Atlantic City Small Business Academy Creates Next Generation of Entrepreneurs

The City of Atlantic City celebrated the graduation of the 2026 Atlantic City Small Business Academy cohort, an intensive eight-week program designed to help residents turn their business ideas into reality while providing existing entrepreneurs with the tools needed to grow and strengthen their ventures.

Offered free of charge exclusively to Atlantic City residents, the Small Business Academy is another example of Mayor Marty Small, Sr.'s commitment to supporting entrepreneurship and creating opportunities for residents. The academy, overseen by the city’s Economic Development Division under the leadership of Assistant Director Bruce Weekes and Economic Development Specialist Pam Fields, provided participants with comprehensive instruction on every aspect of starting and operating a successful business, like developing a business concept, writing a business plan, marketing and branding, financial planning, and long-term growth strategies.

Participants met one evening each week for eight weeks, and expectations were high. To demonstrate their commitment to the program, attendees were permitted to miss no more than one class.

The Small Business Academy was made possible through a partnership between the City of Atlantic City, Atlantic City business consultant Joe Molineaux, and the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey, all of whom worked together to deliver a curriculum focused on real-world business success along with guest lecturers.

The program culminated with participants pitching their business concepts before a panel of judges, similar to the presentations entrepreneurs make when seeking investors or business partners. The competition challenged graduates to showcase not only their ideas, but also the business knowledge they gained throughout the academy.

The top finishers received additional resources to help launch or expand their ventures.

Among the winners was Francis Davis, who tied for first place with plans to open an Islamic boutique in Atlantic City:

"This class was very phenomenal. I learned a lot of different things," Davis said. "I am ecstatic and overwhelmed and grateful to everyone. The business I'm going to bring here is a business we don't have in Atlantic City."

Also tying for first place was Misty Jennings and her nonprofit organization, FEAR (which stands for Face Everything And Rise), which focuses on youth development through creative arts programming.

"I got to learn in depth, ask questions and generate a better business plan that was able to help me win the pitch competition," Jennings said.

Tying for second place first were the Lemonade Girls, a group of young entrepreneurs who impressed judges with both their business concept and the lessons they absorbed throughout the program.

"Before attending the Small Business Academy, we thought having a business was just selling lemonade and making money," the group said. "In these eight weeks we learned that being business owners means working hard, being responsible, treating customers kindly and never giving up when things get hard. The Academy helped us become more confident that us, even kids, can become successful entrepreneurs with the right guidance and support."

Joining them in second place was Whitney Brown, owner of Hot Topic Dance Academy, an existing Atlantic City business that is already making a positive impact on local youth:

"It's definitely going to make a difference for my babies," Brown said. "I actually can service more Atlantic City children. With a bigger space, I can open a storefront, and we can start getting out there and getting more kids. Now with the opportunity the city has given to us, hopefully we can offer our program to more children in Atlantic City."

The Small Business Academy is part of a broader strategy by Mayor Small's administration to support local businesses and entrepreneurs at every stage of development. Earlier in the year, the city awarded $900,000 in grant funding to Atlantic City businesses. The administration also established the aforementioned Economic Development Division to focus on business attraction, retention, and growth, while launching the "Keep It Local" campaign last year to encourage residents and visitors to support Atlantic City's small business community.

Together, these initiatives are helping create an environment where entrepreneurs can thrive and where residents can build successful businesses without leaving their hometown.

The graduates of the 2026 Small Business Academy represent the next generation of Atlantic City business owners, nonprofit leaders, innovators, and job creators. As Atlantic City continues to diversify its economy and invest in its residents, programs like the Small Business Academy are proving that some of the city's most exciting success stories are just getting started.

‍