Random Scoop

Random Scoop will bring you small nuggets of information on the Princeton area and spots nearby to make your life a little easier, a little tastier and a little more fun. They’ll keep you on your game, in some small regard, no matter how random the scoop may be. We will cover all topics, one scoop at a time. You’ll be glad we passed it on. Moderated by: A townie, who loves this town of ours.

Send To A Friend Print this Page

Most recent posting below. See other blog postings in the column to the right.

Displaying Results : 1 - 50 Total Results : 401

Mercer Launches Procurement Readiness & Empowerment Program to Strengthen Small Business Growth
May 04, 2026 By Jane Hynes

Ewing, NJ – County Executive Dan Benson announced that the Mercer County Office of Economic Development is partnering with the New Jersey Small Business Development Center at The College of New Jersey to launch the Mercer County Procurement Readiness & Empowerment Program, a four-week, hands-on training initiative designed to help small businesses successfully compete for County and State contracts.

This comprehensive program reflects Mercer County's continued commitment to strengthening the local economy by equipping small, minority-, women-, and veteran-owned businesses with the tools they need to access public procurement opportunities.

"Access to government contracting can be transformative for small businesses, but the process can often feel complex and out of reach," said County Executive Dan Benson. "This program is about bringing down those barriers and ensuring that more of our local businesses can participate, compete, and thrive."

The program will run throughout May 2026 and feature a blend of in-person and virtual sessions led by procurement and business development experts:

Getting Certified, Set-Aside Programs & Capability Statements

May 7, 2026 | In Person | 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

The College of New Jersey - 2000 Pennington Rd, Ewing, NJ 08628
Mastering the RFP Response Process

May 14, 2026 | Virtual | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Decoding Mercer County Bids

May 21, 2026 | Virtual | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Navigating Mercer County Procurement

May 28, 2026 | In Person | 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

The Boathouse at Mercer Lake - 334 S Post Rd, West Windsor, NJ 08550

Participants will gain practical knowledge on certification processes, responding to Requests for Proposals (RFPs), interpreting county bid opportunities, and navigating the procurement landscape with confidence.

The initiative aligns with Mercer County's broader strategy to expand economic opportunity for all and promote diversity among County vendors. By increasing the capacity of local businesses to compete for contracts, the County is promoting job creation, while keeping more money in our local economy and ensuring and ensuring that County contractors will better reflect the community's diverse residents.

"This program is about more than training. It's also about empowerment," said Lilian Mauro, Regional Director of the Small Business Development Center. "We are intentionally building a pipeline of qualified local vendors who are ready to engage, win contracts, and grow."

Space is limited, and early registration is strongly encouraged. A light breakfast will be provided for in-person sessions.

For more information or to register, please contact:

Phone: (609) 771-2947 |Email: info@sbdcnj.com

Princeton Artist Adriana Groza Introduces Corporate Art Program Focused on Workplace Culture and Community Engagement
January 12, 2026 By Jane Hynes

Princeton Federal Credit Union Appoints Dana Caragine as President/CEO
December 02, 2025 By Jane Hynes

Mercer County Seeks Nominations for 2026 Woman of Achievement Awards
November 30, 2025 By Jane Hynes

Experience Princeton Hires New Executive Director
November 12, 2025 By Jane Hynes

Dolor odit doloremque debitis rerum voluptas voluptatem vero nihil deserunt ratione dolore velit sit
July 29, 2025 By Dave Koehler
Read more...
Open file ( 0.00) . . .

Mercer County Announces Hightstown Grant Awardees, Will Host Nov. Event for Borough Businesses & Non-Profits
November 04, 2024 By Jane Hynes

FREE Energy Audits for Princeton Businesses
September 19, 2024 By Jane Hynes

Mercer County Executive Benson Presents Vision of Partnership & Investment in Capital City at Chamber Event
August 02, 2024 By Jane Hynes

Destination Trenton – Making Heritage Tourism Trenton's Economic Engine
January 23, 2024 By Jane Hynes