New Jersey Hispanic Chamber Prepares Hispanic Community for Entrepreneurial Success

New Jersey’s Hispanic community is an integral part of the state’s economy, and the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey is a key part of the community’s economic influence.

For 25 years, the chamber has fostered, mentored and trained Hispanic-owned businesses in New Jersey.

“The Chamber is the premier vehicle to access the Hispanic community and its formidable purchasing power, as evidenced by our growth of non-Hispanic membership,” Carlos Medina, chairman of the chamber, said.

Having evolved initially from a small group of business leaders to become one of the largest chambers in the Garden State, the chamber has become a voice for the 70,000 Hispanic-owned businesses that contribute more than $10 billion towards the state’s economy.

In order to be of use to the local Hispanic community, the chamber leverages relationships with the public and private sector to bypass red tape in order to offer their members and the community the services they need.

“The easiest way to describe what we do is by saying that we connect the dots. We really listen to our members and their needs and connect them to the correct people that can help them,” he said. “We are both our members’ mentor and coach.”

The chamber hosts three signature events each year, including its Health & Wellness Fair, Diversity Celebration & Annual Convention and its Awards Luncheon. This on top of the many networking events, webinars, expos and training sessions the chamber offers year-round.

“Our mission is to promote the continued growth and development of New Jersey businesses,” Medina said.

To meet that goal, the chamber works to expand business opportunities, educate and train entrepreneurs, serve as a business advocate in the political process and promote trade between local, state and national business communities.

These efforts have proved very fruitful.

“We have assisted many members to make great connections that have helped them further their business,” Medina said. “We have also acted as a promotional advocate to help members gain exposure for their business.”

In the coming months, the chamber is focusing on hot topics such as access to capital, diversity within the state’s business community and entrepreneurship in New Jersey.

“We’ll be launching an entrepreneurship training academy in Central New Jersey that will give them not only the knowledge and connections to succeed, but also mentors to turn to for the life of their business.”

And with an added focus on embracing new technologies, which Medina believes adds “value and augments our valuable relationships,” the chamber is looking to spearhead the growth and development of the New Jersey Hispanic business community for years to come.