The New Jersey Small Business Development Center (NJSBDC) hosted at William Paterson University celebrated the graduation of its 2025 aspiring entrepreneur cohort with a commencement ceremony recognizing the achievements of more than 30 small business owners and hopeful entrepreneurs.
The L.E.A.D.S. (Learn. Empower. Achieve. Dream. Succeed.) program is offered by the NJSBDC at William Paterson University that provides business education, mentorship, and consulting to support underserved entrepreneurs in Passaic and Union counties. This year’s graduates were honored at a ceremony held on campus and attended by community leaders, industry partners, and elected officials.
The event featured keynote remarks from regional and state leaders, including Kelly Brozyna, CEO and state director of NJSBDC; Shannon Lazare, New Jersey Regional president of M&T Bank; and Martin Gritsch, associate dean of the Cotsakos College of Business at William Paterson University. Graduates were recognized for their commitment to growth, resilience, and innovation as they continue their entrepreneurial journeys.
“L.E.A.D.S. is more than a program, it’s a launchpad for business success and community transformation,” said Melissa Rosario, regional director of NJSBDC at William Paterson University. “Each graduate leaves this experience equipped not just with knowledge, but with the confidence, network, and clarity to build the businesses they envision.”
As part of the ceremony, graduates received official L.E.A.D.S. certificates and special recognitions from Congress, the Passaic County Board of Commissioners, M&T Bank, and William Paterson University. Additionally, the event concluded with a live pitch competition awarding business grants to three participants — Wahizza Pizza, Elite Accounting Tax, and Suite 6 Twenty Six.
“At M&T, we recognize the importance of ensuring our communities are educated and understand how to access capital,” said Shannon Lazare, NJ Regional President at M&T Bank. “This program was an example of the amazing impact we can have on our communities and those living in them when we collaborate and come together.”
Powered by a network of sponsors, mentors, and local business leaders, the L.E.A.D.S. program continues to open doors for ambitious entrepreneurs who are ready to lead and grow in their communities. This year’s graduates represent the next wave of small business success stories across New Jersey.
