TikTok and the Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey (CCSNJ) co-hosted a panel discussion on Sept. 9, bringing together 80 small business owners and content creators from the region. The event highlighted TikTok’s significant economic impact and featured a panel of local business owners who shared how they’ve used the platform to grow and reach new customers.

New Jersey State Assemblywoman Carol Murphy opened the event, emphasizing the importance of supporting small businesses.

“TikTok is much more than an app. It allows businesses to succeed online and bring in new customers,” she said.

According to a report by Oxford Economics, small and midsize businesses (SMBs) in New Jersey using TikTok contributed $810 million to the state’s GDP and supported 140,000 jobs. The report also found that 88% of these SMBs saw an increase in sales after using the platform.

The panel included three individuals who have successfully leveraged TikTok:

• Skip Chapman, owner of KAFX Body, a natural deodorant business, shared how a single viral video led to over $500,000 in lifetime sales. “On TikTok, I’m the #1 seller of natural deodorants,” Chapman stated.
• Lilliana Kuball, a content creator known as the “South Jersey Foodie,” explained how her videos drive real business to local restaurants by showcasing hidden gems and popular spots.
• Lance Wyllie, marketing director for Grungo Law, a law firm, highlighted how TikTok has helped them grow brand recognition and connect with hundreds of thousands of viewers.

Meredith Lorrilliere, executive vice president of CCSNJ, expressed her excitement about the partnership, noting that TikTok offers a “unique and cost-effective way for any business to instantly increase their visibility.”

The event served as a testament to TikTok’s role as a powerful economic tool, providing small businesses with a platform to connect with a wider audience and drive growth.