Mercer County is home to more than 4,000 independently owned and operated businesses that are the heartbeat of our local communities. They create jobs. They drive innovation. They contribute to the character of the neighborhoods where our families live, work, eat, shop, play, and attend school.

These are the businesses we contact to sponsor sports teams, advertise in programs for dance recitals and theatre productions, sell Girl Scout cookies, and promote local events. From crowdfunded tech startups to store-based businesses that have been passed down for generations, the economic, cultural, and social impact of independent businesses across the Princeton-Mercer region cannot be overstated.

Recognizing the important role of these organizations in our communities, the Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber of Commerce is excited to relaunch the Independent Business Alliance (IBA). This initiative will provide much-needed programming that addresses the unique needs and challenges of independently owned businesses, with a focus on developing sustainable strategies for growth.

“The IBA was designed to be an advocate, connector, and voice for the independent business community,” said Christine Curnan, Vice President of the Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber. “The Chamber team and IBA committee are already developing programming that will create opportunities for networking, education, and relationship building that are so important to the success of independent businesses.”

Bank of America/Merrill Lynch will be the host sponsor for the IBA Kickoff event at their 1600 Building Campus in Hopewell on Thursday, September 25 from 8 am – 10 am. Speakers will include:

• David Kaiser, Managing Director, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management Market Executive
• Anthony Carabelli, Hamilton Township Councilman and Director of Mercer County Economic Development, discussing grants, loans, and other funding opportunities in the region.
• Kathy Guzman, Senior Small Business Liaison with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, discussing programs and resources available through the State of New Jersey.
• Lilian Mauro, Regional Director of the New Jersey Small Business Development Center, discussing resources, services, and expertise available to help independent businesses compete and thrive.

We encourage you to attend the IBA Kickoff event and look for details about additional resources, workshops, and more in the coming months. The IBA is driven by the boundless energy of the independent business community – and momentum is building.

“By joining the Chamber and getting involved with the IBA, local entrepreneurs and professionals gain more than just resources,” Christine said. “They gain the support of a community that is genuinely invested in their success. The goal is to build a coalition of independent businesses that can lean on each other, learn from each other, and provide resources for each other. We’re very excited to relaunch the IBA and create even more value for Chamber members.”

Visit the Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber website today for more information about sponsorship opportunities for the Independent Business Alliance Kickoff event!