Start a Business in Atlantic City: Resources & Support Programs for Entrepreneurs

Small Business Resources & Programs in Atlantic City

Atlantic City is open for business—and we're investing in the people and ideas that power our local economy. From workshops and micro-grants to contractor support and expert consulting, the City of Atlantic City offers a full suite of tools for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and creative problem-solvers ready to build something great.

Small Business Academy

In partnership with the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey, the Small Business Academy is an eight-week cohort-based program for both aspiring entrepreneurs and existing business owners.

What You'll Learn:

• The ABC’s of Starting a Business
• Business Plan Development & Goal Setting
• Marketing, Press Releases & Networking
• Accounting, Taxes & Excellent Customer Service
• Access to Capital & Credit Fundamentals
• MBE/WMBE Certification
• Business Pitch Competition

What You Get:

• Practical business education
• Expert mentorship & peer support
• One-on-one business advising
• Access to local CDCs, CDFIs, and other capital resources

One-on-One Business Consulting

Business owners registered in Atlantic City can access personalized consulting with expert advisor R. Joseph Molineaux of Biz Mx, LLC, and the City’s Economic Development team.

Services include:

• Group info sessions for startup support
• Technical assistance and business plan development
• Custom needs assessments
• In-person or virtual counseling

How to Do Business with the City

Led by CFO Toro Aboderin and the Revenue & Finance Department, these free seminars help demystify the process of working with government. Learn about:

• Becoming a Vendor
• Purchasing Fundamentals
• Contracts, Bids, RFPs & Payment Procedures

Atlantic City Open for Business Seminars

Hosted in collaboration with the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA), this seminar series gives you step-by-step guidance on:

• Permitting & regulatory approvals
• How to navigate zoning, licensing, and inspections
• Q&A with city and CRDA experts

Small Business Micro-Grant Program

Designed to support startups and micro-enterprises, this grant offers $10,000–$20,000 to help local businesses overcome challenges and scale operations.

Eligible Uses:

• Rent, payroll, insurance, and utilities
• Inventory, software, equipment, and marketing
• Renovations and professional services

Who Can Apply:

• Atlantic City-based businesses operating 6+ months
• For-profit businesses (excluding nonprofits and ineligible SBA categories)

Minority Business Enterprise Advisory Board

This advisory board promotes equity and inclusion in Atlantic City's business ecosystem. Focus areas include:

• Supplier diversity
• Access to city contracts
• Capital and networking opportunities
• Policy recommendations to support MBE/WMBE/Veteran-owned businesses

🔨 Small Contractor Development Program (SCDP)

This program supports small, minority, and women-owned contractors looking to grow and compete for city and regional infrastructure projects.

Goals:

• Expand participation in public construction work
• Provide training, bonding, and licensing support
• Create more inclusive pipelines for local contractors

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Have Questions? Ready to Get Started?

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Atlantic City believes in small businesses—because strong entrepreneurs build strong communities.

#InvestinAC  |  #KeepItLocal  |  #AtlanticCityMeansBusiness

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