Small Business Resources Page
The Jersey City Free Public Library is committed to supporting our small business community. Our Services to Small Business Team works to actively engage our local businesses and provide information and access to improve professional performance, as well as host educational activities and networking events. Working throughout the JCFPL system, our Services to Small Business Team provides opportunities for entrepreneurs and business owners, in every corner of Jersey City, to develop their business acumen, improve their network, and grow the business environment for the region.
Library Databases
Morningstar
Morningstar can help you make well-informed decisions about your investments, research stocks and mutual funds to get independent analysis as well as exclusive Morningstar ratings. Financial education for everyone from the beginner to the expert investor. Limit of three users at one time.
Social Explorer
Social Explorer is a powerful tool to access and work with current and historic demographic data. Use Social Explorer to visually explore demographic information, from census and economic data to election and religion data, and more. Users can visually explore change over time and understand the patterns behind the raw numbers.
Reference USA
Reference USA is a powerful online reference and research tool providing instant, real-time access to accurate, in-depth information on millions of U.S. businesses and residents.
Investment Resources
Investing.com
Investing.com thoroughly covers a variety of financial tools, news from many exchanges with details on stocks, bonds, commodities, currencies, interest rates, futures, and options.
The Motley Fool
Founded in 1993, The Motley Fool has attracted a large and appreciative following for its frequently updated news, analyses and commentary.
Small Business Resources
Sustainable Jersey City
Sustainable Jersey City is a Collaborative Network of green community groups and individuals within Jersey City who have come together to advance efforts to move the city toward a more sustainable and resilient future.
The Shuttered Venue Operators Grant Application
Visit the SVOG portal to submit an application today. Funds may not last, so the earlier you apply, the better your chances of securing a grant. Note that the SBA is requiring a unique SVOG 4506-T in the SVOG application. You can find that fillable document at www.sba.gov/svogrant under Supplemental Documents. A video tutorial is also provided as a guide
Second Draw PPP Loans
Borrowers and lenders may rely on the guidance provided in this document as the Small Business Administration’s interpretation of the CARES Act, the Economic Aid Act, and the Paycheck Protection Program Interim Final Rules. Visit Second Draw PPP Loans.
White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders
This federal government initiative provides business tools, resources, and opportunities for entrepreneurs and business owners. There are also programs specifically for minorities and women-owned businesses. Visit White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
Paycheck Protection Program
Sole proprietors, independent contractors and self-employed individuals, applicants with non-fraud felony convictions or arrests in the past year, those who are delinquent on their student loans, and non-citizen business owners – like green card holders – can now take part in the program. Visit Paycheck Protection Program.
Grow With Google
Take part in this Partner Digital Series webinar – “Sell More With an Engaging Email Marketing Strategy.” Google hosts many free virtual workshops offering ways to improve your skills, career or business. Visit Grow With Google.
U.S. Small Business Administration
The Small Business Administration’s resources for starting, financing, and managing a small business. Includes links to local resources and timely information for your small business. Visit U.S. Small Business Administration.
SBA Resources Specific to COVID-19
Coronavirus Pandemic Resource Guide
A guide compiled by the office of U.S. Senator Cory Booker. The guide includes resources for small businesses as well as for homeowners, at-risk persons, veterans and others. Visit Coronavirus Pandemic Resource Guide.
Small Business Owner’s Guide to the CARES Act
The programs and initiatives in the coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act are intended to assist business owners with whatever needs they have. Visit Small Business Owner’s Guide to the CARES Act.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
The USCC’s Guide to COVID-19 emergency assistance for small businesses. Visit U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Hudson County Chamber of Commerce
The Hudson County Chamber of Commerce offers business networking and mentoring opportunities during the coronavirus epidemic. Visit Hudson County Chamber of Commerce.
New Jersey Chamber of Commerce
A statewide membership-based organization providing opportunities to form key partnerships in the business community. Check out their programs and their guide to COVID-19 assistance. Visit New Jersey Chamber of Commerce.
Small Business Development Centers
America’s Small Business Development Centers are located throughout New Jersey and provide information, one-on-one assistance, training and other tools for start-ups and existing small businesses. Visit Small Business Development Centers.
MindTools
MindTools has a lot of useful information on how to focus career skills. Emphasizing soft skills and decision making, the program offers tests, tool kits and training to improve your work in this area. Visit Mindtools.com.
SCORE
SCORE is the nation’s largest network of expert business mentors with more than 10,000 volunteers and 300 chapters. Since 1964 SCORE has helped many businesses with mentoring, workshops and educational resources.
Visit here for useful small business websites from SCORE.
Visit here for the library of SCORE Metro NJ resources – Serving Essex, Hudson & Union Counties. Please note that their Newark office is temporarily closed.
Jersey City COVID-19 Financial Relief Grant
Grants are available for commercial entities, approved or waiting for approval by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, negatively impacted by COVID-19. Visit here Jersey City COVID-19 financial relief grant.
AllBusiness
A useful, although not entirely free, news site with resources to help you run your small business.
Business Planning & Financial Statements Templates
Download SCORE’s easy-to-use business planning, finance, sales, marketing and management templates to help you plan for a new business startup or grow your existing business. Visit AllBusiness.com.
Main Street Lending Program
The Federal Reserve established the Main Street Lending Program to support lending to small and medium-sized for-profit businesses and nonprofit organizations that were in sound financial condition before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Visit here Main Street Lending Program.
Hispanic Entrepreneurship Training Program
The Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey’s Hispanic Entrepreneurship Training Program has a simple mission: to provide culturally and linguistically appropriate business education and mentorship services for free to Hispanic small business owners. Visit here Hispanic Entrepreneurship Training Program.
Kauffman Entrepreneurs
Designed for entrepreneurs and supporters of entrepreneurship. Visit here Kauffman Entrepreneurs.
Goldman Sachs Education Program
Goldman Sachs provides entrepreneurs with a practical business education program, access to capital and business support services. Visit here 10,000 Small Businesses.