How It All Began - NJCU :: Professional Studies :: BDI - NJCU :: Professional Studies

The Business Development Incubator (BDI) at New Jersey City University (NJCU) opened in June 2005 as an integral part of the Smart Growth

Gina Boesh receiving a citation for excellence.

Redevelopment Plan for Jersey City-Westside. BDI is in a designated New Jersey Urban Enterprise Zone. The goal is to improve the city’s economic

presence in the New York metropolitan area, revitalize the immediate neighborhood, and provide employment and learning opportunities for NJCU students by facilitating the formation of profitable technology-based entrepreneurial ventures. BDI is consistent with the Mission of the University, which includes a commitment to “the improvement of the educational, cultural, socioeconomic and physical environment of the surrounding urban region.”

BDI will:

Assist young, small companies to commercialize their products, processes and services by providing access to marketing, technical, finance, accounting, sales, legal and management assistance.
Provide speakers and seminars on specific topics that promote growth
Bring in mentors, champions, consultants and industry experts as needed
Provide reasonably priced office space and shared services to reduce overhead.
Build a relationship between nascent companies and NJCU so that NJCU resources will have a favorable influence on their development.
Provide opportunity for faculty and students to serve as resources, or to become involved in entrepreneurial activities leading to the creation of new businesses.
Nurture the entrepreneurial talents of students, faculty, and the local community.

BDI was awarded a $1,500,000 capital grant by USEDA in 2003 and in 2004 received a $1,037,000 grant from the Jersey City Economic Development Corporation, $50,000 from Fleet Bank and support from PSE&G. BDI was honored to receive the 2004 Gateway County Award from the Hudson County Chamber of Commerce and a Citation from the County Executive for its commitment to economic growth in Hudson County. In 2005, BDI received a $100,000 grant from the New Jersey Commission on Science and Technology for business development and to initiate a seed fund, and a $44,000 architectural grant. In 2006, BDI received a $130,000 grant from the Commission to continue its business development support to technology-based entrepreneurial start-ups.