Director of the ImpactNJ: Urban Ventures Collaborative Susan Scherreik-Hynes (left) with ImpactNJ Program Coordinator Matthew LaRocca and Associate Provost of Partnerships/Global Initiatives Mary Kate Naatus. – courtesy/Seton Hall University
Seton Hall University has launched ImpactNJ: Urban Ventures Collaborative, an entrepreneurship boot camp and mentoring program designed to empower entrepreneurs and strengthen communities across northern New Jersey.
The program is scheduled to begin in January 2026. It is part of the nationally recognized Urban Poverty and Business Initiative (UPBI), a network of universities and non-profit partners around the world working together to address poverty through entrepreneurship and economic empowerment. The program is open to aspiring entrepreneurs who otherwise have limited access to capital, training or other resources.
As the northern New Jersey partner for the initiative, Seton Hall is helping to foster economic empowerment in underserved communities, including Newark, Orange, East Orange, Irvington, Paterson, Elizabeth and Jersey City. The program offers an 11-month experience that supports both low-income individuals ready to transform their business ideas into viable ventures and entrepreneurs who have already launched a business but face challenges scaling it to the next level.
“What sets this initiative apart is the depth and duration of support we provide,” said Susan Scherreik, director of ImpactNJ: Urban Ventures Collaborative and founding director of Seton Hall’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. “This program offers truly individualized guidance for aspiring entrepreneurs who might otherwise feel overwhelmed by the challenges of their daily lives.”
After completing the boot camp, graduates who wish to continue will receive four months of one-on-one mentoring from entrepreneurs, followed by additional consulting support in August from Seton Hall students to help them develop websites, enhance their social media presence and strengthen their business operations.
“By aligning with UPBI, Seton Hall connects urban entrepreneurs in New Jersey to a broader national and global network of support and opportunity,” said Joyce Strawser, dean of the Stillman School of Business. “We are especially excited about involving our students in this program and providing an important service-learning experience in their journey to becoming principled business leaders.”
The program begins with a six-week Saturday boot camp, offering participants foundational business knowledge and real-world tools to strengthen or launch their ventures. Workshop dates are Saturdays, 8:30 a.m.–1 p.m. — Jan. 31, Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28, and March 7, 2026. They will be held at Equal Space ES89 Sharespace & Incubator, 89 Market St., fourth floor, Newark. Participants pay $25 with a scholarship (valued at $725).
Through collaboration with the Greater Newark Enterprises Corp., as well as regional business leaders and Seton Hall faculty and students, participants will gain the training, tools, and mentorship needed to build sustainable businesses and achieve long-term financial stability.
