As part of our SBDC Day festivities, we are excited to present the 2022 Mercer County Small Business Unstoppables!

Please click the links below to learn more about each of these local businesses who fearlessly launched during the pandemic.

A Prepared Place Natural Haircare and Wellness Studio

A Prepared Place Natural Haircare and Wellness Studio

Why did you choose to open during the pandemic?

We were originally scheduled to open in March of 2020, but the pandemic crisis shut everything down.

What makes your business unique?

Natural haircare using primarily products made by hand.

Why should you be featured as an Unstoppable Mercer County Small Business?

Being in the natural haircare industry for about 20 years now, this was our very first time owning our own salon. When the pandemic crisis hit, out of our own pockets we had to keep up the costs for rent/utilities of the salon until we could officially start. This made it challenging but we were determined to make it through with the prayers of our clients, family and friends because they saw the vision just like we did!!

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GEOGREENS

GEOGREENS

Why did you choose to open during the pandemic?

There is a need for better, healthier food for minorities and especially within Hamilton being a food insecure and SNAP-dependent county of New Jersey.

What makes your business unique?

Geogreens is a minority owned (MBE) indoor hydroponics vertical farm that is changing the way food is grown and distributed, and reconnecting people with the story of food from “farm to fork.” We grow fresh, local produce, such as herbs, leafy greens, and microgreens, all year round serving the tri-state area, without any seasonality constraint. Our goal at Geogreens is not only to help the environment utilizing the benefits of hydroponics, but most importantly provide more nutrient rich foods to every one of all ages and ethnicities, and especially food insecure areas and minority communities.

Why should you be featured as an Unstoppable Mercer County Small Business?

Geogreens is one of the only mission-driven hydroponics farms on the globe. We took a concept in hydroponics, which was developed in the Greek times – that private companies are now attempting to monopolize – and helping and educating minorities to really understand just what healthier means, and how it can benefit their “shelf-life” in the end. We are extremely excited in the community we chose to expand and grow our operation. To date, we have partnered with an assisted living facility with others that are also interested in partnering. We are working with multiple food pantries and non-profit organizations throughout the state. A partnership with a local soup kitchen is scheduled to begin within the next few months in servicing their salad bar. And we have partnered with two restaurants for now, in addition to chefs and culinary outfits within the county. Schools are our final pursuit. We are in the process of working with several to incorporate indoor growing and/or urban farming into a curriculum, building mini-hydroponics systems within the schools, or establishing virtual tours and field trips.

We are here to stay and make the change needed within the communities that need better foods the most!

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Ashanti Rose Pro Beauty

Ashanti Rose Pro Beauty

Why did you choose to open during the pandemic?

It was important for me to create a safe environment and consistent experience for my clients.

What makes your business unique?

My establishment is designed to service clients on a 1 to 1 basis.

Why should you be featured as an Unstoppable Mercer County Small Business?

I would love to gain as much support and publicity as possible to help me grow and stay in business.

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Healing Grounds Wellness Center

Healing Grounds Wellness Center

Why did you choose to open during the pandemic?

This was always a dream and a goal of mine for many years. After waiting for many months of getting the board’s approval for my license I felt it was the appropriate time to open once I received it. Many people are in need of counseling services especially during the pandemic and I did not want to wait. You know that you know- when is the right time and now was the right time.

What makes your business unique?

Healing Grounds is a place where healing begins from the time you walk through the door. It is a non-judgement free space where Spanish and English services are provided.

Why should you be featured as an Unstoppable Mercer County Small Business?

I believe we should be featured due to the passion and love we have for others in walking alongside others during difficult times. Our slogan is “Your journey to wholeness” and we truly believe that.

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M4 Transportation LLC

M4 Transportation, LLC

Why did you choose to open during the pandemic?

Opportunity.

What makes your business unique?

We are a staffing moving solution. Located in Trenton NJ, our focus is to offer our clients a transportation service that meets their needs, with safety, responsibility, and punctuality.

Why should you be featured as an Unstoppable Mercer County Small Business?

We are a company created by minorities (Latinos-Women) that contribute to our community full of people, mostly Latinos, with few economic resources and without the possibility of transportation to their jobs. We help you get them to their jobs and homes in a safe and affordable way for them.

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J&J Monbes Supply

J&J Monbes Supply

Why did you choose to open during the pandemic?

New opportunities.

What makes your business unique?

We focus on a growing industry (roofing tools) in the area.

Why should you be featured as an Unstoppable Mercer County Small Business?

Because we are different in the area from other businesses.

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Dana Auctions LLC

Dana Auctions LLC

Why did you choose to open during the pandemic?

Retail business was failing due to the pandemic. Took the opportunity to use my auctioneer license and open a new online auction company to downsize inventory. It boomed! Now in a brick and mortar, having monthly live auctions, and taking consignments!

What makes your business unique?

