Gov. Mikie Sherrill on Thursday attended Feria de Negocios, the annual event by the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce that serves as the largest Hispanic business expo in the state – one that annually attracts hundreds of Hispanic-owned companies and those who want to do business with them.
Speaking to an overflow crowd at the Pines Manor in Edison, she highlighted the efforts of one of those businesses, Brisas Bakery in Elizabeth. But in doing so, she encapsulated the story of so many others – the businesses that make the Hispanic community the fastest growing group of entrepreneurs in the state.
Calling Brisas Bakery “the empanada capital of North New Jersey,” Sherrill lauded Founder Alberto Orozco, who came to the U.S. from Colombia during the upheaval of the 1980s.
Through several years of working in construction and kitchens, Alberto decided to open his own restaurant with his wife in Elizabeth’s Colombian district.
“He didn’t just want to start a business; he wanted to transform his neighborhood and live his entire community up with him,” Sherrill said. “It’s just one example of the exceptional work that Hispanic and Latino entrepreneurs are doing across our state.”
“Today, New Jersey is home to over 180,000 Hispanic and Latino owned businesses, spanning every sector,” Sherrill said. “From construction to hospitality to transportation, we know, too, that many of our new Americans are our most entrepreneurial Americans.”
What Sherrill described as an “undeniable” impact of Hispanic owned businesses has contributed more than $127 billion to New Jersey’s economy.
“You’ve built your American dream, brick by brick by brick,” she said. “But I also know that it feels harder than ever to keep that dream alive.”
In March, the Statewide Hispanic Chamber acknowledged Sherrill’s focus on the growth of small businesses, especially minority communities. Funds are typically allocated to programs that directly “support for small business training, technical assistance, and entrepreneurial development programs.”
These funds better support small businesses.
Though many federal tariffs have increased the margins of imported products and escalating administrative pressures regarding immigration, Sherrill also said that New Jersey’s business climate must improve as well.
She noted the difficulties of affording childcare, attending university, finding a job or having to choose one option over the other because doing business in New Jersey, between permitting and licensing, is too hard.
“We must do better,” she said.
Sherrill said she promises to do so.
“I pledge to make New Jersey the capital of Hispanic and Latino business,” she said. “I’m building a government that delivers for businesses like yours, and entrepreneurs like you. So, you can keep building your American dream right here in New Jersey.”
Sherrill told the crowd it’s what the American Dream is all about.
“I believe when we all do better, we all do better,” she said. “So, I’ll always make sure you get a fair shot.”
Attendees included consulates, senators, commissioners, mayors and assemblymen around the state. With over 120 businesses registered, hundreds of more people experienced the wide variety of food, drink and fashion.
