Rowan University to partner with African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey

Rowan University is developing plans with the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) to establish an academic presence at the chamber’s highly anticipated new hub, The Transformation Center, in the heart of Trenton’s business district. 

The chamber recently hosted an event at the center to preview plans for the location, drawing community members, elected officials, business leaders and statewide partners, who came together to celebrate the city’s bold new chapter in economic development, workforce  innovation and equity-driven collaboration.

Dr. John E. Harmon Sr., AACCNJ’s founder, president and CEO, emphasized the center’s vision and purpose. 

“The Transformation Center will be more than a building—it will be a  movement, a place where entrepreneurs, education and training providers, workforce candidates and key stakeholders and partners can gather to access opportunity and build prosperity,” Harmon said. He thanked sponsors, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), and Seven One Plus, LLC by Nexus Holdings LLC, which gifted the property to the chamber.  

“Because of your support, we will continue to serve as a valuable resource and mechanism to enable others to realize their goals, dreams and  aspirations,” Harmon said. “The Transformation Center will serve as a hub and incubator for entrepreneurs, as well as a training facility for the community.”

Guests were given a digital tour of the 26,800-square-foot building, presented by Cappy Sabir, Principal of SRW Engineering & Architecture, showcasing the center’s design and capacity to serve as a business incubator, training and certification hub, event venue, media production studio, and center of influence for statewide collaboration. 

Rowan University is working to extend its reach to serve more students in Trenton, Mercer County and beyond, noted Chancellor Tony Lowman, who spoke during the event. 

“The Transformation Center represents the kind of bold innovation New Jersey needs,” Lowman said. “At Rowan, we believe in the power of collaboration to unlock opportunity—and this center will be a catalyst for workforce development, entrepreneurship and economic growth. We’re proud to stand with AACCNJ, City of Trenton, Mercer County and the NJEDA and serve as the center’s lead academic partner. Together, we will shape a future where every community has the tools to thrive.”

The event’s speakers also underscored the significance of the Transformation Center not only for Trenton, but for the state’s broader business and workforce ecosystem. 

City of Trenton Mayor W. Reed Gusciora said the event marks a proud moment for the city. 

“I want to especially recognize the work of the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey,” Gusciora said. “Through their dedication, this center is becoming a place  where opportunity, growth, and lasting change can happen.”

Mercer County Executive Dan Benson said it was a thrill to see the chamber’s ambitious plans for the center. “This project will be a major asset to the Black business community in Mercer County, and across the state,” Benson said, “and I look forward to working with President Harmon and his team as they bring their vision to fruition.”

Michelle Bodden, NJEDA’s chief equity and inclusive culture officer, said the City of Trenton has been working to drive economic growth and reduce disparities. “By providing entrepreneurs with vital access to education, training and networking,” Bodden said, “the AACCNJ is taking meaningful steps to close the racial wealth gap. Initiatives like the Transformation Center strengthens our commitment to building a more inclusive, equitable economy for all New Jersey residents and small business owners.”

N.J. Department of Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo also spoke in support of the chamber’s plans for the site. “The Transformation Center serves as a beacon of hope and opportunity for our thriving business community throughout New Jersey,” Asaro-Angelo said. “The center will provide critical resources, assistance and a collaborative environment to enable workers and businesses to reach new heights.”

The Transformation Center is designed to be a vibrant, multi-functional space reflecting the AACCNJ's vision, coupled with innovation and stakeholder engagement. 

Key features include: business incubators for startups and small businesses; training and certification labs for workforce development; meeting space; back-office and technical support services; event and meeting facilities; media production studios and more.  

About The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey 

The AACCNJ performs an essential role in the economic viability of New Jersey. While providing a platform for New Jersey’s African American business leaders to speak with a collective voice, the AACCNJ advocates and promotes economic diversity fostering a climate of business growth through major initiatives centering on education and public policy. The Chamber serves as a proactive advocacy group with a 501(c) 3 tax exemption, which is shared by the National Black Chamber of Commerce.