For Victoria Funn, the transition from over 16 years of military service to the private sector was defined by a passion for health and wellness but lacked a clear roadmap for entrepreneurship. Today, as the founder of Green Genius—a culinary medicine and metabolic strategy company—Funn is finding her footing, thanks to a transformative partnership with Seton Hall University.
Funn was one of 44 entrepreneurs selected for the inaugural cohort of ImpactNJ: Urban Ventures Collaborative, a program launched by Seton Hall in partnership with the University of Notre Dame’s Urban Poverty and Business Initiative (UPBI). Designed to bridge the resource gap for business owners in underserved communities, the initiative provides a mix of business education, one-on-one mentorship, and community-based support.
“As an entrepreneur, you’re constantly trying to figure things out on your own,” Funn said. “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.”
The program, which hosted its sessions at Equal Space in downtown Newark, drew more than 100 applicants from the region. Following a competitive selection process, 38 entrepreneurs completed a rigorous six-week boot camp before transitioning into a mentorship phase, where they are paired with seasoned business leaders.
Susan Scherreik, founding director of the Stillman Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and director of ImpactNJ/UPBI, emphasizes that the program serves a vital purpose in the local economy.
“Entrepreneurs often have the passion and the vision, but they may not always have access to the resources or guidance needed to grow,” Scherreik said. “ImpactNJ helps bridge that gap by connecting entrepreneurs to mentors, education and a community of support that can accelerate their success.”
The initiative’s impact is reflected in its diverse cohort, with 94% of participants identifying as members of minority communities. This effort is bolstered by a coalition of 11 community partners, including Citizens, which collaborates with the program to help entrepreneurs access capital and specialized training through its Small Business Economic Opportunity Fund.
“Small businesses are critical to the strength and resilience of our communities,” Dan Fitzpatrick, Mid-Atlantic regional president at Citizens, said. “Through partnerships like ImpactNJ, we’re helping entrepreneurs access the tools, networks and support they need to grow and create lasting economic opportunity.”
As the program moves into its next phase, participants will continue to receive mentorship and will also have the opportunity to work with Seton Hall student consultants. This hands-on collaboration aims to create a ripple effect of growth that benefits both the student body and the local business community.
For entrepreneurs like Funn, the program has provided more than just business strategy; it has offered a community that understands the challenges of building a sustainable venture. “Being surrounded by entrepreneurs who understood the journey reminded me that I wasn’t building Green Genius by myself,” Funn added. “Every conversation challenged me to think bigger.”
