’s special loan programs for new and established businesses.
Partners include Cape May County Planning Department, Cape May Tourism, Rutgers Shellfish Haskin Research Lab, Rutgers Cooperative Extension, South Jersey Economic Development District, Triad Associates, and the Cape May County Chamber of Commerce.