County-led partnerships are playing a growing role in economic development across Mercer County.
The Kiwanis Club of Trenton will host a program titled “The County & the Capital: Mercer County Partnerships Driving Economic Opportunity” on Wednesday, May 6, at noon at Leonardo’s II Restaurant, 2021 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville.
The featured speaker will be Anthony Carabelli Jr., director of the Mercer County Office of Economic Development, who will discuss how county initiatives and public-private partnerships are supporting business growth, investment, and redevelopment in Trenton and throughout the region.
Carabelli oversees a range of programs designed to help businesses start, expand, and remain competitive, including financing initiatives, workforce development services, and site selection assistance.
The office works with regional partners to connect companies with resources aimed at encouraging economic activity and job creation.
A key component of the county’s strategy is the Mercer County Foreign Trade Zone, which allows businesses engaged in international trade to reduce or defer customs duties and streamline logistics operations, making the region more attractive to manufacturers and distribution companies.
The program is particularly valuable for firms involved in global supply chains, helping them manage costs and improve efficiency.
The county also partners with the New Jersey Small Business Development Center at The College of New Jersey to deliver training, counseling, and technical assistance for entrepreneurs and existing businesses. These services include guidance on financing, marketing, business planning, and government procurement, often through workshops and one-on-one advising tailored to individual business needs.
Recent efforts include programs such as the Mercer County Procurement Readiness and Empowerment Program, a multi-week training series designed to help small businesses compete for county contracts.
The program covers certification requirements, set-aside opportunities, proposal development, and how to navigate the county’s bidding process, providing companies with a pathway to secure public-sector work.
The initiative reflects a broader effort to expand access to government contracting opportunities, particularly for small, minority-, and women-owned businesses seeking to grow through public-sector partnerships.
By helping companies better understand procurement systems, the county aims to increase participation and keep more economic activity local.
In addition to formal programs, the Office of Economic Development provides workshops, mentoring, and technical assistance to help businesses access funding, refine business plans, and navigate regulatory requirements.
These services are intended to support companies at all stages, from startups to established firms looking to expand.
Organizers say the Kiwanis program will offer insight into how these initiatives are being used to strengthen the local economy and create opportunities for businesses of all sizes, particularly as Trenton continues to pursue redevelopment and investment.
Founded in 1918, the Kiwanis Club of Trenton is part of a global service organization focused on community engagement, youth programs, and civic leadership.
Its regular speaker programs often highlight issues affecting the region’s economic and business landscape, providing a forum for discussion and networking.
The May 6 event is open to the public. Lunch will be available for purchase.
RSVP atmccormicknj@aol.com. For more information on program offerings, visit mercercounty.org
