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Who We Are

unpkd (unpacked) is a student-led initiative based in Northern New Jersey. We initiated this project to support immigrant and low-income entrepreneurs who possess the drive to start a business but lack the specific resources to do so. By working with local libraries and business owners in Essex, Hudson, and Bergen counties, we run practical workshops that simplify the path to business ownership. Our five-module curriculum teaches participants how to get licenses, manage cash flow, and find capital.

We aim to support our neighbors in establishing stable, thriving businesses that foster a stronger local economy.

Five Module Curriculum

We built the UNPKD curriculum by talking directly with the people in our communities. We held roundtables and conversations with local business owners to make sure we were teaching exactly what they needed to know. By combining business theory with practical skills, we developed a five-module foundation that focuses on the basics: getting licensed, managing money, and growing a business. Our goal is to make sure every participant walks away with the hands-on tools they need to turn their ideas into successful, real-world businesses.

  • Focus: Understanding the legal gateway to business operations.

    This module provides a clear, step-by-step guide on identifying and securing necessary local, county, and state operational permits and licenses, ensuring businesses achieve formal legal compliance and recognition from day one.

  • Focus: Core financial literacy for personal and professional operations.

    Participants learn foundational techniques for setting profitable pricing structures, creating effective operating budgets, and mastering basic cash flow tracking to ensure short-term liquidity and organizational stability.

  • Focus: Utilizing accessible technology for visibility and customer acquisition.

    This module teaches participants how to establish a low-cost but professional digital footprint using social media, local listing services (e.g., Google Business Profile), and effective word-of-mouth strategies to attract local customers.

  • Focus: Funding strategies for start-up and early business growth.

    This module demystifies the process of finding and applying for non-traditional funding sources, including local micro-grants, community development loans, and non-profit lending programs tailored for underserved entrepreneurs.

  • Focus: Leveraging community resources for sustained growth.

    Attendees develop actionable strategies for building trust-based professional relationships within local chambers of commerce, community organizations, and potential supplier networks to secure mentorship and collaborative opportunities.

Get in touch

info@unpkd.org
(551) 314-0438


Hackensack, NJ 07601