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Tag: growth

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.

alianza fuerza inmigrante

Signing of Strategic Alliance Agreement Between the Dominican American Chamber of Commerce and Fuerza Migrante: Promoting Entrepreneurship and Strengthening the Migrant Community

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

Santo Domingo, DR – The Dominican American Chamber of Commerce (DAChamber) and Fuerza Migrante proudly announce the signing of a strategic alliance agreement to promote entrepreneurship, strengthen the migrant community, and foster collaboration between both sectors.

The Dominican American Chamber of Commerce is recognized as the leading organization for students, entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals seeking to connect, grow, and succeed within the Dominican American and Latino communities. With offices in New York, Florida, and the Dominican Republic, and affiliations with organizations in El Salvador, Ecuador, Colombia, and Mexico, the Chamber has established itself as a hub of opportunities and benefits for its members.

Fuerza Migrante, a bipartisan binational movement comprised of Mexicans living abroad, focuses on coordinating and communicating actions among organizations, community leaders, entrepreneurs, artists, and activists. Its mission is to promote human dignity, respect, and integration of the migrant community.

This alliance represents a significant collaboration aimed at fostering the economic, social, and cultural development of the Dominican and Mexican migrant communities, as well as strengthening the bonds of brotherhood between both nations.

The strategic partnership will enable the Dominican American Chamber of Commerce and Fuerza Migrante to combine efforts to provide support and resources to entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals of Dominican and Mexican origin. It will promote innovation, business growth, and the creation of job opportunities.

Through training programs, advisory services, and business development initiatives, the alliance aims to boost entrepreneurship and strengthen small and medium-sized enterprises, fostering job creation and sustainable economic growth in migrant communities.

Additionally, the partnership will facilitate the coordination of cultural events, art activities, and binational tourism projects, in collaboration with state and municipal governments in both the Dominican Republic and Mexico. These efforts will highlight the rich cultural heritage of both communities, reinforcing the identity and pride of migrants.

The Dominican American Chamber of Commerce and Fuerza Migrante express their enthusiasm and commitment to this strategic alliance. They pledge to work together to promote the comprehensive development of the Dominican and Mexican migrant communities and to foster collaboration and the exchange of knowledge and experiences between both sectors.