Hosted by UNPKD
Presented by Christopher R. Stern, Financial Advisor, Edward Jones

UNPKD is pleased to welcome Christopher R. Stern, Financial Advisor with Edward Jones, for an informative workshop designed to help entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, freelancers, and small business owners build a strong financial foundation through effective bookkeeping and a better understanding of New Jersey tax requirements.

Accurate financial records are essential to the success of any business. Whether you're just getting started or looking to improve your financial management practices, this interactive three-hour workshop will introduce participants to the fundamentals of bookkeeping, financial organization, and New Jersey tax policy.

Attendees will gain practical knowledge that can help them stay compliant, make informed financial decisions, prepare for tax season, and better understand the financial health of their businesses.

Workshop Topics

Participants will learn about:

• The fundamentals of bookkeeping for small businesses

• Setting up an organized bookkeeping system

• Recording income and business expenses

• Understanding assets, liabilities, and equity

• Managing accounts payable and accounts receivable

• Reconciling bank and credit card statements

• Reading and understanding basic financial statements

• Cash flow management and budgeting

• Best practices for organizing financial records

• Common bookkeeping mistakes and how to avoid them

• New Jersey business tax registration requirements

• Understanding state sales tax obligations

• Employer withholding and payroll tax basics

• Filing deadlines and annual reporting requirements

• Maintaining records for audits and compliance

• Free resources available to New Jersey business owners

Featured Presenter

Christopher R. Stern, Financial Advisor with Edward Jones, will share practical financial management strategies that every entrepreneur should understand when starting and operating a business. Drawing on his experience working with individuals, families, and business owners, Christopher will explain how maintaining accurate financial records supports long-term business growth, informed decision-making, and financial stability.

Participants will also gain a clearer understanding of how bookkeeping supports tax preparation, financial planning, and responsible business management.

The presentation will conclude with a live question-and-answer session where attendees can ask questions related to bookkeeping practices, financial organization, and general New Jersey business tax requirements.

Interactive Learning & Financial Guidance

Following the presentation, participants will have the opportunity to meet with Christopher R. Stern and members of the UNPKD team for informal discussions and guidance on:

• Selecting bookkeeping methods for your business

• Organizing financial records

• Preparing for tax season

• Understanding financial reports

• Building sound financial habits for business success

• Connecting with additional educational and financial resources

Free Resources

Each attendee will receive complimentary educational materials, including:

• UNPKD Small Business Bookkeeping Guide

• Bookkeeping templates and sample ledgers

• Monthly income and expense tracking worksheets

• Business budgeting templates

• New Jersey tax compliance checklist

• Resource directory for financial education and small business assistance

Accessibility & Language Services

UNPKD is committed to providing an inclusive learning environment for all participants.

The workshop will include:

• Professional interpreters available upon request

• Assistive listening devices throughout the event

• ADA-accessible facilities

• Multilingual staff and volunteers available to provide assistance

If you require language interpretation or other accommodations, please notify the organizers during registration so arrangements can be made in advance.

Who Should Attend?

This workshop is ideal for:

• New entrepreneurs

• Small business owners

• Freelancers and independent contractors

• Home-based business owners

• Nonprofit leaders

• Students interested in entrepreneurship

• Individuals responsible for business finances

• Anyone seeking a better understanding of bookkeeping and New Jersey business tax responsibilities

Cost

This workshop is free and open to the public. Advance registration is encouraged, as seating is limited.

Hosted by UNPKD

Presented by Daniel Oliveira, Vice President of Marketing, Estes Media

UNPKD is pleased to welcome Daniel Oliveira, Vice President of Marketing at with Estes Media, for an interactive workshop designed to help entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, freelancers, and small business owners build a powerful online presence through effective digital marketing and strategic brand positioning.

A cohesive digital marketing strategy is essential to reaching new customers and driving sustainable growth. Whether you are launching a new venture or refining your existing brand presence, this three-hour session will equip you with practical tools to elevate your business in today’s digital marketplace.

Attendees will gain actionable insights to improve brand visibility, create engaging content, optimize marketing budgets, and turn online engagement into measurable business growth.

Workshop Topics

Participants will learn about:

• The core principles of digital marketing and brand identity

• Defining your target audience and key messaging

• Building a cost-effective content strategy

• Search Engine Optimization (SEO) fundamentals for local search

• Social media platform selection and strategy

• Email marketing strategies that drive customer retention

• Understanding website analytics and tracking conversion metrics

• Budgeting and executing digital advertising campaigns

• Common marketing pitfalls and how to avoid them

• Free and low-cost marketing tools available to business owners

Featured Presenter

Daniel Oliveira, the Vice President of Marketing of Estes Media in Jersey City, brings over a decade of experience helping startups and established businesses craft compelling brand stories and execute data-driven marketing campaigns. Elena will outline practical, real-world strategies that any small business owner can implement immediately.

