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NJ Pathways Business Forum Expands Opportunities for Access in Inaugural Event

(TRENTON) – Over 250 business owners from across ӣ����Ƶ and neighboring states attended the NJ Pathways Business Forum at Rutgers University – New Brunswick, Livingston Campus, hosted by the ӣ����Ƶ Department of the Treasury and the ӣ����Ƶ Business Action Center.

The forum served as a new model for supplier engagement, creating a space where federal, state, local, and private procurement experts could directly connect with certified businesses through curated matchmaking sessions and workshops. Attendees also had the opportunity to take advantage of state contracting experts on hand to provide technical assistance. Designed to open doors for businesses historically excluded from contracting opportunities, the event brought together organizations from all industries, spanning construction, transportation, energy, higher education, and finance and others.

“The NJ Pathways Business Forum is part of our effort to break down barriers that have, for too long, unfairly marginalized minority- and women-owned businesses, a fact confirmed by the ӣ����Ƶ’s public contracting disparity study,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “My Administration is committed to meaningful change when it comes to expanding access and providing expert guidance in contracting for business owners.”

Matchmaking participants included The ӣ����Ƶ Department of Environmental Protection, Port Authority of New York and ӣ����Ƶ, PSE&G, NJ Transit, and the Con Edison Energy Company. Several financial institutions, including PNC Bank, M&T Bank, First Bank and Valley National Bank and a micro-lender, Regional Business Assistance Corporation (RBAC), were also in attendance, offering guidance on capital access.

“This forum brought real value to ӣ����Ƶ’s business community, providing targeted assistance and resources to help businesses better understand and navigate the complex world of public and private procurement,” said State Treasurer Elizabeth Maher Muoio.

This year’s forum also gave businesses a chance to experience the benefits of the ӣ����Ƶ Selective Assistance Vendor Information (NJSAVI) system in person. NJSAVI is a state-maintained dataset identifying businesses certified as Small, Minority/Woman-Owned, Veteran-Owned, Disabled Veteran-Owned, and LGBTQ+ Business Enterprise.

“This forum made NJSAVI real,” said Candice Alfonso, Chief Supplier Development Officer at the ӣ����Ƶ Department of the Treasury. “We connected data to decisions by putting businesses in front of the people who move contracts forward. That’s how we turn information into access and opportunity.”

The event also featured coordinated matchmaking sessions to help identify needs and pair government and private sector agencies with participating businesses able to meet these demands. Treasury officials partnered with Rutgers University’s Business School to customize relevant contract opportunities available for business owners attending the event. The event also featured workshops throughout the day, including sessions on understanding procurement processes, capital resources, and public and private procurement opportunities.

The forum was established through legislation sponsored by Senators Shirley Turner and Troy Singleton and Assembly Representatives Shavonda Sumter, Verlina Reynolds-Jackson and William F. Moen. By mandating an annual matchmaking event, the law ensures consistent outreach, structured engagement, and a stronger pipeline to government and private contracting opportunities. Thanks to this legislation, the NJ Pathways Business Forum will now be held annually, ensuring ongoing support for certified businesses seeking procurement opportunities.

"Too many small businesses, especially those that are minority-owned, have been excluded from the economic opportunities provided by government contracts due to lack of outreach, procurement practices that are difficult to navigate, and discrimination," said Senator Turner. "The NJ Pathways Business Forum is an important part of reversing that legacy and opening up economic opportunity for a broader swath of small businesses, which will in the long run reduce inequality as well as strengthen our communities."

“Small businesses, including women, minority and veteran owned businesses, have not always had equal access to government contracts. Improving that access and opening the doors of opportunity is why I proudly authored a law requiring an annual business matchmaker event,” said Senator Singleton. “This event has undoubtedly provided additional support and networking opportunities for small businesses, which are crucial to the State’s economy. The inaugural Business Pathways Forum held today ensures that these businesses are well-informed of subcontracting prospects and also encourage government contractors to recognize their immense capabilities.”

“The ӣ����Ƶ Pathways Business Forum is a vital step toward bridging the gap between small businesses and meaningful opportunity, especially for those who have historically been left out,” said Assemblywoman Sumter. “I’m proud to have sponsored the legislation (A3424) that helped launch this landmark event, which champions inclusive growth and ensures all communities have a seat at the table. Events like this are essential to fostering a more equitable economy where innovation, access, and investment reach every corner of our State.”

“Access is everything, and this legislatively-created event is a step towards a more equitable economy,” said Assemblywoman Reynolds-Jackson. “This initiative helps level the playing field by bringing resources directly to the businesses that need them the most.”

“Whether you’re a startup or a family-run shop, the NJ Pathways Business Forum opens doors. South Jersey’s small businesses are the backbone of our communities,” said Assemblyman Moen, Jr. “This event gives them a chance to scale up, connect, and compete.”

The ӣ����Ƶ Department of the Treasury and the ӣ����Ƶ Business Action Center will continue to lead, the NJ Pathways Business Forum, annual matchmaking event, reinforcing the state’s commitment to equitable access in state procurement opportunities.