East Orange UEZ Launches Third Cohort of Professional Development Workshop Series

EAST ORANGE, N.J. - Sept. 29, 2025 - PRLog -- The City of East Orange officially launched the third cohort of its Professional Development Workshop Series on September 25, 2025, with a high-energy opening session designed to empower small businesses within the East Orange Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ). Sponsored by Mayor Ted R. Green, the East Orange City Council, and the Office of Policy, Planning and Development, the program equips entrepreneurs with practical tools for compliance, growth, and sustainability.

The series, first introduced in September 2024, has grown steadily due to strong participant feedback and measurable results. Each cohort builds on the success of the last, providing East Orange business owners with fresh insights, resources, and strategies tailored to the UEZ environment.

The opening session of Cohort 3, "Navigating the Urban Advantage," was led by Mark Cheatham, Manager of Economic Development and UEZ Coordinator. Cheatham highlighted the many benefits of UEZ certification, including tax incentives, grants, and access to city resources, as well as the launch of EOUEZ.org (http://www.eouez.org), the city's new business portal.

Facilitator Anna D. Banks, MAS, CPEC, CHBC, Founder of Thrive Leadership Institute, Inc., brings over 20 years of experience in executive coaching and business development. Banks' approach blends proven business principles with innovative AI-powered tools, ensuring participants leave each session with strategies they can apply immediately.

The Professional Development Workshop Series runs from September 25 to November 20, 2025, featuring nine sessions:

• Navigating the Urban Advantage
• Compliance Made Easy: A Roadmap for Success
• Market Mastery in the Urban Landscape
• Customer-Centric Strategies in the City
• Greening Your Business for Success
• Financial Fitness for Business Owners
• Funding Your Dreams in the Urban Hub
• Talent Triumph: Managing Your Greatest Assets
• Connect, Conquer, & Celebrate: Building Business Bridges

Each session is interactive and designed to deliver actionable results. Business owners gain templates, checklists, and AI-generated tools that simplify compliance, streamline operations, and improve customer engagement.

"The UEZ is more than a program—it's a powerful advantage for businesses in East Orange," said Cheatham. "By combining incentives, education, and innovative tools, we're giving our entrepreneurs the confidence and resources they need to thrive."

The first session of Cohort 3 brought together an engaged group of local business owners who were eager to learn, ask questions, and apply new insights to their enterprises. The enthusiasm and positive feedback from participants highlighted the vital role the UEZ plays in empowering small businesses to succeed.

Call to Action
For more information or to register for upcoming sessions, please contact:

Office of Policy, Planning and Development
Mark Cheatham, Manager, Economic Development Division
Phone: 973-266-5411, ext. 5413
Website: www.EOUEZ.org