BrightStreet Launches in Newark to Assist Small Businesses

On Feb 24, 2026

BrightStreet, a new nonprofit, officially launched at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC). Joined by Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and Super Bowl XLIV Champion and entrepreneur Marques Colston, BrightStreet founders, partners, and three entrepreneurs from BrightStreet’s inaugural cohort used sledgehammers to break through a life-sized faux brick wall, symbolizing the organization’s mission to eliminate obstacles to capital, mentorship, technology, and training for small business owners historically excluded from traditional lending.

Micro-businesses with fewer than 10 employees make up 95% of all businesses nationwide, yet they are denied funding at more than twice the rate of other small businesses. Nearly half operate in low-income communities where access to financing and guidance is limited, not because of a lack of talent, but a lack of access.

BrightStreet aims to provide affordable loans, grants, financial education, mentorship, and hands-on operational support to startups, solopreneurs, and micro-enterprises that often fall outside traditional borrowing criteria. By pairing capital with guidance, BrightStreet looks to give entrepreneurs not only funding, but the tools and support necessary to build sustainable businesses.

“BrightStreet is a nonprofit, but it is not a charity. It is a sustainable economic engine that empowers individuals to create their own success stories, creating community vibrancy and economic growth for Newark and for New Jersey,” said Founder Rob Falzon.

Three entrepreneurs from BrightStreet’s first cohort were presented with oversized checks representing their funding and access to business development resources.

Jennifer Lopez – Lopez & Associates Behavioral Consulting 
Loan Amount: $50,000
Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Newark-based founder of an agency providing one-on-one behavioral therapy to children with autism, primarily serving underserved and Spanish-speaking families across Essex and Hudson Counties. Her agency fills a critical gap, with about 75% of clients covered by Medicaid. The loan will help Jennifer to stabilize operations, scale her business by hiring additional therapists to meet the growing demand for her services, and ensure she is able to consistently meet payroll while insurance claims are processed.

Al Shakise – BWS Massage
Loan Amount: $20,000
Newark native entrepreneur providing massage treatments to clients at home and at corporate sponsored events.  He is transitioning from gig-style work to a scalable, branded business after securing a state contract to provide massage therapy services for disabled clients. The loan will fund marketing, branding, and working capital to smooth cash flow and support growth.

Undra Duncan – Undra Celeste New York 
Loan Amount: $50,000
Accomplished Newark-based fashion designer with national recognition, major collaborations, and wholesale opportunities. The loan will help to stabilize operations challenged by the current retail environment, provide working capital to fulfill new orders, expand production, and continue scaling her brand through expanded distribution channels.

With its Newark launch, BrightStreet begins its mission to fund the future of small business by empowering entrepreneurs, creating wealth, and strengthening communities across New Jersey.

To access more business news, visit NJB News Now.

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