When veterans transition to civilian life, many face challenges in starting their own businesses. One inspiring example is Victoria Funn, a former military service member who transformed her passion for health into a thriving enterprise thanks to a supportive program.

Transitioning to Entrepreneurship

Victoria Funn served over 16 years in the military, gaining invaluable leadership skills but lacking a clear path to success in business. Leaving the military can be daunting, especially for those like Funn looking to apply their skills in new areas. Her journey took a positive turn when she became the founder of Green Genius, a company focused on culinary medicine and helping women improve their health through effective, food-based solutions.

Seton Hall University’s ImpactNJ entrepreneurship program played a crucial role in her success. Funn highlighted how the program provided her with essential tools, mentorship, and a sense of community. “ImpactNJ gave me access to mentors and practical resources that answered my questions about marketing and growth,” she said. This support helped her envision a broader future for Green Genius.

A Community Initiative for Entrepreneurs

Funn joined a cohort of 44 entrepreneurs selected for the inaugural ImpactNJ: Urban Ventures Collaborative. This initiative, a partnership between Seton Hall University and the University of Notre Dame’s Urban Poverty and Business Initiative, focuses on providing support to entrepreneurs from underserved communities. It combines education, mentorship, and community partnerships to help small business owners create sustainable enterprises and foster economic growth.

The program has attracted significant interest, drawing more than 100 applicants from various backgrounds. Out of these, 38 entrepreneurs completed an intensive six-week boot camp, after which they receive ongoing mentorship from experienced business leaders. This makes business growth more achievable for many.

Bridging the Gap for Minority Entrepreneurs

Many participants in ImpactNJ, like Funn, face similar challenges. With 94% identifying as members of minority communities, the program aims to enhance economic opportunity and support local business growth. The founding director of the program, Susan Scherreik, spoke about the initiative’s vital role in connecting entrepreneurs with resources and support networks. “Entrepreneurs often have the passion and vision, but they may not have access to the resources needed to grow,” she said.

Businesses are vital for the health of local economies. By supporting diverse entrepreneurs, programs like ImpactNJ cultivate an ecosystem that not only benefits individual business owners but also enhances entire communities.

Support and Sustainability

ImpactNJ also collaborates with various community partners to maximize its effectiveness. Citizens Bank, for instance, aids in linking entrepreneurs with necessary resources, contributing to the Small Business Economic Opportunity Fund, which combines financial backing with training. “Small businesses are critical to our communities,” said Dan Fitzpatrick, a representative from Citizens Bank. This partnership showcases a commitment to local entrepreneurship and sustainable growth.

As the program progresses, participating entrepreneurs can look forward to continuing mentorship opportunities, including collaboration with Seton Hall students. This offers mutual benefits: business owners receive hands-on support while students gain real-world experience.

Mary Kate Naatus, a leader at Seton Hall, emphasizes the broader impact of nurturing entrepreneurship. “When entrepreneurs succeed, they create jobs and contribute to the vitality of their communities,” she affirmed.

What this means for you

Programs like ImpactNJ demonstrate the importance of community support in entrepreneurship, especially for those from underserved areas. If you ever need to review a contract for starting a business, AI legalese decoder can decode the fine print and make it easier to understand. Empowering local entrepreneurs not only helps individuals succeed but also builds stronger neighborhoods and economies.

Source: https://www.shu.edu/business/news/seton-hall-helps-newark-veteran-grow-her-business.html