NEWARK, NJ. October 24, 2024 (Choose New Jersey) — Behind the doors of family-owned corner shops, high-tech startups, and big businesses, Hispanic entrepreneurs are shaping the fabric of New Jersey. Hispanic Heritage Month is the perfect time to recognize how these business owners, through their passion and persistence, are fueling New Jersey’s economy and adding to the state’s already vibrant communities. New Jersey’s commitment to inclusivity, its thriving economy, and international connections make it the perfect place for Hispanic businesses and entrepreneurs to succeed.
ONE IN FIVE NEW JERSEYANS
New Jersey boasts one of the most diverse populations in the United States, with people of Hispanic descent making up close to 22% of the state’s residents. This vibrant community represents a wide array of cultures, including people from Mexico, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Colombia, and other Latin American countries. The sheer size and diversity of this population provide Hispanic-owned businesses with a built-in customer base, eager to engage with products and services that reflect their heritage and meet their needs.
The strong presence of Spanish-speaking residents creates opportunities for business growth, cultural exchange, and community-building, all of which strengthen New Jersey’s economy.
It’s easy to see why Hispanic business leaders choose New Jersey:
● Diverse and Supportive Business Environment. New Jersey is one of the most diverse and business-friendly states in the country, and it’s no surprise that Hispanic entrepreneurs are thriving here. The state offers a wide range of resources to help businesses succeed, including the New Jersey Business Action Center (NJBAC), which provides multilingual support and business counseling, and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), which offers grants, loans, and tax incentives tailored to minority-owned businesses. Organizations like the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey also provide free educational training programs and networking opportunities, giving Hispanic business owners access to critical support systems.
● Strategic Location and Infrastructure. Located at the crossroads of major East Coast markets, New Jersey is a prime spot for businesses looking to expand both locally and globally. The state’s proximity to major cities like New York City and Philadelphia, combined with its world-class infrastructure — including ports, airports, and transportation networks — make it an ideal hub for Hispanic entrepreneurs seeking to access broader markets. This strategic location also provides a bridge to international trade, especially with Latin America, creating even more opportunities for growth and expansion.
● A Skilled Workforce and Bilingual Advantage. New Jersey’s diverse and highly educated workforce is another key asset for Hispanic businesses. With a significant portion of the population being bilingual, companies in New Jersey have access to a labor force that can serve both English and Spanish-speaking customers. This makes it easier for Hispanic entrepreneurs to build businesses that cater to their communities while also reaching a wider, more diverse audience.
STRENGTHENING GLOBAL TIES
New Jersey continues to host international delegations and is home to several consulates from Latin American countries, including Mexico, Dominican Republic, Colombia, and Ecuador. These consulates play a critical role in fostering cultural and economic ties between New Jersey and the Hispanic world. For Hispanic entrepreneurs, this means access to valuable networks and resources that can help them grow their businesses beyond the state’s borders.
NEW JERSEY’S ONGOING COMMITMENT TO HISPANIC ENTREPRENEURS
Choose New Jersey attended this year’s SelectUSA–hosted event in Mexico, further solidifying the state’s commitment to international business partnerships. This event provided an opportunity to highlight New Jersey’s vibrant business environment to potential investors and entrepreneurs from Latin America. In parallel, our Chief Strategy Officer, Tim Crouch, along with the NJEDA’s Director of Innovation and Strategic Partnerships, Andrew Gross, traveled to Mexico City and Puebla to build ties with senior government officials and leaders of the business community in two critically important markets for New Jersey.
At SelectUSA-hosted events, New Jersey actively promotes itself as a top destination for businesses looking to enter the U.S. market. Hispanic entrepreneurs from countries like Mexico benefit from these efforts, as New Jersey’s business-friendly policies and proximity to Latin American consulates make it an ideal starting point for expansion.
In September, our Chief Business Development Officer, Bill Noonan, hosted an event with the US-Mexico Chamber of Commerce and the NJEDA at the Consulate of Mexico in New Brunswick. The event focused on how New Jersey and Mexico can work together, from building supply chains to growing investment opportunities. This month, Tim and Andrew returned to Mexico City to represent the state at the US-Mexico Foundation’s annual North Capital Forum, the leading event for promoting cross-border trade and cooperation in North America.
New Jersey continues to host international delegations. We recently welcomed numerous international delegations from Japan, Korea, Ireland, the United Arab Emirates, Germany, and several Consuls General from Latin America, further reinforcing the state’s role as a bridge between global markets and local opportunities. These visits provided valuable opportunities for Choose New Jersey to showcase why the state is committed to fostering a diverse, globally connected economy.
This international engagement underscores the state’s attractiveness as a business hub for Hispanic entrepreneurs, positioning New Jersey as a leader in fostering cross-cultural and economic ties.
Looking forward, New Jersey remains committed to supporting Hispanic-owned businesses through initiatives that ensure continued growth and success. Programs like NJEDA’s Small Business Lease Assistance Program and other financial incentives help remove barriers for Hispanic entrepreneurs, enabling them to focus on innovation and expansion.
CELEBRATING HISPANIC HERITAGE AND BUSINESS SUCCESS IN NEW JERSEY
As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we honor the many Hispanic-owned businesses that enrich New Jersey’s economy and communities. Their resilience, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit are key drivers of the state’s success. Whether through international connections, a supportive business environment, or access to a skilled and bilingual workforce, New Jersey offers Hispanic entrepreneurs the tools and opportunities to build thriving businesses.
