HCEDC’s Opening Doors 2023 Annual Report

HCEDC

Hudson County Economic Development Corporation

Message from the Executive Director and Board President

Wewelcome you to the second edition of ‘Opening Doors’! We are proud to chart a course for an even stronger community as we continue to advance our commitment to fostering growth in Hudson County through innovative programming, professional training, and access to capital. These vital programs and services are key to our efforts to help businesses of all sizes succeed and expand.

for ambitious and talented entrepreneurs. These local businesses are essential to our rich ecosystem and bring cultural character to each unique community. Here, you’ll also learn about some of our dynamic collaborations to foster workforce development as we anticipate a changing landscape and prepare for the future.

Our strategic partnerships continue to empower businesses of all sizes to strengthen our local economy and chart the course for Hudson County’s success: Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (SHCCNJ), Union County Economic Development Corporation (UCEDC), Rutgers Center for Urban Entrepreneurship & Economic Development/ Entrepreneurship Pioneers Initiative (CUEED/EPI), Local Initiative Support Corporation (LISC), and Hudson County Community College (HCCC).

Since Hudson County’s founding in 1840, we’ve served as a gateway to opportunity, and today we stand as one of New Jersey’s fastest-growing, most densely populated, and diverse regions. Thanks to our cultural diversity, unparalleled location, robust transportation systems, and rich heritage of accessible education, we continue to offer an outstanding quality of life for residents and businesses. Together, our communities are cultivating traditions and new experiences that are shared throughout 12 vibrant municipalities.

In the following pages, you’ll have the opportunity to meet and learn about some of the inspiring businesses that are helping make Hudson County the destination

Thank you for being a part of our community as we continue to open doors of opportunity to prioritize and support underserved communities. As always, we remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting the vitality of our diverse community of businesses and organizations and look forward to the bright future of Hudson County for all.

On behalf of HCEDC, our board, and our partners, we’d like to thank our County Executive, Tom DeGise, for his support, leadership, and devoted commitment to the people of Hudson County. Since 2002, County Executive DeGise has prioritized a commitment to strengthening the Hudson County economy by providing resources and creating an environment for businesses to form, thrive and grow.

Michelle Richardson, Executive Director Kevin O’Connor, President, Board of Trustees

“My twenty years of service to this amazing County have been inspiring, exciting, and rewarding. Together, we’ve accomplished great things and grown stronger in ways that will benefit residents and businesses for decades to come. I’m very proud of that legacy.”

—TOM DEGISE

Our Impact Since 2016 Our Mission

The mission of the Hudson County Economic Development Corporation is to serve Hudson County’s diverse communities by providing comprehensive financial access, information, professional training and affordable housing. Our vision is to build a healthy local economy through collaborative partnerships for businesses, organizations and individuals.

Education and Information

71 Programs

48,794 People Reached

$28,264,291

Double Batch Bakery

WhenRachel and Angel Hidalgo learned they were expecting twins, they decided to move from Manhattan to Hudson County in 2009 to be closer to family. Today, they are not only proud parents but successful business owners.

“We always dreamed of opening a bakery of our own. Hudson County’s incredible diversity and network of resources turned out to be the perfect place. Our success here would not have been possible without the collaborative help of Hudson Kitchen, a food and beverage incubator in Kearny, Bridge Art Gallery, and the introductions made to organizations, including the Hudson County Economic Development Corporation (HCEDC),” shared Rachel.

With over 30 years of shared experience in the culinary and pastry industry, Rachel and Angel are bringing their unique cultures literally to the table at Double Batch Bakery. By incorporating the diversity of Hudson County with native ingredients, every dish reflects and celebrates the community. Their

dream is now a reality thanks to the networking and resources provided by HCEDC.

Rachel actively sought valuable advice and guidance from her new network to navigate the challenges of operating during the pandemic. “Like so many others, we shifted our business online for customer and employee safety. Despite initial challenges, we’ve successfully implemented a seamless ordering process and embraced technology for a smooth, easy customer experience. We continue to be an online-only business, and our customers love it. It’s been a breakthrough for our business model and increased our sales, production, and efficiency,” shared Rachel.

Small businesses and entrepreneurs like Rachel and Angel continue to choose Hudson County. Community organizations focusing on businessto-business alliances, combined with flourishing diversity and vibrant, unique neighborhoods, are helping pave the way for a bright future for entrepreneurs and a thriving local ecosystem.

Why Hudson County?

“...incredible diversity and network of resources...”

— Rachel and Angel Hidalgo

ASA Medical Billing Services

Union City

Why Hudson County?

Angela

Gonzalez’s journey began at 19 years old when she relocated from Puerto Rico to Hudson County. “I chose Hudson County for its cultural diversity and size. It was the perfect place for me to live, learn, and work to achieve my goals.”

Angela began her career as an agency temp and then moved to medical billing after the role “fell into her lap.” With her medical coding skill set, she was promoted to manager. Using her expertise, she opened the doors of her business ASA Medical Billing Services, in Jersey City.

