Gain valuable insights into business growth, certifications, and contracting opportunities.

PSE&G Supplier Diversity Program

A case study by SHCCNJ

"We came away with our certification, but we also gained knowledge, resources, and relationships that we'll continue to use as we grow."

JESSICA YOUNG, JR'S SENSORY PLAY GARDEN

Jessica Young, CEO

JR'S Sensory Play Garden

jrsplaygarden.com
(201) 497-4697
885 Broadway Ave.
Bayonne 07002

About JR’s Sensory Play Garden

JR’s Sensory Play Garden offers child-led, nature-inspired sensory play experiences designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and strengthen social-emotional skills. In addition to the core programs, field trips, enrichment programs and birthday parties are also offered.

Background

Jessica Young is the CEO of JR's Sensory Play Garden(opens in new tab), a business dedicated to creating inclusive, engaging experiences for children and families through sensory-focused play and learning opportunities. As a passionate small business owner, Jessica is committed to making a positive impact in her community while continuing to grow and expand her organization's reach.

Through participation in the PSE&G Supplier Diversity Program through the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Jessica gained valuable insights into business growth, certifications, and contracting opportunities. Earning her SBE certification has helped strengthen JR's Sensory Play Garden's credibility, positioning the business for new partnerships and future opportunities with schools, municipalities, healthcare organizations, and other community-focused organizations.

An Interview with Jessica Young

What did you learn during the program?

"I learned that there's so much more to growing a business than just doing what you love every day. The program helped me understand certifications, contracting opportunities, and how to prepare our business for the next level. More than anything, it gave me the confidence to ask questions, make connections, and realize that opportunities like these really are within reach for small businesses like ours."

How has obtaining the certification benefited your business?

"Receiving our SBE certification has given us another level of credibility and opened doors we wouldn't have considered before. It also gave us the confidence to start having conversations about partnerships and contracts that once felt out of reach. As a small business owner, that's incredibly encouraging."

How do you plan to leverage the certification for future contract opportunities?

"We're excited to use our certification as we continue to grow JR's Sensory Play Garden. We hope to build more partnerships with schools, municipalities, healthcare organizations, and local businesses that share our passion for serving families. This certification gives us another way to introduce ourselves and show that we're ready to grow while continuing to make a positive impact in our community."

Would you recommend the certification program to other businesses? Why?

"Absolutely. I can't say enough good things about the PSE&G Supplier Diversity Program through the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Everyone was professional, welcoming, and incredibly supportive throughout the process. The program was flexible enough to fit into the busy schedule of a small business owner, and every session left us with something we could actually use. We came away with our certification, but we also gained knowledge, resources, and relationships that we'll continue to use as we grow. If you're on the fence, I'd encourage you to go for it. It's truly an investment in your business."

For More Information

Visit our Programs section to learn more about our Educational offerings. If you would like to inquire about a Program, please Contact Us.

(201) 935-0035

[email protected]