The presentation will conclude with a live question-and-answer session where attendees can seek personalized feedback on their current marketing efforts and branding strategies.

Interactive Learning & Guidance

Following the presentation, participants will have the opportunity to meet with Elena Rostova and members of the UNPKD team for informal discussions on:

• Evaluating your current digital footprint

• Choosing the right marketing channels for your niche

• Setting realistic marketing goals and key performance indicators (KPIs)

• Connecting with additional marketing and creative resources

Free Resources

Each attendee will receive complimentary educational materials, including:

• UNPKD Small Business Digital Marketing Playbook

• Content calendar planning templates

• Social media graphics starter kit

• Local SEO audit checklist

• Resource directory for digital tools and educational guides

Accessibility & Language Services

UNPKD is committed to providing an inclusive learning environment for all participants.

The workshop will include:

• Professional interpreters available upon request

• Assistive listening devices throughout the event

• ADA-accessible facilities

• Multilingual staff and volunteers available to provide assistance

If you require language interpretation or other accommodations, please notify the organizers during registration so arrangements can be made in advance.

Who Should Attend?

This workshop is ideal for:

• New entrepreneurs and startup founders

• Small business owners seeking to expand their online presence

• Freelancers and creative professionals

• Nonprofit directors and community organizers

• Students interested in marketing and business growth

• Anyone looking to build a cohesive brand strategy on a budget

Cost

This workshop is free and open to the public. Advance registration is encouraged, as seating is limited.

Hosted by UNPKD
Sponsored by Colombia Kaliente

UNPKD proudly welcomes entrepreneur and restaurateur Sebastian Colorado, Founder, Restaurantier, and CEO of Colombia Kaliente, for an engaging and informative workshop designed for aspiring restaurant owners and food entrepreneurs.

Starting a restaurant is about much more than creating great food. It requires careful planning, financial preparation, regulatory compliance, strong leadership, and an understanding of the hospitality industry. Drawing from his firsthand experience building Colombia Kaliente into a successful New Jersey restaurant brand, Sebastian Colorado will provide participants with practical guidance on turning a culinary passion into a thriving business.

Whether you're planning a food truck, café, bakery, catering company, or full-service restaurant, this interactive three-hour workshop will offer valuable insight into every stage of launching and operating a food service business.

Workshop Topics

Participants will learn about:

• Developing a restaurant concept and business plan

• Choosing the right location for your business

• Understanding startup costs and financing options

• Creating realistic operating budgets

• Registering a food service business in New Jersey

• Required permits, licenses, and health department regulations

• Food safety certifications and compliance requirements

• Building relationships with suppliers and vendors

• Designing an efficient kitchen and dining layout

• Hiring, training, and managing restaurant staff

• Marketing your restaurant before and after opening

• Leveraging social media and community engagement

• Customer service strategies that build long-term loyalty

• Common challenges new restaurant owners face and how to avoid them

Featured Speaker

Sebastian Colorado will share his personal entrepreneurial journey, discussing the challenges and successes of building Colombia Kaliente from the ground up. Participants will hear real-world lessons about financing a restaurant, navigating the permitting process, managing operations, building a loyal customer base, and sustaining growth in a competitive industry.

The presentation will conclude with an interactive question-and-answer session, giving attendees the opportunity to ask specific questions about restaurant ownership and entrepreneurship.

Networking & One-on-One Guidance

Following the presentation, attendees will have the opportunity to network with fellow entrepreneurs, local business professionals, hospitality industry representatives, and members of the UNPKD team.

Participants will also be able to receive informal guidance on:

• Developing restaurant business ideas

• Preparing for startup financing

• Local business resources

• Restaurant licensing requirements

• Community partnerships

• Next steps toward opening a food service business

Free Resources

Each attendee will receive complimentary startup materials, including:

• UNPKD Restaurant Business Startup Guide

• Restaurant planning worksheets

• Sample startup budget templates

• Business planning checklists

• Resource directory for financing, mentorship, and small business assistance

• Hospitality industry resource packet

Accessibility & Language Services

UNPKD is committed to ensuring that all community members can fully participate in this event.

The workshop will include:

• Professional interpreters available upon request

• Assistive listening devices throughout the event

• ADA-accessible facilities

• Multilingual staff and volunteers available to provide assistance

If you require language interpretation or other accommodations, please notify the organizers during registration so arrangements can be made in advance.

