OUR STORY
Filling the gaps for undercapitalized small business owners
REEF was born out of 20 years of experience in managing properties and businesses across New Jersey.
Working closely with more than 500 small businesses, our leadership witnessed the challenges entrepreneurs faced: limited access to financing, gaps in operational knowledge, and no one to turn to for guidance.
What started as informal business support — guidance, resources, and ad hoc funding — quickly revealed a broader need for comprehensive support across the entire entrepreneurial ecosystem.
OUR STORY
Filling the gaps for undercapitalized small business owners
REEF was born out of 20 years of experience in managing properties and businesses across New Jersey.
Working closely with more than 500 small businesses, our leadership witnessed the challenges entrepreneurs faced: limited access to financing, gaps in operational knowledge, and no one to turn to for guidance.
What started as informal business support — guidance, resources, and ad hoc funding — quickly revealed a broader need for comprehensive support across the entire entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Three Decades of Community Impact
1998
A group of volunteers began dedicating time each week to help local entrepreneurs and job seekers with business guidance, strategic connections, and access to capital that traditional lenders wouldn't provide.
2018
After 20 years of grassroots service, REEF formalized as an independent nonprofit, hired its first Executive Director, and earned federal CDFI certification.
2019
REEF expanded its team and built a network of over 200 volunteer business experts who provide technical assistance to small businesses and career guidance to job seekers.
2020
The WeMeet program launched, offering free access to professional workspaces, conference rooms, and meeting areas for local businesses and community members.
2021
REEF introduced COVID relief programs to help small businesses survive and recover, providing emergency capital and operational guidance during the pandemic.
2022
REEF implemented new technology platforms to streamline our broad range of services.
2023
REEF marked 25 years of community service by launching Bseder and Transparity, new initiatives addressing financial literacy and investment education across the communities we serve.
2024
REEF partnered with the Lakewood Development Corporation and the Urban Enterprise Zone to expand access to capital.
2025
Adopt An Intern program launched. Twenty five companies pledged to adopt one or more paid interns with no previous work experience.
Looking Ahead
As we look to the future, we see the demand for our services continuing to grow. In order to expand our capacity, we're actively seeking partnerships with banks and institutional investors who share our commitment to community-driven finance. Together, we can create jobs, promote prosperity, and generate lasting economic impact throughout the area.
REEF provides capital
Businesses stabilize and grow
Companies hire employees
REEF places qualified candidates
Employees earn income
Community strengthens
The REEF Effect
REEF provides capital
Businesses stabilize and grow
Companies hire employees
REEF places qualified candidates
Employees earn income
Community strengthens
Partner with us
Get in touch to discuss corporate partnerships, community investment, and the collaborative funding opportunities REEF offers.