ASA Medical Billing Service offers a seamless healthcare approach to physicians and patients through reimbursement methodology, positioning itself as an essential small business in the medical administration ecosystem within Hudson County.

The Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (SHCCNJ) Latina Entrepreneurship Training Series (LETS) proved an essential step in Angela’s professional development. She redefined her business goals, learned new marketing trends, and planned for potential risks. Inspired by her experience, she took her entrepreneurial drive further by establishing the Medical Office Technologies Institute (MOTI).

Angela shared, “I established the Medical Office Technologies Institute (MOTI) program three years ago to prepare the next generation of Hudson County high school graduates for the future of healthcare coding.”

“...the perfect place for me to live, learn, and work...”

—Angela Gonzalez

Fit 4 A Better Me Secaucus

WhenBrenda Green, a certified, professional NASM-CPT, Precision Nutrition Coach, and Strength Specialist, founded Fit 4 A Better Me in 2016, she embarked on an entrepreneurial journey that was both a personal mission and a communitybuilding revolution. Today, Brenda’s 6-week (inperson and virtual) nutrition and fitness program continues to empower, transform and inspire a diverse and dynamic group of women.

Brenda’s remarkable business journey blossomed from her triumphant battle against breast cancer, catalyzing her to pursue her holistic wellness perspective into a successful business model. With a clear vision of the interconnectedness between mind, body, and spirit, she enrolled in the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey’s (SHCCNJ) Hispanic Entrepreneurship Training Program (HETP).

After completing the HETP program, Brenda entered a pitch competition hosted by Latinas in Business. She was also awarded a scholarship and participated in the Rutgers Center for Urban Entrepreneurship & Economic Development (CUEED) Entrepreneurship Pioneers Initiative training program.

“Being an entrepreneur anywhere takes grit, strength, and a willingness to learn. Here in Hudson County, I’ve found a welcoming and supportive community with organizations such as

providing guidance and programs to help me grow professionally.”

“The HCEDC has been with Brenda for a major part of her journey, providing coaching and guidance even before the pandemic. We are thrilled to continue our support as she relaunches her business, blending her story of overcoming breast cancer with a holistic vision of wellness. We are also proud to acknowledge her accomplishment as a contributing author to The Pink Sister Chronicles, a book featuring stories by other survivors,” stated Michelle Richardson, Executive Director, HCEDC.

Rutgers CUEED, the SHCCNJ, and Hudson County Economic Development Corporation (HCEDC)

Why Hudson County? “...a welcoming and supportive community to help me grow...”

—Brenda Green

Why Hudson County?

OPENING DOORS FOR

Paz Music Academy

KEARNY

Establishedin 1985, Paz Music Academy, a multi-generational business, continues to transform Hudson County’s families and special needs communities through the teaching of music appreciation, theory, and technique. Yanina and Roberto Paz continue to further a family tradition and love of music, which began with Roberto’s father in Spain, to greater heights.

Hudson County Economic Development Corporation (HCEDC) focuses on diversity and support of local businesses by offering programs and opportunities through partnerships to shape and continue to grow Hudson County. Through word-of-mouth, Yanina discovered the HETP/LETS (Hispanic Entrepreneurship Training Program/Latina Entrepreneurship Training Series) sponsored by the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (SHCCNJ).

Yanina stated, “The program offered tools and marketing tactics to grow our current client base while re-engaging existing students to build our community and brand loyalty. Throughout the process, I greatly benefited from connecting with other local business owners to share successes, ask

questions, and get advice.” Yanina continued, “The pandemic and training we’ve received opened doors to reinvent and adapt our business. We’ve seen a 400% increase in enrollment since the HETP/LETS training program, allowing us to hire more teachers to continue enriching students’ interest in music.”

“The SHCCNJ is a valued partner, and we appreciate their collaboration to provide educational training programs for business owners. Upon completion, we strive to ensure a seamless transition of support and guidance for Roberto and Yanina as they advance their business. Building upon our core strength of fostering strong relationships, we are dedicated to empowering them on their journey of growth,” expressed Michelle Richardson, Executive Director, HCEDC.

“...connecting with other local business owners to share successes, ask questions, and get advice.”

—Yanina Paz

In2017, Helen Perez and her partner Patrick Mingoes opened Level Up Studio, a training facility that motivates people to improve their health in a judgment-free space to reach their fitness goals confidently. Helen stated, “After years of commuting and living in cities like New York and Boston, we chose Bayonne. It was just the right size for us to pursue our entrepreneurial goals in a welcoming environment. Hudson County offered a fast-paced city lifestyle without compromising location, access to parks, and outdoor activities.”

Helen reflected on how she got started in fitness, “Exercising impacted me in more ways than I have ever expected. I was not only working out for myself but pushing others to reach personal milestones in fitness they thought they could never achieve with one-on-one training.” In her spare time, she began training women in the park, then a garage, and ultimately rented studio space with her partner Patrick.

