ImpactNJ: Urban Ventures Collaborative Entrepreneurship Boot Camp and Mentoring Program
Empowering Entrepreneurs. Strengthening Communities.
Seton Hall University announces the launch of ImpactNJ: Urban Ventures Collaborative, an Entrepreneurship Boot Camp and Mentoring Program in partnership with the Urban Poverty and Business Initiative (UPBI), an international program launched by Notre Dame’s McKenna Center for Human Development and Global Business.
As the Northern New Jersey partner for Urban Poverty and Business Initiative (UPBI), Seton Hall is working to foster economic empowerment in underserved communities — including Newark, East Orange, Irvington, Paterson, Elizabeth and Jersey City — by offering an 11-month program that supports low-income individuals ready to turn their business ideas into viable ventures. The program is also for entrepreneurs who have already launched a business and are facing challenges getting to the next level.
Participants receive the training, tools, and mentorship needed to build sustainable businesses and achieve long-term financial stability. Through a unique collaboration with local organizations, such as nonprofit GNEC, business leaders and Seton Hall faculty and students, program participants will gain:
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Practical business training through in-person workshops
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Access to microlending resources
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One-on-one mentorship from experienced professionals
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Support with business basics like licensing, banking, websites, and accounting
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Continued consulting and guidance through Seton Hall's student-led business consulting teams
“This program is about more than education — it’s about empowerment. We meet participants where they are and walk with them as they build toward financial independence.” – Susan Scherreik, Director of ImpactNJ: Urban Ventures Collaborative, and Founder Director, Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
Saturday Boot Camp
The program begins with a 6-week Saturday Boot Camp. These workshops will equip you with foundational business knowledge and real-world
tools to take your business idea or plan to the next level.
Workshop Dates: Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., January 31, February 7, 14, 21, 28 and March 7, 2026
Location: Equal Space ES550 Tech & Innovation Campus, 550 Broad Street, Newark, NJ
Cost: Valued at $725 – participants pay just $25 with a scholarship (Limited scholarships available. Application required.)
Become a Mentor
We are looking for individuals that have experienced a successful launch and development of a business of their own.
As a UPBI mentor, you’ll play a crucial role in helping participants turn classroom lessons into real-world success. Mentors will work with both potential and early-stage entrepreneurs over the course of one year through bimonthly one-on-one discussions (can be virtual or in-person or a combination). The value that mentors will contribute include the following:
One-on-one consulting and serving as a resource
Mentoring and motivation
Connection to local entrepreneurs, the broader ecosystem and other resources
Microcredit guidance
Research and tracking
Ready to make a lasting impact?