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Jersey City City Hall

(Journal File Photo)

Jersey City has released a new online program that the city believes will help small businesses grow and establish themselves.

The Small Business Navigator is designed to help small businesses overcome some of the challenges associated with the start-up phase, such as access to capital or supportive resources.

"Small, locally-owned businesses are the key to any city's long-term success, serving not just as a driver of commerce but of culture as well. So as Jersey City continues to grow, my administration will continue working to protect and support our small businesses," said Mayor Steve Fulop.

The tool was developed through a collaborative effort between the Mayor's Office of Innovation and the local Jersey City small business community. It is designed to serve as a "one-stop shop" online portal for small businesses.

The portal currently includes a directory of small businesses throughout the city -- city officials say 114 are already listed -- a reference guide of city ordinances and state requirements that apply to businesses, and a comprehensive guide to resources and support available to small businesses. The Small Business Navigator also features a listing of commercial spaces available for rent and an event calendar with a listing of upcoming professional development classes for business owners, as well as ribbon cuttings and other events and promotions in Jersey City.

The site is expected to grow as more businesses, resources, and events are added.

The navigator can be found at http://smallbiz.jerseycitynj.gov/.

Nicholas Zeitlinger may be reached at nzeitlinger@jjournal.com.