EAST ORANGE, N.J. - s4story -- When opportunity meets strategy, businesses don't just survive—they thrive. That was the heartbeat of the Professional Development Workshop Series, developed and facilitated by Anna D. Banks, Executive Coach and Founder of Thrive Leadership Institute, Inc.

Created to help East Orange business owners unlock powerful advantages, the program showed participants how to cut sales tax nearly in half, save up to $100,000 annually in tax-exempt purchases, and gain priority access to financing and technical support.

Step-by-Step Support: Compliance Made Easy

As part of the Professional Development Workshop Series – Session 2: Compliance Made Easy: A Roadmap for Success (UEZ – Forms), participants received a clear, step-by-step tutorial on navigating the registration process. From creating a New Jersey Premier Business Services account to uploading UEZ forms and accessing essential state services, business owners left empowered with practical knowledge.

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Anna Banks reinforced the importance of simplicity: "Compliance doesn't have to be complicated. With the right roadmap, entrepreneurs can move forward with clarity, avoid costly mistakes, and start leveraging UEZ benefits immediately."

Real Stories, Real Success

Participants also heard from Anton Rudolph, owner of A's Laundromat (239 Park Avenue, East Orange, NJ) and proud graduate of Cohort 1 of the Professional Development Workshop Series (September 2024).

Rudolph shared how completing the program transformed his business:

• He earned both his New Jersey Minority Business Certification and Small Business Enterprise Certification.
• These milestones opened doors to larger contracts and long-term growth.
• His advice: "Everyone in this room has an opportunity to grow their business and leverage opportunities for larger contracts. Follow the roadmap, get UEZ certified, and watch what happens next."

Leadership Perspective

Mark Cheatham, Manager of Economic Development for the City of East Orange, spoke to the bigger picture:

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"The UEZ Program isn't just about numbers—it's about real people transforming their businesses and fueling the economic heartbeat of East Orange. Every success story creates ripple effects that strengthen our entire community."

Be the Next Success Story

UEZ-certified businesses gain more than savings—they help fuel reinvestment in East Orange through the Zone Assistance Fund, supporting façade improvements, small business programs, and community development projects.

The next UEZ Program workshop, led by Thrive Leadership Institute, is already in development. Space will be limited, and those who attend will walk away with tools, resources, and confidence their competitors can only envy.

👉 Don't just hear the success stories—become one.

For more information about East Orange's UEZ Program, eligibility, and upcoming sessions, contact:  Economic.development@eastorange-nj.gov or visit https://www.eouez.org/