NEW JERSEY — In recognition of National Small Business Week, May 3–9, New Jersey entrepreneurs who recently traveled to Washington, D.C. as part of the Meta Business Leaders Network annual conference are highlighting the importance of protecting digital tools like personalized advertising and AI that help small businesses grow, reach customers, and compete.

While in Washington, the New Jersey business owners met with U.S. Senator Andy Kim and his staff to discuss the importance of protecting access to the digital tools that small businesses rely on every day. The entrepreneurs shared how personalized ads help them reach the right audiences, increase sales, and use limited marketing budgets more effectively, as well as how AI tools help them save time, streamline operations, and compete in an increasingly digital economy.

“AI has become part of how I run my business every day,” said Monique Glover, founder of LaMonique Cosmetics in Hasbrouck Heights. “I use it to brainstorm content, improve customer communications, organize my workflow, and save time on tasks that used to take hours. These tools allow me to focus more of my energy on serving customers and growing my business.”

“Personalized ads help me reach the customers who are most likely to be interested in what I offer, while AI helps me save time and run my business more efficiently,” said Jennifer Graff, owner of Teaching21st L.L.C and Teacher & Family Deals Facebook Group in Mickleton. “For a small business, every dollar matters. Being able to advertise efficiently and work smarter means I can grow without wasting resources. I went to Washington to make sure lawmakers understand that these tools are not optional for businesses like mine; they are essential.”

“Small business owners are constantly learning, adapting, and doing more with less,” said Heather Marzigilano, owner of Grace on Broadway in Lake Hopatcong. “Digital tools like personalized ads and AI help level the playing field. They allow businesses like mine to compete with larger companies, reach new audiences, and stay visible in a crowded market.”

“Meeting with Senator Kim was an important opportunity to explain how these technologies work in the real world,” said Melissa Jenkins, owner of BAM Desserts in Somerset. “When policymakers consider legislation, we want them to understand that personalized advertising and AI directly affect whether small businesses can grow, hire, and continue serving their communities.”

In total, the New Jersey delegation included:
BAM Desserts, Melissa Jenkins
LaMonique Cosmetics, Monique Glover
Judith’s Dessert Boutique, Judith Smith Parrott
Grace on Broadway, Heather Marzigilano
Teaching21st L.L.C, Jennifer Graff
Dirty Celebrity, Yvette Estime

For many small businesses, tools like personalized advertising and AI are critical to day-to-day operations. Across New Jersey, Meta’s advertising tools are linked to over 100,000 jobs and $16 billion in annual economic activity. Roughly 73,000 small businesses in the state use AI tools regularly to streamline operations, and 80 percent of businesses that advertise say digital ads are the most effective way to reach their customers.

As Congress considers legislation affecting digital technologies, the entrepreneurs encouraged lawmakers to prioritize policies that protect access to personalized advertising and AI tools that empower small businesses. They emphasized that these tools help small businesses grow, increase sales, save time, and remain competitive.

Their message was clear: for small businesses in New Jersey, digital tools like personalized ads and AI are essential to their success.