12| 2020 SMALL BUSINESS SUCCESS AWARDS — NJSBDC December 4, 2020 Dear Clients, Friends, and Supporters: Congratulations to the NJSBDC networks 2020 client success award winners. Due to their perseverance, passion, and the support provided by the networks business advisors and consultants, they succeeded in confronting the challenges of the pandemic to survive and pivot. The Legislature took the lead again this year in supporting restored state funding for NJSBDC when it introduced and passed its budget. Thanks to the Legislature and Murphy Administration, NJSBDCs state funding investment is back to where it was in prior years. Long-time legislative advocates of the New Jersey Small Business Development Centers program, the chairs and vice-chairs of the Assembly and Senate Budget Committees (Senator Paul Sarlo and Assemblywoman Eliana Pintor Marin), with additional members support provided the added needed resources for the NJSBDC network and the thousands of small business owners who receive personalized one-on-one counseling, training, and other forms of technical assistance from NJSBDCs expert business advisors. They sent a resounding message, recognizing NJSBDCs impact on small business recovery, health, stability and resiliency. The state investment is a key component towards SBDCs dollar-for-dollar federal match requirement. The national network, Americas SBDC, receives strong support each year through congressional appropriations for this jobs producing, business creation program. At a time when small business owners are grasping for air, needing more guidance and assistance than ever before due to the pandemic, this additional state funding helps maximize resources for small business assistance services. During very long days working remotely since the inception of this pandemic, our networks experts did everything they could to assist small business owners in 21 counties, ensuring their dreams and hopes didnt die. Network business advisors continue to assist small business clients now in economic recovery stages. As the challenges of this pandemic took its toll, the sea of humanity took hold. We felt small business owners and entrepreneurs pain. Our experts worked with them arduously to ensure maintenance and survival. Now, were looking to build small business recovery and resiliency. Our 2020 Client Success Award Winners have successfully pivoted with NJSBDCs assistance to ensure that they continue to make headway in these challenging times. Sincerely, Deborah K. Smarth Chief Operating Officer & Associate State Director 2012029 v2 NJSBDC 2020 Awards Book_TEXT.indd 10 12/10/20 3:24 PM
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