New Jersey City University and the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey on Wednesday announced the formation of a strategic partnership, including the creation of a Hispanic Innovation Business Hub, that aims to strengthen educational and economic opportunities for Hispanic businesses and NJCU students.
At a time when diversity and DEI programs are under fire from the federal government, the five-year agreement aims to enhance collaboration on shared initiatives that promote workforce development and entrepreneurship.
The partnership includes several key initiatives, including:
- The development of joint educational programs focused on entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and digital skills;
- The establishment of internship opportunities connecting NJCU students with SHCCNJ member businesses;
- Collaboration on research and policy initiatives supporting Hispanic-owned and minority businesses;
- Access to NJCU facilities for SHCCNJ events and programming.
Carlos Medina, president of SHCCNJ said the idea is to be a partner for not just students but of businesses as well.
“Small businesses struggle with things like access to capital and public opinion right now is that they are a drag on the economy. And with the rhetoric in Washington, they have the added fear of people coming to their businesses and disrupting them. We want to be a partner to the small businesses and allow them to speak to our legal team and be an advisor to them because a lot are nervous,” he said.
The memorandum of understanding was signed at the NJCU School of Business at 200 Hudson Street in recognition of the relocation of SHCCNJ’s headquarters.
As part of the five-year agreement which will run through at least 2030, Room 211 of the School of Business will be transformed into the Hispanic Innovation Business Hub.
The event drew a long list of statewide and local elected officials, including U.S Representatives Robert Menendez and LaMonica McIver, Hudson County Executive Craig Guy and Hudson County Clerk E. Junior Maldonado.
