William Paterson University has announced the creation of a new monthly event series designed to bring together entrepreneurs, innovators, and small business owners from across New Jersey. The initiative, called the Entrepreneur Meetup Series, aims to provide local business leaders with consistent opportunities for networking, collaboration, and learning.
The program is a joint effort between the university’s Center for Socially Responsible Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CSREI), the New Jersey Small Business Development Center (NJSBDC) at William Paterson, and the Passaic County Department of Economic Development. Organizers say the series was developed in response to increasing demand among entrepreneurs for a structured, ongoing forum where they can exchange ideas and share experiences.
“Entrepreneurs thrive when they’re part of a community,” said CSREI Director Sarbjeet Rayat. “Our mission is to help bold ideas become real-world solutions that advance profit, people, and planet.”
The inaugural session was scheduled for September 30 at 8:30 a.m. at the university’s Cotsakos College of Business. Matthew Sklar, partner at McCarter & English, delivered the first presentation, focused on “Entrepreneurship and Intellectual Property in the Age of AI.” Organizers say the goal is to pair valuable content with peer-to-peer exchange, allowing attendees to walk away with both knowledge and meaningful connections.
Meetups will continue on the last Tuesday of every month. Each event will feature a subject matter expert or experienced entrepreneur who will provide insights into pressing topics such as marketing, finance, technology, and leadership. “This series creates a space where entrepreneurs can connect, learn from one another, and openly share both successes and challenges,” Rayat added.
Melissa Rosario, regional director of the NJSBDC at William Paterson, highlighted the resources the partnership will bring to participants. “Our network of consultants and experts covers business planning, marketing, finance, HR, and more,” she said. “This network will be an integral part of the series, providing attendees with ongoing support and guidance beyond the meetups.”
The program has also drawn strong support from local officials. Pasquale “Pat” Lepore, director of the Passaic County Board of Commissioners, noted the economic importance of fostering small business growth. “Passaic County is full of entrepreneurial energy, and we are proud to support initiatives that connect and empower local business owners,” he said. “When our entrepreneurs thrive, our communities thrive. This meetup series is part of our broader effort to strengthen local entrepreneurship and economic development.”
While the series is aimed at business owners, organizers emphasize that it will be inclusive of all stages of the entrepreneurial journey. Whether participants are just starting out or scaling an existing enterprise, they will find resources and conversations tailored to their needs.
William Paterson’s leadership sees the series as an extension of the university’s broader mission to contribute to the regional economy by supporting innovation. By providing entrepreneurs with a space to gather and share ideas, the school hopes to strengthen the business ecosystem across northern New Jersey and beyond.
The Entrepreneur Meetup Series is free to attend, with registration available through the university’s website. Organizers anticipate strong turnout, given the level of community interest already expressed, and say the series is designed to become a fixture on the local entrepreneurial calendar.
With its mix of expert guidance, peer-to-peer learning, and institutional support, the new series underscores the growing importance of entrepreneurship to New Jersey’s economy. For William Paterson University, it also represents a new way to connect its academic mission with the real-world challenges and opportunities facing the business community.
