Co-Exponential partners with HEAR HERE on New Jersey market growth
The consulting firm will support HEAR HERE as it expands vendor opportunities, pop-ups and farmers markets for local small businesses.
By Maya Lindqvist · Senior Technology Correspondent
2 min read
Co-Exponential has formed a partnership with HEAR HERE, LLC to help the New Jersey market organizer grow its operations across the state. The deal matters for small businesses because HEAR HERE’s farmers markets and pop-up events serve as sales channels for local vendors, artisans and early-stage entrepreneurs.
HEAR HERE, founded by Jennifer Perkel in 2021, produces farmers markets, pop-up markets and community events in New Jersey. Its events give independently owned businesses a place to sell directly to customers without taking on the costs or commitments tied to a permanent storefront.
The collaboration will focus on planning, operations and business development as HEAR HERE expands. Co-Exponential, a leadership and growth consultancy, will provide support aimed at helping the event company manage a larger schedule and a broader vendor network.
HEAR HERE produced 156 events in 2025, created more than 2,040 vendor opportunities and drew an estimated 46,800 customer visits, according to figures released by the companies. Those totals nearly doubled the organization’s 2024 results, they said.
The company also describes HEAR HERE as organizing more than 175 pop-ups and farmers markets annually. Its markets include vendors selling handmade goods, baked items, fresh produce and specialty products from independent businesses.
Perkel, a former teacher, built HEAR HERE around hands-on support for vendors, including people preparing for their first market. She helps vendors with booth setup, board of health paperwork, customer engagement and market strategy, according to the announcement.
“I don’t just run the markets; I help my vendors grow their businesses,” Perkel said.
The arrangement puts consulting resources behind HEAR HERE’s New Jersey market expansion support at a time when pop-ups and farmers markets continue to be used by small brands as testing grounds. For food makers, crafters and specialty sellers, those events can provide customer feedback, repeat buyers and visibility before a business considers larger retail or wholesale steps.
Rob Whitfield, founder and CEO of Co-Exponential, said Perkel has built a platform for entrepreneurs and small businesses in New Jersey. He said the consultancy’s role is to provide strategy, alignment and a scalable base so HEAR HERE can reach more communities.
Perkel said she has worked with vendors from their first market through later stages of growth. “That’s the best part of what I do,” she said.
HEAR HERE’s growth plan centers on events in local communities throughout New Jersey, with townships and venues serving as hosts for markets that connect vendors with shoppers. The company said it will continue adding opportunities for hundreds of vendors while bringing markets to communities on a regular schedule.