Rutgers-Newark Program Seeks Small Business Applicants

NEWARK, NJ — A Rutgers-Newark program that has helped more than 300 New Jersey entrepreneurs to grow their small businesses will mark its 15th anniversary with a renewed call for applicants.

The Entrepreneurship Pioneers Initiative (EPI) helps first-generation entrepreneurs who have been in business for at least two years to create “long-term plans for success” through counseling, mentorship, networking and education. It was created by the Rutgers Business School’s Center for Urban Entrepreneurship & Economic Development, which concentrates on “building strong corporate and community partnerships to support the revitalization of Newark and other urban areas in New Jersey.”

Here's how it works, according to a news release:

“The EPI program will choose up to 30 entrepreneurs from across the state, with a special interest in businesses headed by owners who are women and/or Black, Indigenous and other people of color. All must demonstrate potential to grow on a larger scale. The EPI program runs from April through December and the deadline to apply is March 31.”

The application link and more information on the program can be found here.

For the first time, the EPI program will be supported by Fiserv, expanding on the relationship between Fiserv and Rutgers-Newark established last year with the announcement of the Fiserv-RU-N Program for Inclusive Innovation, a multi-faceted initiative designed to leverage diversity to drive innovation in the financial technology industry. In addition to providing financial support, Fiserv will play an active role in the EPI program, helping to educate business owners on financial technology.

Other EPI sponsors include PNC Bank, Wells Fargo and TD Bank Charitable Foundation.

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