The EBDC is pleased to announce that its 12th Business Social event will be co-hosted by the Somerset County Business Partnership (SCBP).

The event will be held on Monday, April 20th at The Children's Workshop at 124 Hillsborough Road. The event will start at 6:00 PM.

This will be the 25th anniversary of a pre-school at this location making it the longest continuously operating pre-school in Hillsborough. Come and join us in helping Andrew Becker, the owner of The Children's Workshop and Becker Training Academy celebrate this happy occasion.

Featured speakers at the Business Social will be the SCBP and the NJ Economic and Development Authority (NJEDA).

The Business Partnership will discuss its Gap Loan Program for small businesses. These loans fill the gap between micro loans (up to $35,000) and Small Business Administration (SBA) loans of $100,000 or more. They will explain how a consortium of local banks will evaluate loan applications as a group and then select the most appropriate bank to work with the applicant.

NJEDA will review the many (30+) programs it offers to help small businesses. As with the Business Partnership, they will bring plenty of literature about their programs and will be there to discuss these with you at the event. Follow up discussions or meetings with these two organizations can also be arranged at the Social.

There will also be brief remarks by Affinity Federal Credit Union of their new Hillsborough Rewards Visa Program being launched in conjunction with the Township.

EBDC Chairman Shawn Lipani, in conjunction with the Hillsborough Beacon, will unveil the start of a "Shop Hillsborough First" advertising program which is designed to help Hillsborough businesses.

David Gwin, Chief of Hillsborough Township's First Aid Squad will briefly discuss his organization's activities and needs.

Catering for this event will be by Hillsborough businesses including Plaza Deli (sandwiches and salads), Bagel B.O.P. (pastries), The Carrenttino Restaurant (Italian food) and Los Jalapenos (Mexican food). World class BBQ chef Bob Schultz, owner of Perfect Firewood on Route 206 North, has graciously volunteered to cook up some of his tasty meats using his secret recipes and to bring them to the event for us to share. We still are looking for more restaurants to participate so please contact me if you would like to highlight your kitchen's fare.

Since The Children's Workshop is a school, beverages will be limited to just soft drinks.

Remember to bring your businesses literature and plenty of business cards. If you would like to offer a door prize, please let me know in advance.

The fee to attend is $10.00, payable at the door by cash or a check made out to The Children's Workshop.

So far there are 80+ RSVP's.  Please click here to register online or contact Gene Strupinsky at (908) 369-4313 x106 or via email at gstrupinsky@hillsborough-nj.org.