Cross River, TechUnited join forces for 2nd year to empower women and minority business owners through mentorship

Organizations kick off National Entrepreneurship Month with commitment to propelling future of N.J. businesses and focus on next generation of founders

Cross River Bank and TechUnited: New Jersey on Wednesday announced the launch of the 2nd Annual Women and Minority Business Owner Mentorship Cohort to benefit women and minority entrepreneurs in New Jersey.

“Now in its second year, we’re proud to launch this year’s Women and Minority Business Owner Mentorship Cohort to benefit underrepresented entrepreneurs in New Jersey together with our longstanding community partner, TechUnited,” Phil Goldfeder, senior vice president, global public affairs, at Cross River, said. “When we invest and empower women and minority business owners with the resources to succeed, we all win.”

Applications into the cohort are being accepted until Nov. 15. Business owners and those interested in participating as a mentor can learn more about the program here.

The program will run though January, with both virtual and in-person sessions. Program mentors will be matched with business owners based on their business strengths and the needs of the mentee, and could include aid in resolving business challenges, tactical advice or providing guidance in decision-making, among other areas of support.

“These types of programs are critical,” Jasmine Ward, head of experience at TechUnited:NJ, said. “While our region is No. 2 in the country for investment, still less than 3% of venture financing is awarded to female-founded companies, when women own and operate over 22% of businesses in the U.S. Our goal is to continue building the momentum of New Jersey’s women and minority entrepreneurs so that they can access the guidance, capital and customers needed to succeed.”