WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) will host a forum for New Jersey small manufacturers on Friday, May 16 in Newark to highlight federal resources available to help local small manufacturers and to discuss solutions for common challenges to expansion and stability, including access to capital and exporting.

The event, which will be held during National Small Business Week, will include a panel discussion as well as breakout sessions. Owners of businesses at every point of development – from newly created to established companies – are encouraged to attend. Officials from the Small Business Administration and other federal partners will be in attendance to guide meaningful discussion and answer questions. Speakers will address access to capital and growth strategies through exporting, among other topics.

This is the third forum in a series of discussions designed to help small businesses access federal resources, the Manufacturers’ Small Business Forum hones in on the needs of New Jersey manufactures with panels focused on access to capital, innovation and growth, and manufacturing certifications such as ISO, Lean, environment, and food safety. Panelists and exhibitors include: Rutgers-Newark Center for Supply Chain Management, NJ Manufacturing Extension Program, Small Business Administration, the NJIT Technical Assistance Center, Manufacturing Institute, NJ Innovation Institute, and lenders. Booker held his first forum on March 14 in Camden and his second forum on April 11 in New Brunswick.

*Time is approximate and for press planning purposes only.

WHO: U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ)

WHEN: Friday, May 16, 2014
8:00AM – 11:00AM (registration starts at 7:30AM
*Please note: Senator Booker will deliver welcoming remarks at 8:00AM

WHERE:New Jersey Institute of Technology
College of Architecture and Design in Weston Hall
154 Summit Street, Newark, NJ 07102

** Parking is available (free) in the NJIT deck - 154 Summit Street, Newark. For a campus map: http://www.njit.edu/about/visit/njit-maps.php

Interested manufacturers and small business owners can RSVP for the event by calling 973-639-8700.