Jobs, jobs, jobs. The shrieking call is getting louder, to the point where new groups are gathering tinder to cook up their own versions of job expansion programs.

#1. At the bidding of the USDA, farmers and other ag types will meet on Tuesday, January 5, 1 to 4 p.m., at the Rutgers Eco Complex in Bordentown. Call Howard Henderson 856-787-8700. Bankers will be there.

The feds are trying to stir the agricultural pot in each state. Maybe they’ll find a new byproduct for cranberries here in New Jersey.

#2. On Thursday, January 7, David Sandahl, of the new Princeton Job Creation Forum, will address the Princeton Regional Chamber at a luncheon at the Princeton Marriott. His topic: “Getting It Right This Time: Accelerating Economic Sustainable Growth.” Cost: $50. Call 609-924-1776 or sign up here.

#3. NetWork, a part-time and work from home expo with nearly 100 exhibitors will be held Sunday, January 10, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Doubletree, 200 Atrium Drive, Somerset. The $5 admission will be waived if you mention this blog or any media source or preregister at Net-WorkExpo.com.

The Sunday expo is the brainchild of two entrepreneurial women who have “vetted” the exhibitors (“it’s more than just Avon and Amway” they say), have assembled take-home bags, and are even providing professional babysitters.

#4. Or go to the pre-session for a 10-week business plan course on Tuesday, January 12, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at the Suzanne Patterson Center in Princeton. Isles Inc. sponsors this and the Tuesday session is free. Call Norma Diaz or check the website. The class is right here in downtown Princeton. Free parking.

Of these opportunities, I can go only to the January 7 lunch with Sandahl speaking. I’m among those gathering tinder (and beating the drum) for the Princeton Job Creation Forum. Sandahl is looking for entrepreneurs with viable business plans to meet lenders, angels, and venture capitalists in a novel speed dating opportunity on Tuesday, January 26, at Princeton University. (Look for details at http://pjcf.org/) on the registration page.

The other opportunities are intriguing too. And they’re so different. Start your new and more profitable year by deciding to be entrepreneurial — or to be public spirited and support an innovator/entrepreneur.