Everything is unique about us! I am a female auctioneer, in a mostly male dominated industry! I am the ONLY auction house in Princeton! I am the only auction company in NJ specializing in Textiles. I am also a certified quilt appraiser. I look to create a positive experience for both my buyers and sellers, and look forward to educating others in the Auction Method and prove that Auctions Work!

Why should you be featured as an Unstoppable Mercer County Small Business?

Dana Auctions LLC in the perfect example of the Entrepreneurial Spirit. I took the 20 years of experience in retailing antique textiles, combined it with my newly acquired credentials as an auctioneer, and took the opportunity to open an online auction company during a pandemic. Many auction companies stalled to move from live to online venues, but I jumped right in. And when NJ opened up, we were ready to host a small live audience in our Auction Facility in July of 2021. I am seeing growth with every auction, looking to hire employees, and move into a larger location, already.

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Inclusion Sports Performance Training LLC

Inclusion Sports Performance Training, LLC

Why did you choose to open during the pandemic?

After working in the industry for almost 30 years, it was time for me to dedicate my passion to the work I love on another level. It was time to expand and grow.

What makes your business unique?

My business is unique in that the needs of kids and adults with developmental disabilities are being addressed in a recreational setting, which isn’t found in too many areas.  We know our students/clients can excel when given true opportunities.

Why should you be featured as an Unstoppable Mercer County Small Business?

ISPT should be featured because we are doing great things for the population of our community that is severely under served.  We are making an impact on not only the students and clients we serve but also on families that have felt like nothing positive was available for their kids.  What we do isn’t about ISPT, it’s so much bigger than us.

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Advertise It

Advertise It

Why did you choose to open during the pandemic?

We did a great amount of work during the pandemic to ensure that our business can stay afloat. Therefore, we decided to open doors. If we are pandemic proof, we can overcome a lot!

What makes your business unique?

If we don’t like it or if we wouldn’t do it for ourselves, we don’t do it for our customers. We take negatives and make them positive. We like to stand out and we are detailed about everything!

We are a family business of 5 members. Along with 5 other subcontractors. Our business thrives because of the ones who put dedication everyday to ensure its success!

Why should you be featured as an Unstoppable Mercer County Small Business?

Our business should be featured among the “Mercer County Small Business Unstoppables” because our tenacity helps us overcome anything! The Posso’s make it Possible!

In addition to that, pre-pandemic era, Advertise It was a home based business with only the CEO as an employee. Advertise It grew tremendously by putting in lots of effort with our clients, community and business partners. Advertise It is also very optimistic about what the future holds as the company branches off in different directions to strengthen the foundation.

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My Salon Suite

My Salon Suite

Why did you choose to open during the pandemic?

No business like it in Hamilton Township.

What makes your business unique?

We give opportunities to beauty and wellness professionals to open their own business. At our grand opening, we celebrated opening 27 small business, all of them owned by women.

Why should you be featured as an Unstoppable Mercer County Small Business?

We’ve created a turn-key way for beauty and wellness professionals to open their own business and enhance their career.

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Handmade Art Studios

Handmade Art Studios

Why did you choose to open during the pandemic?

We opened the retail store to give artisans a place to sell their products.

What makes your business unique?

Everything is handmade locally.

Why should you be featured as an Unstoppable Mercer County Small Business?

We support local makers.

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Ink Force One

Ink Force One

Why did you choose to open during the pandemic?

During the pandemic, I saw an opportunity to make my business grow because I noticed how many Latino entrepreneurs had taken the leap into opening their own dream business. Yet, I noticed how many of them needed and wanted someone to guide them, to show them how to create and promote their brand/identity through advertising.

What makes your business unique?

I consider that the uniqueness of my business comes from my ability to connect in a special way with all of my clients. As a Latino, entrepreneur, and a family man myself, I can understand my customers because we have a shared desire to provide a better future for our families through our work.

Why should you be featured as an Unstoppable Mercer County Small Business?

I’ve noticed that many people have the experience and knowledge to be able to start their own business but some factors such as the fear of failure, have stopped them from taking the first step. I hope that being featured among the “Mercer County Small Business Unstoppables” can allow my business and I to be an inspiration to other people, to show them that it is possible to succeed when you work hard and not let your fears get the best of you.

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Is YOUR business “unstoppable”? Do you want to achieve your growth goals? The NJSBDC at TCNJ is ready to help!

The NJ Small Business Development Center at The College of New Jersey (NJSBDC at TCNJ) provides a variety of no cost and confidential educational and business resources to counsel and train small business owners to finance, market, manage, and grow their companies. An accredited member of the statewide NJSBDC network, the NJSBDC at TCNJ is one of 12 small business development centers providing comprehensive assistance to small and medium businesses (SMBs), maximizing opportunities for growth, and generating economic impact. 

Request your confidential, no-cost business counseling session here