Governor Mikie Sherrill on Thursday highlighted a proposed $500,000 investment aimed at expanding access to state contracts for minority- and women-owned businesses during a roundtable discussion hosted by two local entrepreneurs in Trenton.
The event, held at the future site of Rojo’s Roastery & The Gingered Peach in Trenton, was hosted by business owners Joanne Canady-Brown and Kelly Gonzalez, who joined state officials and fellow business leaders to discuss barriers facing Minority and Women Business Enterprises, commonly referred to as MWBEs.
Sherrill said the funding, included in her proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget, would support technical assistance for businesses seeking to navigate the state’s procurement process — an area where minority-owned businesses have historically been underrepresented.
“We’re committed to making New Jersey the best place to start and grow a business — including for minority and women entrepreneurs where longstanding disparities have deprived them of critical opportunities,” Sherrill said.
The proposal would fund a team of specialists to provide training and guidance to businesses pursuing state contracts, part of a broader effort by the administration to reduce barriers and streamline government processes.
The initiative also ties into a wider package of programs aimed at supporting small businesses, including resources through the New Jersey Business Action Center, workshops offered through the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, and efforts under the state’s Wealth Disparities Initiative.
Sherrill’s visit is part of a broader 21-county tour tied to her “Saving You Time and Money” agenda, which focuses on reducing regulatory hurdles and expanding economic opportunity across the state.
The roundtable included participation from Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz, Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson, and Trenton Council Member Yazminelly Gonzalez, along with Canady-Brown and Gonzalez, who hosted the discussion at their future business site.
