The Small Business Academy graduates with Mayor Marty Small. (City of Atlantic City/Edward Lea)
Atlantic City graduated its latest group of future entrepreneurs last week.
The Small Business Academy graduated 27 Atlantic City residents from its eight-week program.
The free offering teaches participants how to start and grow a successful business.
Workshops led by industry experts educated participants on topics such as the ABC’s of starting a small business, writing a business plan, setting goals and marketing.
The cohort culminated with participants pitching their business ideas to local professionals who offered feedback and chose the top ida.
Tabriah Taylor garnered the top honor with her plans to grow her catering business.
She received a $15,000 grant from Atlantic City’s Inlet Community Development Corporation to help achieve her dream.
Tabriah Taylor gives her winning pitch on how she will grow her catering business. (City of Atlantic City/Edward Lea)Mayor Marty Small founded the Small Business Academy in 2021, with the city partnering with the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey.
“The Small administration has always believed that real progress begins with empowering our residents,” Small said. “This academy is more than just a training program, it is a launchpad for dreams, a catalyst for community growth, and a testament to what’s possible when we invest in our people. These 27 individuals have taken a bold step toward entrepreneurship and, in doing so, they are helping to build a local economy that reflects the ambition and potential of the great city of Atlantic City.”
John Harmon Sr., who founded the African American Chamber, talked about the academy's importance.
“This initiative reflects a shared commitment to economic empowerment through entrepreneurship – an essential pillar for building self-sufficiency and long term prosperity within our communities,” said Harmon, who also serves as the chamber's president and CEO. “Each graduate represents not only the promise of individual growth but also the potential for job creation, local investment, and sustained economic vitality in Atlantic City.”
This latest Small Business Academy cohort was coordinated by Bruce Weekes and Pam Fields of the City of Atlantic City Economic Development Department of Planning & Development, and chamber Vice President of Community Development & External Affairs Officer Carmen Gates.
Earlier in the month, the Economic Development Department introduced the “Keep it Local” campaign to boost Atlantic City’s economy by encouraging visitors and guests to patronize local small businesses.
The mayor declared May as “Small Business Month” in the city.
