Jersey-Fueled. Latino-Led.

The Innovation Hub at NJCU Gets a Financial Boost from NJEDA

By Giovanna Aguilar, Director of Communications, SHCCNJ

August 5, 2025

Last week, I had the honor of emceeing a press conference announcing new funding to support the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey’s Business Innovation Hub—a partnership with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), New Jersey City University (NJCU), and Kean University.

A Ribbon Cutting That Sparked an Era of Impact and Expansion

Our press conference builds on the momentum of our February ribbon-cutting at NJCU’s School of Business—an event that opened more than doors. It stood in direct defiance of President Trump’s efforts to dismantle diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. In that moment, SHCCNJ and NJCU made one thing clear: this is not a request for access—it’s a declaration of power.

Where others seek to divide, we’re building—and inviting our familia to be part of the journey.

$75,000 to Transform a Classroom Into a Catalyst for Business Opportunities

Thanks to a $75,000 investment from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, the Chamber transformed a single NJCU classroom into a working Innovation Hub—now catalyzing business growth, education, and cross-sector collaboration.

Press Conference Picture Gallery

Far more than just office space, the Hub offers:

Technical education programs tailored for small business needs
Access to digital course materials and on-demand learning
One-on-one coaching and mentoring from industry experts
Bilingual training to ensure language is never a barrier
Business acceleration resources for entrepreneurs at every stage
Space for foreign delegations and diaspora business exchange

The Innovation hub isn’t just about what happens inside—it’s about what it launches. From Jersey City to the global stage, the Hub is where ideas take off.

Expanding Our Footprint—And Our Reach

At its core, the Innovation Hub is about more than resources—it’s about redefining reach. Designed to empower Hispanic-owned businesses and entrepreneurs, the Hub fuels statewide economic growth while creating a springboard for Latino companies to expand across the Hudson and into new markets. Because our impact should reflect our ambition.

We’re not just opening doors—we’re laying the foundation for expanded opportunity, building new floors, and inviting others to the top. The Hub isn’t just expansion; it’s elevation.

I invite you to hear directly from two of the driving forces shaping the Hub’s mission:

SHCCNJ Innovation Hub Manager Daniela Carolina and SHCCNJ Vice President of Corporate Entrepreneurial Programs Dr. Jairo Borja. Their vision is more than operational—it’s generational.

NJCU, Kean University and NJEDA Leaders Behind the Launch

Kicking off the program was NJCU President Andrés “Andy” Acebo, who recently transitioned from interim to official president—marking a historic moment for both the university and New Jersey’s higher education landscape.

Acebo set the tone with a message grounded in purpose and legacy.

He spoke of honoring those who came before by building something bold and lasting—something that doesn’t just serve, but uplifts. He reminded us that behind every policy and initiative are real lives, like the Latina student who shows up for night classes after a full day of work and caregiving. Her story, he said, is not only seen—it’s worth investing in.

Kean University Senior Vice President Dr. Carlos Rodríguez stood shoulder to shoulder with that vision, reinforcing the deeper purpose of the partnership. “The Hub is more than just a space,” he said. “It represents our commitment to empowering Hispanic communities and fostering economic opportunity throughout the region.”

SHCCNJ Leadership Advocate Access, Inclusivity and Opportunity

SHCCNJ Chairman Luis De La Hoz brought his signature clarity to the moment: “We don’t do a lot of partnerships, but the ones we do change lives.” He reflected on the Chamber’s relentless work during the pandemic to help small business owners stay afloat—and its ongoing commitment to opening doors for others. “Every time a door opens for us,” he said, “we hold it open for the Punjabi, African American, LGBTQ, and every other underserved community.”

President and CEO Carlos Medina brought it full circle.

“We’ve built this familia by recognizing talent, recruiting great people, and making sure everyone has a seat at the table.”

As a Hudson County native, Carlos grounded the message with local pride:

“I grew up a mile from here. That grit, that grit—it taught us to survive and thrive in business."

NJEDA State Investment for Unsung Hero of NJ’s Economy

Representing the state, NJEDA CEO Tim Sullivan delivered a clear message: this funding isn’t just about one location—it’s about building an economy that works for everyone. “It’s about ladders of opportunity,” he said. “About prosperity and ownership. About generational wealth.”

Sullivan credited Governor Murphy’s administration for putting inclusive economic growth front and center and made it clear that Hispanic-owned businesses aren’t just participating—they’re propelling the state forward. “The Hispanic business community is the unsung hero of New Jersey’s economy,” he said. “This Innovation Hub is about taking what works—and supercharging it.”

He also highlighted key NJEDA programs that align with the Hub’s mission, including the Small Business Bonding Readiness Assistance Program, which helps minority contractors compete for government contracts. With the Innovation Hub in place, these kinds of services will now be even more accessible—especially for entrepreneurs navigating language barriers, limited access or institutional red tape.

“Prosper in Place,” A New Development Philosophy

A key theme throughout the event was the idea that people shouldn’t have to leave their communities to succeed. NJCU President Acebo called it “prospering in place”—a belief that drives the vision behind the Hub.

That belief is now being built into academic and entrepreneurial infrastructure. With mentorship, business training and internship opportunities, the Hub will directly serve NJCU and Kean University students, alongside the broader business community. “Our students carry more than anyone should,” Acebo said. “We’re going to make sure they also carry opportunities.”

Luis De La Hoz echoed the sentiment: “Many of our students don’t come from wealth—but they will build it, if given the tools.”

From Vision to Reality: A United Front

Congressman Rob Menendez and Hudson County Commissioner Junior Maldonado also had a clear message: in uncertain times, unity isn’t optional—it’s essential.

“These are choppy waters,” Menendez said. “But the way we navigate them is by relying on each other.”

Maldonado, reflecting on his decades of public service, offered one of the most resonant tributes of the day: “I’ve served in many roles, but nothing gives me more pride than standing with this Chamber. Carlos Medina’s leadership is second to none.”

NJEDA’s Tim Sullivan wrapped the program with a powerful vision for what’s ahead:“In five years, we’ll look back and tell the stories of people who walked into this Hub with a half-written business plan and got the coaching and mentorship and the support they needed.”

Press Conference Held on 7/30 at NJCU School of Business Skyline

Media Coverage

You Have An Open Invitation to Build With Us

As I said at the close of the press conference, this is just the beginning. We’re rolling out new programming, expanding our Visionary Circle, and continuing to build a space where entrepreneurship, education, and opportunity meet.

So, here’s my invitation: visit the Innovation Hub at NJCU. Walk through the doors. Bring your ideas, your goals, your grit. Whether you’re a small business owner, a future entrepreneur, a student, or a partner ready to invest in community, there’s a place for you here. We’re not just opening a hub—we’re expanding what’s possible. Let’s build it together.

For more information, contact Daniela Velez at [email protected] or visit www.shccnj.org.

If you would like to reach me, you can email me at [email protected]. I am looking forward to hearing from you.