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The Middlesex County Office of Business Engagement
For more information about the Office of Business Engagement and how it can help your business thrive in Middlesex County, please visit middlesexcountynj.gov and search “Office of Business Engagement.” “A strong economy improves quality of life for everyone,” says County Commissioner Chanelle Scott McCullum, Chair of the County’s Economic Development Committee. “The Office of Business Engagement does an incredible job providing support and resources to the businesses — large and small — that call Middlesex County home.”
Under the leadership of Director Sho Islam, the Middlesex County Office of Business Engagement offers critical services to entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes operating in the County. This includes matters related to business licensing and permitting, financing and incentives, and market research, as well as facilitating site selection for businesses moving to, or within, Middlesex County. As part of its core mission, the Office of Business Engagement strives to build connections and foster relationships between Middlesex County government and the business community, helping ensure businesses receive the support they need in order to help maintain the County’s robust economy. Located within the County’s Department of Economic Development, the Office of Business Engagement supports businesses across all industries, including in the County’s key business sectors of autonomous technology, food innovation, and life sciences.
with an affordable, full-course meal designed to meet their special nutritional needs. Meals are available at designated meal sites or delivered directly to homebound residents, helping ensure all older residents have access to nutritious meals. CONNECTING RESIDENTS TO RESOURCES The County’s Healthy Food Access Map is an online tool that helps residents easily locate nearby food pantries, farmers' markets, grocery stores, and participants in nutrition assistance programs, and highlights transportation options to help residents reach these resources easily. Access the map at middlesexcountynj.gov/healthyfoodsmap. For information on how to donate supplies or serve as a volunteer, please visit middlesexcountynj.gov/replenish . REPLENISH also accepts monetary donations in the form of checks payable to Feeding Middlesex County that can be mailed to PO Box 781, Edison, NJ 08818, or made online via their website, FeedingMiddlesexCounty.org. "Many in our community don't know when or where their next meal will come from, but help is available. We can be our neighbors’ strength by supporting our local food pantries to ensure no resident faces hunger alone." County Commissioner Claribel A. Azcona-Barber, Chair of the Community Services Committee
Hunger affects families and individuals nationwide. According to the non-profit Feeding America, in New Jersey alone, one in nine people — more than one million — faced hunger in 2023. Middlesex County is actively working to increase food security for residents through initiatives and partnerships that expand food access for those in need. LEADING THE WAY: REPLENISH At the forefront of these efforts is REPLENISH, the County’s food distribution program, which aims to eradicate hunger in Middlesex County. REPLENISH distributes food and basic necessities to a network of more than 135 food pantries in Middlesex County. In 2024, REPLENISH distributed 5.2 million pounds of food to pantries, making it possible for over 5,754 residents who visited a pantry to access food resources right away. REPLENISH reaches residents through various outreach efforts, such as food drives, K-12 hunger education in schools, and public events, all designed to raise awareness about food insecurity, reduce the stigma associated with it, and encourage community support. "Food insecurity can affect anyone, yet so many suffer in silence," said REPLENISH Director Jennifer Apostol. "REPLENISH is committed to educating our communities on this critical issue to destigmatize seeking help and normalize the use of our local pantries. Our attitudes towards hunger, followed by action, can make us one step closer to ending hunger in our County." NOURISHING OLDER RESIDENTS As a designated AARP Age-Friendly Community, Middlesex County offers various support services for older residents, including nutrition assistance. The senior meal program provides County residents who are 60 and older
County Commissioner Director Rios and County Commissioner Chanelle Scott McCullum, Chair of the County’s Economic Development Committee
With a theme of “Thriving Through Change: Business, Innovation, and the Future of Work,” Middlesex County brought together over 500 business leaders, entrepreneurs, and government officials from across the region for its 2025 Business Summit on Thursday, October 9. The annual event was held at the Heldrich Hotel and Conference Center in New Brunswick and included a keynote address by Rutgers University President William F. Tate, IV, who discussed how the future of Rutgers and Middlesex County are deeply connected. Experts and thought leaders from across the public and private sectors then shared their insights during two panel discussions showcasing how businesses can thrive by focusing on workforce development, building partnerships, and accessing funding.
Rutgers University President William F. Tate, IV delivers the keynote address at the 2025 Middlesex County Business Summit
The summit also offered attendees an opportunity to explore a Business Resource Area highlighting the wide range of resources offered by Middlesex County to support businesses, before choosing between breakout sessions focusing on entrepreneurial success or artificial intelligence. A networking reception hosted by the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce rounded out the afternoon.
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12 Your Middlesex | 2025 Issue 3
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