Left to Right: Citi Medina of Equal Space; Susan Scherreik, Joyce Strawser, Mary Kate
Naatus and Jamilah Savage of Seton Hall; Chef Victoria “Tori” Funn; and Lieutenant,
Governor Dale G. Caldwell
When Victoria Funn left the military after more than 16 years of service, she carried
with her a passion for leadership and a growing interest in health and wellness. What
she didn’t have was a roadmap for turning that passion into a successful business.
Today, Funn is the founder of Green Genius, a culinary medicine and metabolic strategy
company that helps women improve their health through practical, food-based solutions.
She credits Seton Hall University’s ImpactNJ entrepreneurship program with helping
her gain the confidence, knowledge and support network needed to take her business
to the next level.
“As an entrepreneur, you’re constantly trying to figure things out on your own,” said
Funn. “ImpactNJ gave me access to mentors and practical tools that helped answer questions
I had about marketing, social media and growing my business. It helped me think bigger
about what Green Genius could become.”
Funn was among 44 entrepreneurs selected for the inaugural cohort of ImpactNJ: Urban Ventures Collaborative, a program launched by Seton Hall University in partnership with the University of
Notre Dame’s Urban Poverty and Business Initiative (UPBI).
Designed to support entrepreneurs from underserved communities, the initiative combines
business education, mentorship and community partnerships to help small business owners
build sustainable ventures and create economic opportunity.
Inspired by the upcoming FIFA World Cup 26™, and as part of its commitment to economic
empowerment, The Coca-Cola Company supports the Urban Poverty and Business Initiative
(UPBI) as it expands its work through local institutions such as Seton Hall University.
Susan Scherreik speaking with a program participant, Linda Nduneseokwu.
Hosted at Equal Space in downtown Newark, the program attracted more than 100 applicants
from across the region. Thirty-eight entrepreneurs completed the six-week boot camp,
with participants continuing into a mentorship phase that pairs them with experienced
business leaders for one-on-one coaching.
“Entrepreneurs often have the passion and the vision, but they may not always have
access to the resources or guidance needed to grow,” said Susan Scherreik, M.B.A.,
founding director of the Stillman Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and director
of ImpactNJ/UPBI. “ImpactNJ helps bridge that gap by connecting entrepreneurs to mentors,
education and a community of support that can accelerate their success.”
For Funn, the experience was more than a business strategy. It was about joining a
network of entrepreneurs facing similar challenges and working toward similar goals. “Building
a business can feel lonely sometimes. Being surrounded by entrepreneurs who understood
the journey reminded me that I wasn’t building Green Genius by myself,” Funn said.
“Every conversation challenged me to think bigger, sharpen my vision, and build something
that can truly change lives through food.”
The program’s impact extends beyond individual entrepreneurs. Ninety-four percent
of participants in the inaugural cohort identified as members of minority communities,
reflecting the initiative’s focus on expanding economic opportunity and supporting
local business growth.
ImpactNJ is backed by a coalition of 11 community partners, including nonprofit organizations,
financial institutions and community development leaders committed to strengthening
Greater Newark’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Among those partners is Citizens, which works with ImpactNJ to connect entrepreneurs
to resources that support small business growth. The collaboration builds on Citizens’
Small Business Economic Opportunity Fund, which pairs access to capital with training
and mentorship to help entrepreneurs build capacity and scale sustainably.
“Small businesses are critical to the strength and resilience of our communities,”
said Dan Fitzpatrick, Mid-Atlantic Regional president, Citizens. “Through partnerships
like ImpactNJ, we’re helping entrepreneurs access the tools, networks and support
they need to grow and create lasting economic opportunity. This work reflects our
continued commitment to investing in local communities and supporting pathways to
success for business owners.”
As the program enters its next phase, participating entrepreneurs will continue receiving
mentorship while many will also work with Seton Hall student consultants, creating
hands-on learning opportunities that benefit both students and business owners.
“ImpactNJ reflects Seton Hall’s commitment to creating pathways to opportunity through
partnership and innovation,” said Mary Kate Naatus, Ph.D., associate provost for partnerships
and global initiatives and dean of Continuing and Professional Education. “When entrepreneurs
succeed, they create jobs, strengthen neighborhoods and contribute to the long-term
vitality of their communities.”
Categories:
Faith and Service