Who Should Attend?

This workshop is ideal for:

• Aspiring restaurant owners

• Food truck entrepreneurs

• Café and coffee shop startups

• Bakers and caterers

• Hospitality professionals

• Culinary students

• Existing restaurant owners seeking growth strategies

• Small business entrepreneurs

• Immigrant entrepreneurs

• Anyone interested in entering the food service industry

Cost

This workshop is free and open to the public. Advance registration is encouraged, as seating is limited.

UNPKD is a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding entrepreneurship education, workforce development, and economic opportunity through partnerships with business leaders, educational institutions, and community organizations. Through workshops like this, UNPKD connects aspiring entrepreneurs with experienced professionals who are committed to strengthening local businesses and fostering long-term community success.

Hosted by UNPKD
Sponsored by Rider University – Norm Brodsky College of Business

UNPKD, in partnership with Rider University and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), invites aspiring entrepreneurs, freelancers, nonprofit founders, and existing small business owners to attend an in-depth workshop focused on the fundamentals of legally establishing a business in New Jersey.

Whether you are launching your first venture, formalizing a side business, or expanding an existing operation, this interactive three-hour session will provide practical guidance to help you navigate the business registration process with confidence.

Workshop Topics

Participants will learn about:

• Choosing the appropriate business structure (Sole Proprietorship, LLC, Corporation, Partnership, and Nonprofit)

• Registering a business with the State of New Jersey

• Obtaining a New Jersey Business Registration Certificate (BRC)

• Applying for an Employer Identification Number (EIN)

• Understanding state tax registration requirements

• Business licensing and permit considerations

• Employer responsibilities and payroll registration

• Maintaining compliance after registration

• Common mistakes to avoid during the registration process

• Free state and nonprofit resources available to new business owners

Hands-On Registration Assistance

Following the instructional presentation, attendees will have the opportunity to receive one-on-one assistance from representatives of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), Rider University, and trained UNPKD volunteers.

Staff will be available to answer questions, review documentation, explain required forms, and assist participants in understanding the next steps for legally establishing their businesses.

Free Resources

Each attendee will receive complimentary business registration materials, including:

• UNPKD Small Business Registration Handbook

• NJEDA business registration guides

• State registration forms and informational packets

• Business startup checklists

• Resource directory for funding, technical assistance, and small business support organizations

Printed materials will be available in:

• English

• Spanish

• Mandarin Chinese

• Portuguese

• Russian

Accessibility & Language Services

UNPKD is committed to making this event accessible to all members of the community.

The event will include:

• Professional interpreters available upon request

• Assistive listening devices throughout the workshop

• ADA-accessible facilities

• Multilingual staff and volunteers available to provide assistance

If you require language interpretation or other accommodations, please notify the organizers during registration so arrangements can be made in advance.

Who Should Attend?

This workshop is ideal for:

• First-time entrepreneurs

• Small business owners

• Home-based business operators

• Freelancers and independent contractors

• Veterans

• Minority-owned businesses

• Women-owned businesses

• Immigrant entrepreneurs

• Students interested in starting a business

• Individuals considering self-employment

Cost

This workshop is free and open to the public. Advance registration is encouraged, as seating is limited.

UNPKD is a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding access to entrepreneurship education, economic opportunity, and community development through partnerships with public agencies, educational institutions, and local organizations.

Hosted & Sponsored by Rider University — Norm Brodsky College of Business

• Join New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) director Evan Weiss in a three-hour workshop on how to navigate the process of registering your small business as a legal entity in New Jersey.

• Assistance for participants will be provided on-site by Rider University and NJEDA staff, who will hand out physical forms and UNPKD handbooks on business registration available in English, Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, Portuguese, and Russian.

• If you require a translator, listening devices will be available throughout the event.

Host: Santiago Bermudez, UNPKD Partner

Co-Host: Brian Carmona, UNPKD Partner

Sponsored by UNPKD

• Learn about the components of a successful loan application and resources available to low-income and URM (under-represented Minority) Entrepreneurs at both major financial institutions and community banking organizations.

• Speak with loan officers from the Greater Alliance Federal Credit Union on how to best present your business plan and develop a strategy to ensure access to capital that can support you and your business.

• Connect with other small business owners from the Bergen County area in diverse industries.

Host: Sebastian Colorado, Colombia Kaliente of Englewood

Sponsored by Xero — Accounting Software for Small Businesses

• Learn to use the three financial statements to make vital business decisions and ensure sustained performance across time periods, as well as learning how to use Xero to compile your business’s financial information and generate timely financial reports.

• Connect with other small business owners from the Bergen County area in diverse industries.