Ready, Set, Goal! Soccer Business Training Series Kicks Off March 24

RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (SHCCNJ), in partnership with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) and Invest Newark, will launch a four-part business training series March 24 to help Newark businesses prepare for World Cup–related opportunities. 

Workshop Schedule: 

• How to Host a Successful Event: Tuesday, March 24, 3:00–5:30 p.m. 

• World Cup 101 & Business Resources: Friday, March 27, 9:30–12:00 p.m. 

• World Cup Legal Guidance for Businesses: Tuesday, April 14, 9:30–12:00 p.m. 

• Get Noticed Online: Thursday, April 16, 3:00–5:30 p.m. 

Location: El Criollo Restaurant, 99 Broadway, Newark, NJ 07104a 

Luis De La Hoz, chairman of SHCCNJ, framed the series as a moment for the Chamber to advance its mission on behalf of small businesses and the broader community. “The World Cup represents a once-in-a-generation moment for Newark—not just to participate, but to lead,” he said, noting the opportunity to set the standard for how global events can drive local economic impact. 

Jorge Sam Cruz, executive director of LISC New Jersey, said the series will help small businesses compete for World Cup opportunities.

“We’re ‘building the builders’ of our market’s leading business development organizations, in particular, SHCCNJ and Invest Newark who in turn are leading the charge in equipping entrepreneurs with the tools, knowledge and connections they need not just to participate, but to lead and grow long after the global spotlight has passed,” he said.    

Cruz added that, beyond the series, the collective power of SHCCNJ, Invest Newark, LISC and other like-minded partners-in-good work together to “help local economies thrive, ensuring entrepreneurs can seize major opportunities and build lasting prosperity.” 

“Between the many locals that love soccer to international visitors, we expect Newark to be a hub during World Cup. By offering thoughtful, relevant training and access to grants, Invest Newark looks forward to seeing Newark businesses activate and thrive during the games and future events. “ Marcus Randolph, President & CEO, Invest Newark 

Registration is now open. Secure your seat here. 

For more information or to register, visit www.shccnj.org. 

ABOUT

SHCCNJ is the leading voice for 150,000+ Latino-owned businesses, representing a community that drives $127 billion of New Jersey’s GDP and is part of the $4 trillion U.S. Latino economy. Since 1989, we’ve championed small businesses through education, advocacy and networking, earning the Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency and recognition as one of the nation’s top Latino chambers. 

LISC invests in nearly every corner of community life, building on a foundation of affordable housing to fuel healthy families and businesses, as well as growing local economies.