2022 SBDC Day Ceremony Recognizes Businesses Launched During the Pandemic
Mercer County Executive Signs Proclamation for SBDC Day and Mercer Unstoppable Businesses
Ewing, NJ – On March 16, 2022, as Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) across the country celebrated national SBDC Day, Mercer County, NJ elevated its celebration. Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes signed a proclamation declaring the day “Mercer County SBDC Day” and presented it to NJSBDC at The College of New Jersey’s (NJSBDC at TCNJ) Regional Director, Lilian Mauro, in a morning ceremony at the County’s McDade Building in Trenton.
Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes, NJSBDC at TCNJ Regional Director Lilian Mauro, and Mercer County Director of Economic Development Anthony Carabelli, Jr., pose with the SBDC Day proclamation.
In addition, the County Executive and the County’s Director of Economic Development, Anthony Carabelli, Jr., joined Regional Director Mauro in presenting certificates of recognition to 12 Mercer County businesses that bravely opened their physical locations during the pandemic, naming them as the 2022 Mercer County Unstoppables:
- A Prepared Place Natural Haircare and Wellness Studio (Trenton)
- Ashanti Rose Pro Beauty (Hamilton)
- Advertise It (Trenton)
- Dana Auctions LLC (Princeton)
- GEOGREENS (Hamilton)
- Handmade Art Studios (Hightstown)
- Healing Grounds Wellness Center (Hamilton)
- InclusionSports Performance Training (Ewing)
- Ink Force One (Hamilton)
- My Salon Suites (Hamilton)
- M4 Transportation (Trenton)
- J&J Monbes Supply (Hamilton)
“We want to recognize the fact that you took a big leap of faith during these last two years to try and open up a business, and to try to get that business up and going and flourishing,” said the County Executive. “And, I want to tell you how much I appreciate you.”
The businesses honored as Mercer County Unstoppables were selected through NJSBDC at TCNJ’s open application process that invited business owners from around Mercer County to submit a form in consideration of being recognized as a 2022 Mercer County Unstoppable Business. Finalists were invited to participate in the March 16 ceremony.
“The fact that you are here today tells us that you started during the pandemic and the type of courage you had to move forward with your business,” added Regional Director Mauro. “We wish you success and you can always count on the support from the SBDC at TCNJ.”
Learn more about all of the 2022 Mercer County Unstoppables here
Nichole Towns, owner of A Prepared Place Natural Haircare and Wellness Studio, poses with Regional Director Mauro, County Executive Hughes, and Economic Development Director Carabelli.
Ashanti Ortiz, owner of Ashanti Rose Pro Beauty, poses with Regional Director Mauro, County Executive Hughes, and Economic Development Director Carabelli.
Joseph Carretta, owner of My Salon Suite, poses with Regional Director Mauro, County Executive Hughes, and Economic Development Director Carabelli.
Marino Posso, owner of Advertise It, poses with his family, Regional Director Mauro, County Executive Hughes, and Economic Development Director Carabelli.
Shannon Schafer, owner of Inclusion Sports Performance Training, LLC, poses with Regional Director Mauro, County Executive Hughes, and Economic Development Director Carabelli.
Desmond Hayes, owner of GEOGREENS, poses with Regional Director Mauro, County Executive Hughes, and Economic Development Director Carabelli.
Elsy Benites, owner of J&J Monbes Supply, poses with family, Regional Director Mauro, County Executive Hughes, and Economic Development Director Carabelli.
Jose Vaides, owner of Ink Force One, poses with Regional Director Mauro, County Executive Hughes, and Economic Development Director Carabelli.
Mark Fenton, owner of Handmade Art Studios, poses with family, Regional Director Mauro, County Executive Hughes, and Economic Development Director Carabelli.
ABOUT NJSBDC at TCNJ
Since 1981, the NJ Small Business Development Center at The College of New Jersey (NJSBDC at TCNJ) has been helping greater Mercer County established businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs to create and grow successful, profitable businesses. Through a combination of business counseling and training services, we help our clients achieve their business goals. For more, visit https://www.sbdcnj.com/