About Us

Darryl Godfrey is a seasoned Financial Services professional with over 20 years experience in management, banking and community development. His primary responsibility is oversight of the Grow Newark Fund an $8 Million Dollar Small Business Loan Fund and the Small Business Technical Assistance and Bonding Programs. During the course of his career, Mr. Godfrey’s primary focus has been enhancing the economic viability of small businesses and community based organizations primarily located in Newark, NJ. Mr. Godfrey started his career as a Corporate Lending officer for the largest New Jersey-owned bank – First Fidelity Bank (presently Wachovia). In that capacity, he provided financing primarily to Newark based businesses. He later worked for Chase Manhattan Bank (JP Morgan Chase) as Assistant VP in the Community Development division. In that capacity, he provided financing for urban based companies and non-profit organizations located in urban areas throughout the Tri-State area (New Jersey, New York and Connecticut). While working at Chase, Mr. Godfrey was voted Chairman of the Board for The Greater Newark Business Development Consortium, a SBA (Small Business Administration) micro-loan entity. He was responsible for providing financing to over 100 small businesses located in the greater Newark business area. Mr. Godfrey later worked for New Community Corporation (NCC), the largest non-profit community based organization in the State of New Jersey. During his time with NCC, he was Director of Community Investments where he managed the Credit Union and helped fund and build over 200 low income single family homes in the Central Ward of Newark. He managed a staff of 20 clerical and professional staff and was responsible for a combined operating budget of over $10 Million Dollar Small Business Loan Fund and the Small Business Technical Assistance and Bonding Programs. He was born and raised in Newark, New Jersey where he graduated from West Side High School. He received a BA degree in Economics and Political Science from Rutgers University. He is currently pursuing his Master in Public Administration at Rutgers University.