Building on the success of its inaugural cohort, the New Jersey Small Business Development Center (NJSBDC) hosted at William Paterson University will launch the Leads: Mentoring Program on Feb. 23, in partnership with M&T Bank.
The 16-week hybrid program is designed to support entrepreneurs across New Jersey, with a primary focus on small and mid-size businesses, by pairing participants with experienced mentors and delivering practical, growth-focused business education.
In 2025, the inaugural cohort brought together business owners from multiple industries and stages of growth, with participants citing increased revenue, confidence, clearer business strategies, obtaining loans, grants and expanded professional networks as key outcomes of the program.
The 2026 Leads: Mentoring Program will again combine in-person sessions on Tuesdays at William Paterson University’s Cotsakos College of Business with virtual programming on Thursdays, ensuring accessibility for entrepreneurs throughout the state.
The program is open to New Jersey-based businesses that have been operating for a minimum of six months and are generating revenue. While the program is designed to advance women entrepreneurs, a limited number of male participants will be accepted as part of a diverse cohort.
The upcoming class will welcome up to 30 mentees, each receiving no-cost, one-on-one consulting from NJSBDC advisors, along with peer learning opportunities and access to financial and industry experts.
Program workshops will address critical areas of business growth, including business planning, marketing and branding, strategic planning, access to capital, negotiation strategies, public speaking and leadership development. The program will conclude with a pitch competition, offering participants the opportunity to present their businesses and strengthen investor-ready skills.
“The first Leads cohort demonstrated the value of intentional mentorship and trusted guidance,” said Melissa Rosario, regional director of NJSBDC at William Paterson University.
“Participants entered the program with strong ideas and left with clearer strategies, stronger networks and greater confidence in their ability to grow. With continued support from M&T Bank, we’re proud to expand this opportunity for a new group of entrepreneurs.”
“At M&T Bank, we believe in the power of the public, academic, private and nonprofit sectors working together to advance economic mobility in our communities,” said Shannon Lazare, New Jersey regional president at M&T Bank.
“The Leads mentorship program is a great example of positive outcomes that can be achieved when hard-working entrepreneurs are paired with expert advisors who care about their success. We commend the NJSBDC and William Paterson University for their commitment to fostering a spirit of enterprise in the Garden State.”
Participants who enroll and complete the program will participate in a pitch competition to win prizes and receive a certificate of participation.