Clinton Township Newsletter

2 3 j u n e 2 0 2 4 h e a r t S t r i N g S o F C l i N t o N Purveyor of All Things Magical! | www. HeartStringsLifestyle.net | 908.735.4020 Been in HeartStrings lately? Visit our store today to find truly unique cottage furnishings and accessories, vintage treasures, gifts, womens and infants clothing, baby accessories and gifts, jewelry and personal care products. Don't miss our Gilded Nest upstairs! It's a magical place where creativity abounds with ribbons, papers, embellishments and more! We're located at 10 Main Street in Clinton and WE CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU! Ask for our "Word of the Day"! Visit our Gilded Nest upstairs! In the dynamic landscape of entrepreneurship, the journey from ideation to execution is often filled with challenges and uncertainties. For aspiring entrepreneurs, navigating this terrain can be daunting without proper guidance and support. This is where programs like Co.Starters step in, offering a transformative experience that equips individuals with the tools, knowledge, and network necessary to turn their ideas into thriving businesses. The Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce Foundation announced its launch of CO.STARTERS, a suite of cohort-based programs equipping entrepreneurs with tools to turn business ideas into action. Co.Starters is more than just a program; it's a community-driven approach to entrepreneurship that empowers individuals to bring their business ideas to life. Founded on the belief that entrepreneurs are best equipped to succeed when they are surrounded by a supportive network and guided by experienced mentors, Co.Starters provides a structured curriculum designed to foster growth and innovation. The kick-off stakeholder event with County, community and business leaders in mid-April celebrated implementation of CO.STARTERS. Nick Pelitta, Hunterdon County Chamber Foundation Chair, stated, "The Foundation's goal with the support of the County Commissioners is to create an entrepreneurial ecosystem in Hunterdon County to spur generational business development and growth. CO.STARTERS is a community supported process that draws from the experience of successful entrepreneurs and start-ups. This proven system will help the Chamber Foundation and County leaders continue to build a strong business community that lifts all residents. Success breeds success." At the heart of the Co.Starters experience is its comprehensive curriculum, which covers everything from defining a target market to crafting a compelling brand narrative. Participants embark on a journey of self-discovery and skill development, guided by seasoned entrepreneurs who serve as facilitators and mentors. The program typically unfolds over several weeks, during which participants engage in a combination of workshops, group discussions, and one-on- one mentoring sessions. Through hands-on activities and real-world case studies, participants gain practical insights into the intricacies of starting and scaling a business. Brad Myhre, Hunterdon County Administrator added, "I was honored to attend the CO.STARTERS launch event on behalf of the Commissioner Board. This is a very exciting opportunity for members of our small business community as well as ushering in a new era of entrepreneurship in Hunterdon County." Jose Alfaro, CEO of CO.STARTERS and now CO.STARTERS Managing Director post-acquisition by FINSYNC, was the keynote introducing CO.STARTERS. Said Alfaro, "We are excited to partner with the Hunterdon Chamber of Commerce. We believe that the community is ready to revitalize its entrepreneurial spirit, and our partnership will allow new business ideas to be nurtured for growth by the community of leaders in Hunterdon County." During the week, a team of Chamber members and employees were trained as facilitators to lead the set of entrepreneurial CO.STARTERS programs sponsored by the Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce and partner, Hunterdon County Commissioners. Barb Weber, Lead Trainer, CO.STARTERS, and Jose Alfaro, conducted the facilitator trainings in preparation for the Chamber Foundation's first entrepreneurial BOOTCAMP scheduled June 4 and June 11. Ms. Weber commented, "We had an intensive two days of CO.STARTERS training focused on equipping the local team to help entrepreneurs on their startup journey. Our programs combined with the knowledge, experiences and expertise of the Hunterdon team, will give entrepreneurs in Hunterdon County what they need to take the next steps to launching their idea or business venture." As the entrepreneurial landscape continues to evolve, programs like Co.Starters play an increasingly vital role in nurturing the next generation of innovators and change-makers. By providing aspiring entrepreneurs with the knowledge, support, and resources they need to succeed, Co.Starters is not just shaping businesses but empowering individuals to make a positive impact on the world. Small businesses are fundamental economic drivers for local economies and jobs creation, but these smaller-scale startups have not received the same level of support as their high growth counterparts. CO.STARTERS aims to narrow that gap. Daniel J. Wright, the Chamber's Board Chair, stated, "We need to continue to foster business development and sustainability for our County's future. Our highly educated students need to be able continue to call Hunterdon County home. Whether it is assuming ownership of an established business or starting a new business, entrepreneurship is a path for our future leaders to establish roots and create economic prosperity for their families and community. CO.STARTERS is one of the building blocks for entrepreneurship to mitigate outward migration and the loss of economic strength as our current business owners retire." All CO.STARTERS programs will be held at the Unity Bank Center for Business and Entrepreneurship. Unity Bank Chief Experience Officer and Senior Vice President, Rosemary Fellner, attended the CO.STARTERS Community Reception last week stating "We are honored to support this initiative, small business is the heart of Hunterdon and CO.STARTERS builds strength in the community". Christopher J. Phelan, President of the Hunterdon County Chamber commented, "Co.Starters is more than just a program; it's a catalyst for transformation and a beacon of hope for aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur looking to take your business to the next level or an aspiring founder with a bold idea, Co.Starters offers the support and guidance you need to turn your dreams into reality." The first two-day CO.STARTERS BOOTCAMP will be Tuesdays, June 4 and June 11 from 8:30 to 4:00. All entrepreneurs looking to start a business, expand a business line or be part of a new effort to grow businesses in Hunterdon County are welcome to attend. Additional programs are coming soon. For more information, visit the chamber website www.hunterdon-chamber. org or call 908-782-7115. Since 1916, the Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce has been leading and is the largest advocate for the Hunterdon County business community. We're "your seat at the table" amplifying the voice of the local businesses to community, government and institutional leaders. The Chamber has Relationships That Get Results. With 500+ members and access to community leaders at all levels, we provide abundant opportunities for productive and professional connections that advance your business's interests. For more information on the Chamber please visit www.hunterdonchamber. org or call 908-782-7115. h u N t e r D o N C o u N t y C h a m b e r o F C o m m e r C e & F o u N D a t i o N a N N o u N C e N e w P a r t N e r S h i P w i t h C o . S t a r t e r S t o g r o w a N " e N t r e P r e N e u r i a l e C o S y S t e m "

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