Immigrant-Owned Businesses and State Agencies Meet at Roundtable

NEW BEDFORD — Language barriers, access to documentation and grants, difficulties marketing their businesses and the need for more business assistance in general continue to be among the challenges facing immigrant-owned businesses in New Bedford.

Wednesday at Our Lady of Angels Cultural and Music Center, 100 immigrant-owned business owners, community representatives, city officials and other stakeholders had the opportunity to compare notes on the challenges after round tables.

Participants split to talk about the challenges they face, then presented their concerns to Massachusetts’ state economic development official, part of a focus on the impact of immigrants on the economy from the North End.

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Focus on the present and the future

Executive Office of Economic Development Secretary Yvonne Hao said the goal is to help the community find solutions to problems and continue to succeed in Massachusetts, as opposed to states that are not as welcoming to immigrants.

“We are so grateful to have the chance to be with all of you today and celebrate Immigrant Heritage Month and to really listen to what you think,” she said.

After hearing about the many challenges immigrants face, Hao said the roundtable presentations provided him with a good opportunity to listen to their concerns. She recognizes the need to follow through and continue these conversations.

The Mass Leads Act proposed by Governor Maura Healey would provide resources to small business owners, including technical assistance to businesses with 20 or fewer employees, with a focus on underserved markets.

Adelsa Mendes of the MassDevelopment New Bedford TDI assured everyone that this would not be the last time they have the opportunity to meet. The Transformative Development Initiative is a program focused on accelerating economic growth in gateway cities like New Bedford.

Ward 2 City Councilor Maria Giesta also offered assistance to business owners on Acushnet Avenue and nearby streets with any help they may need to succeed, and said they should be proud of how they stand up for each other.

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Acushnet Avenue as an economic engine

Community Economic Development Center Executive Director Corinn Williams said she appreciates seeing all the immigrant-owned small business owners and entrepreneurs enriching the economy in so many ways, creating thriving business corridors like Acushnet Avenue .

“Sometimes we overlook the importance of these trade corridors as economic drivers, but these immigrant-owned businesses not only create opportunities for new businesses, but they also create a sense of place and a sense of belonging for the residents of the neighborhood,” she said. said.

She explained that their technical assistance team, led by Ken Rapoza, works hand-in-hand with immigrant-owned businesses to learn what it takes to open a business and overcome the challenges they face. Discussions were also held about creating a one-stop shop for community relations.

Small Business Development Director Jabril Deeqo said the state wants to hear from small business owners, not just today but every day.

“Please don’t hesitate, your voice matters to us,” she said.

Standard-Times Staff Writer Kathryn Gallerani can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter: @kgallreporter.