Level Up Studio BAYONNE

During the pandemic, Helen and Patrick researched their options and applied to small business assistance programs. They enrolled in Union County Economic Development Corporation’s (UCEDC) Virtual Incubator Program (VIP) to grow their business in the direction they envisioned.

Patrick shared, “The pandemic was the real starting point for understanding our business and allowed us to restructure the business model.” Helen and Patrick continue to grow Level Up Studio with an improved business plan while helping individuals of any age reach their fitness goals. Together, they’re helping to improve the health of the community one client at a time.

“It was just the right size for us to pursue our entrepreneurial goals in a welcoming environment.”

—Helen Perez, Level Up Studio

“...offers a fast-paced city lifestyle just the right size for us to pursue our entrepreneurial goals...”

—Helen Perez

Why Hudson County?

Climate Change Internship Program

Hudson County Economic Development Corporation (HCEDC) partnered with Hudson County Community College (HCCC) to develop a paid internship program for HCCC students.

The internship was a part of the HCEDCs Climate Change Business Resiliency Demonstration Program, funded by the Wells Fargo Foundation and Local Initiative Support Corporation (LISC). The program aimed to educate and train business owners and guide them to develop a business plan to mitigate the risk of business interruption due to climate-related disasters.

The internship’s goal, to provide students with hands-on experience in understanding and addressing the challenges of climate change, served as an essential partnership in workforce development. The 11-week internship included climate change education and training, opportunities to learn and use business risk assessment tools, site visits and opportunities to meet one-on-one with business owners, and professional development and support from the HCCC Office of Career Services and the School of Continuing Education and Workforce Development.

Interns presented a final capstone project case study that honed teamwork, analytical, public

speaking, and presentation skills. Students shared their experience working with businesses with an audience including the Deans of the STEM and Business Divisions of HCCC and program staff.

“This program has taught me valuable skills that I can apply now and in the future as a business person. The collaboration with students and teachers to address real challenges to our climate and economy was an exciting and transformative experience,” said Justin Mosquera.

“The students did a great job during the program. Internships are experiential learning and important to educating our students and developing a skilled workforce. Internships round out a student and make their work in class come alive,” said Lori Margolin, Associate Vice President of Continuing Education and Workforce Development.

“Hudson County’s commitment to workforce development continues to be a competitive advantage for the County as we look towards the future. We’re proud of our collaborations with strong, visionary partners such as HCCC, LISC, and the Wells Fargo Foundation, who helped make this program possible,” said Michelle Richardson, Executive Director, HCEDC.

“This program has taught me valuable skills that I can apply now and in the future as a business person.”

Justin Mosquera

Why Hudson County?

“Hudson County’s commitment to workforce development continues to be a competitive advantage for the County as we look towards the future”

—Michelle Richardson, HCEDC Executive Director

Left to right: Associate Vice President Lori Margolin, Business Dean Ara Karakashian, Ph.D., Intern: Dayanna Mariduena, STEM Dean Burl Yearwood, Ph.D., Executive Director Michelle Richardson, Director of Career Services Tatiana Gaona Zuniga, Intern: Nilsson Faria, Intern: Sofia Ruseva, Intern: Justin Mosquera, Program Coordinator Rosennies Feliz, Professor Elana Winslow, Business Developer Maritza Reyes. NOTE: Missing, Intern: Kahlil Inane.

Members of the Board of Trustees

Kevin O’Connor — President

Veolia North America, LLC

Alan Lambiase — Vice President

River Terminal Development

Harry Melendez — Secretary

Jersey City Department of Health & Human Services, Retired

Richard F.Dwyer — Treasurer

PSE&G

Kenneth O’Neill — Assistant Treasurer

BCB Community Bank, Retired

Francesca Giarrantana

County of Hudson

Norman Guerra

Hudson County Improvement Authority

Carlos Medina

Robinson Aerial Surveys

Lisa Prusko

County of Hudson

The Honorable Jermaine Robinson

Light Rail Cafe & Life of Pie Pizzeria

Former Councilman, City of Jersey City

Board, Staff, and Partners

HCEDC Staff

Michelle Richardson – Executive Director

Tammy Watterman – Operations Coordinator

Rosennies Feliz - Marketing, Communications & Program Coordinator

Partners

The stories of Opening Doors would not be possible without the support and commitment of our partners:

Union County Economic Development Corporation

Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey

Rutgers Business School Center for Urban Entrepreneurship & Economic Development

Hudson County Community College

Local Initiatives Support Corporation

Supported By

County Executive Tom DeGise and the Board of County Commissioners

“We remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting our diverse community of businesses and organizations and look forward to the bright future of Hudson County for all.”

Michelle Richardson, Executive Director and Kevin O’Connor, President, Board of Trustees

Thank you, Tom DeGise

“On behalf of the Board and Staff, we want to thank Tom DeGise for his unwavering commitment to opening doors of opportunity for every resident and business.”— Michelle Richardson