SHCCNJ Opens Business of the Year Nominations to Members for the First Time

LYNDHURST, N.J. — For the first time, the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (SHCCNJ) is inviting members to nominate a fellow member for its Business of the Year Award. The honoree will be recognized at the Chamber’s 2026 Awards Gala on Dec. 8. 

Members may nominate a business they have hired, referred, partnered with or watched grow. They are encouraged to describe its accomplishments, the people it has served and why it deserves recognition this year. 

“Our members understand what success looks like because they do the work every day, building businesses, creating opportunities and strengthening their communities.  For the first time, they’ll have a voice in who is considered for Business of the Year, and that’s a milestone worth celebrating,” said John Lucas, SHCCNJ president and CEO. 

Both the nominator and nominee must be current SHCCNJ members. Self-nominations are not accepted. 

Members may submit nominations through October 23, 2026, via the SHCCNJ Nomination Form.  

SHCCNJ will announce its full slate of 2026 awardees by early November, ahead of the Dec. 8 Awards Gala. 

The 2025 Business of the Year Award honored Las Marías and the partnership behind it. María Guadalupe Nieves Auroza and Miguel Menez Diaz built their business through teamwork, a commitment to quality, cultural authenticity and service. Read their story and watch the Las Marías highlight. 

About SHCCNJ 

SHCCNJ is the leading voice for 180,000+ Latino-owned businesses, representing nearly 11,000 members and a community that drives $137 billion of New Jersey’s GDP and is part of the $4.4 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. 

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