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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.

Outstanding Success at the Networking and Gala Event of LULAC NYC, Organized by DAChamber

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

New York, USA. – On Thursday, April 4th, the Dominican American Chamber of Commerce (DAChamber) joined forces with LULAC NYC to present an extraordinary event that brought together business leaders, community members, and equality advocates for an evening of connection, celebration, and commitment.

With an exciting and diverse agenda, the evening kicked off with music that set the tone for a memorable experience. From an inspiring performance by Vanessa Martin and David Santisteban to the presentation of both national and local achievements of LULAC, attendees were treated to moments that celebrated the vitality and diversity of the Latino community.

The welcome, led by Ramery De Luna, marked the beginning of a series of significant events that included the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem by Maria Sánchez, as well as the presentation of awards to special guests and key sponsors.

One of the highlights of the night was the presentation of a special artwork to Adam Powel, followed by a special performance by artist Gotasi, whose words captivated the audience and highlighted the importance of art in the community.

Maria Khury, Executive Director of DAChamber, closed the evening with heartfelt words that emphasized the importance of Latino unity as a community and recognized the organization’s 90 years and its 138,000 members. She expressed sincere gratitude to all present and to the members who made the event a great success.

The event concluded with a lively networking session, where attendees had the opportunity to establish new connections and strengthen existing relationships.

Dominican American Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Women’s Month by Honoring DAChamber Women

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

New York – March 17, 2024

The Dominican American Chamber of Commerce is proud to share the moments of inspiration and empowerment experienced during their DA Women Brunch event in honor of Women’s Month. With the participation of more than 30 women members of the chamber from Washington DC, Long Island, Tri-State, Boston, and Florida, the event was a resounding success and left a lasting impression on all attendees.

The event, held at the Multicultural “Manuel Lebron” center, brought together women leaders and visionaries from various countries and industrial sectors. Each participant had the opportunity to bring along a significant woman in her life, adding a personal and meaningful touch to the occasion.

During the breakfast, prepared by the talented chefs Marcos Toribio “El Pirata Chef” and Persio, the guests shared their motivations, experiences, and life stories. From tales of perseverance to moments of success, the event was a celebration of the strength and spirit of women in business. The diversity of the group, representing different industries and countries, highlighted the varied yet united front of the DAChamber women.

Additionally, the guests were gifted with a goody bag containing items from businesses or ventures led by other women in the chamber. This gesture reflected the spirit of support and collaboration that defines the DAChamber community.

“We are delighted with the success of our event in honor of Women’s Month,” said Maria Khury, Chief Executive Counsel of the Dominican American Chamber of Commerce. “It was a privilege to bring together inspiring women from our community to share their stories and celebrate our achievements. This event not only strengthened the bonds among us but also reminded us of the power and importance of supporting each other on our path to success.”

The DAChamber looks forward to continuing to celebrate and empower women in business as it pursues its mission to promote gender equality and female leadership across all sectors of the economy.

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