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Empowering Small Businesses in the Heart of the Latino Community: DAChamber Hosts Successful Small Business Conference

Written by communications@dachamber.org on . Posted in News.

New York, NY – The Dominican American Chamber of Commerce (DA Chamber) demonstrated its unwavering commitment to the Latino community by hosting a highly impactful Small Business Conference on Thursday, May 30th. The event aimed to bridge the gap between city/state resources and the small business community, gathering entrepreneurs, city officials, and industry experts under one roof for a full day of informational panels and networking opportunities in Washington Heights.

Moderator Jeffrey Garcia, the Executive Director for The Mayor’s Office of Nightlife, emphasized the event’s core objective: “Building connections is vital for growth,” he said, underscoring the conference’s mission to empower small businesses through strategic relationships and resource accessibility.

Supporting NYC’s Economic Backbone

New York City is home to nearly 200,000 small businesses that collectively provide over one million jobs, forming the backbone of the city’s vibrant neighborhoods. Despite their crucial role, these businesses often struggle to access the resources necessary for growth and sustainability. NYC Small Business Services Commissioner Kevin Kim highlighted the city’s readiness to invest in small businesses that drive economic growth: “SBS is here not only to keep businesses alive but to help them thrive.”

Access to Capital and Resources

Entrepreneurs at the conference learned valuable strategies to offset the costs of owning a small business. Peter Fehnel, Deputy Director of the Small Business Administration (SBA), discussed how the SBA annually provides over $1 billion in capital to businesses turned down by traditional banks. Robert Smith from the NYS Dept. of Taxation & Finance shared insights on over 150 tax credits available to individuals and business owners in New York, offering crucial financial relief and opportunities.

Community and Compliance

Roberto Rodriguez, who oversees the Bronx Business Tech Incubator at Lehman College, highlighted the importance of community in business. He introduced the Small Business Internship Program, which provides interns at no cost to business owners, fostering community support and business growth.

Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga of the Department of Consumer & Worker Protection addressed the challenges small businesses face due to regulations. She reassured attendees that her agency is dedicated to ensuring that small business owners have the compliance information needed to remain in good standing.

Event Highlights:

Understanding Government and City Agencies & Securing Resources Panel

  • Kevin Kim, Commissioner, NYC Small Business Services
  • Robert Smith, NYS Dept. of Taxation & Finance
  • Vilda Vera Mayuga, Commissioner, Dept. of Consumer & Worker Protection
  • Peter Fehnel, Deputy Director, Small Business Administration

The Power of Connection Panel

  • Jeffrey Garcia, Exec. Dir., NYC Office of Nightlife
  • Roberto Rodriguez, Bronx Business Tech Incubator, Lehman College
  • Gigi De Jesus, Salsa Industries
  • Luis Parra, Ameritax
  • Sandra Jacquez, NYS Latino Restaurant Assoc.

Building the Deals Panel

  • Maria Osorio, Mayor’s Office of Contract Services
  • Angelina Ramirez, MWBE Times
  • Stephany Reyes Siri, Next Street Funding
  • Byron Logan, M&T Bank

Finance & Sense Panel

  • Gwen Martinez, Inwood Merchants Association
  • Dr. Luisa Perez, CapStream
  • Andrea Giraldo, Vice President, Senior Business Consultant, Chase Bank
  • James SanSeverino, New York Life
  • Vidal Sosa, Inspection Q

The DAChamber is proud to have hosted an event that not only provided essential information and resources but also fostered a sense of community and collaboration among small business owners. This conference is a testament to the chamber’s ongoing dedication to empowering the Latino community and ensuring the success of small businesses in New York City.

dominican independence day celebration

Dominican American Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Cultural Event in Honor of Dominican Independence

Written by communications@dachamber.org on . Posted in News.

The event, titled “Uniting Cultures to the Rhythm of Our Music,” featured Frankie Negrón and notable Latin figures, along with high-ranking representatives of society.

New York, NY – February 21, 2024 – The Dominican American Chamber of Commerce (DAChamber) successfully celebrated its cultural event “Uniting Cultures to the Rhythm of Our Music,” commemorating the independence of the Dominican Republic, with the goal of highlighting the significance of music in cultural diversity.

The event welcomed special guests for an exchange with the press, who were greeted with Dominican singing, dancing, and joy by the Dominican Cultural Folkloric Group of Yonkers, led by Kenia Arismendy.

Distinguished speakers participated in the activity, including renowned salsa artist Frankie Negrón, who was enthusiastically received by the audience and delighted attendees with his latest song “Desnúdate.” Negrón traveled from Miami specifically to participate in the celebration of Dominican Independence and was applauded by all attendees. Similarly, bachata artist Wellington Toribio shared touching words about his career and the importance of Bachata in his artistic success. Additionally, the talented and beloved Indira Rubiera, who has received numerous accolades with Los Toros Band, performed our National Anthem in a special manner and shared her musical experience, highlighting how her art has served as a bridge between different cultures.

Manuel Lebron, CEO/Founder of DAChamber, expressed his satisfaction and gratitude for the overwhelming support received by “Uniting Cultures to the Rhythm of Our Music”: “This event not only celebrated our Dominican heritage but also underscored the importance of cultural diversity and unity in our community,” he said.

Lebron stated, “This event has been a testament to DAChamber’s commitment to promoting business collaboration and strengthening community ties.”

The Master of Ceremonies, Horacio Ontiveros, skillfully guided the conversations while attendees enjoyed a cultural breakfast accompanied by authentic Dominican food, prepared by DAChamber chefs Marcos S. Toribio “Chef Pirata,” who also won the “Member of the Year” award, and the beloved Chef Persio, with decades of experience. Interactive activities provided additional opportunities for exchange and networking among participants.

Maria Khury, Chief Executive Officer of DAChamber, expressed her gratitude to everyone involved and highlighted the vital role of the event in promoting cultural diversity and unity, “This event was not only a celebration of Dominican music and culture but also a testament to our commitment to promoting intercultural understanding and strengthening community ties. We are excited to see how this initiative inspires and unites our community,” she said.

This event was enthusiastically received and overwhelmingly attended by community members, businesspeople, and professionals interested in commercial exchange, and featured the presence of notable local figures such as Congressman Adriano Espaillat, Sophia Zayas, Deputy Director of Latino Affairs of the New York State Governor’s Office, Bronx County President Vanessa Gibson, our Borough President Deputy Janet Peguero, Dr. Guillermo Linares, HESC/NYS, Sheriff Anthony Miranda, NY Dominican Officers President Dennis Rodriguez, and Dr. Eduardo Lopez-Rajo of the Central American Coalition USA, among other important personalities.

DAChamber was recognized with proclamations by Congressman Adriano Espaillat, who spoke about the Chamber’s work with businesses. At the end of his participation, Mr. Manuel Lebron presented him with the chamber pin, naming him “Honorary Member.” This PIN is a privilege, as it is reserved and presented only to our selected members and honorary members.

Similarly, Ms. Sophia Zayas, in her capacity representing Latino affairs for the Governor, presented her proclamation, and Ms. Maria Khury pinned the chamber pin on her.

During the event, Chef Pirata was honored as “Member of the Year,” and a very special program that will benefit members and have a fundamental element for business growth and capital access was launched.

The activity was enlivened by the participation of the Dominican Cultural Folkloric Group of Yonkers, led by Kenia Arismendy, and was held at the Multicultural “Manuel Lebron Center” located at 3835 9th Avenue, New York.

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