Hudson Today

NEWARK, NJ – Congressman Rob Menendez joined with U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Region 2 Director Marlene Cintron, U.S. SBA New Jersey District Office Deputy Director Joel Thomas, New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) CEO Tim Sullivan, New Jersey Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz, Assemblywoman Eliana Pintor Marin, Assemblywoman Shanique Speight, Newark East Ward Councilman Michael Silva, and Newark Councilman-at-Large Luis Quintana to tour small businesses in the Ironbound section of Newark during National Small Business Week.

“Small businesses like our local bakeries, cafés, and restaurants are integral parts of our vibrant community and we must do everything we can to support workers and entrepreneurs to thrive in this economy,” said Congressman Menendez. “The tour provided an opportunity to understand their challenges and aspirations and to ensure necessary federal resources are provided for these businesses to thrive. During National Small Business Week, I am grateful for the contributions of these businesses, especially the entrepreneurs who work hard every day to make our community stronger each and every day.”

“During COVID small businesses throughout Newark went through serious hardship,” said Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka. “We were able to use federal resources to help many of them. Now, with the pandemic winding down, our businesses are still hurting. I commend Congressman Menendez for bringing together federal, state and local leaders to help publicize available resources for small businesses and to work collaboratively with them to fight for more.”

“Congress appropriated $43 billion dollars to SBA in the current fiscal year,” said SBA Region 2 Director Marlene Cintron. “My region, which includes the great state of New Jersey disburses approximately 23 percent of all loans made nationally. I look forward to working with Congressman Menendez to providing even greater access to the small businesses in New Jersey. The Biden-Harris Administration has charged us with investing in the smallest of the small businesses as well as the historically underserved communities in New Jersey and I am pleased to continue to move on this mandate as more and more Americans and newly arrived immigrants create new businesses in the Garden State.”

“There’s no better, or more appropriate, way to conclude National Small Business Week than by joining with our federal, state, and local partners to visit small businesses in Newark’s historic Ironbound neighborhood,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Hearing from business owners about their successes and their needs is instrumental to fulfilling Governor Phil Murphy’s vision for a stronger and fairer New Jersey economy. I appreciate Congressman Menendez’s strong advocacy of our small business community, which supports the Governor’s whole-of-government approach to ensuring they have the tools needed to succeed.”

“Small businesses are the heartbeat of our economy representing over 99% of businesses in New Jersey. Small businesses are owned by families, by immigrants and by local residents,” said Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz. “We are fortunate in Newark that at the foundation of our small business community are our restaurants highlighting the delicacies from the many diverse cultures that call Newark home. I encourage everyone to patronize small businesses not just this week, but every week.”

“The Ironbound section of Newark is a cultural hub that enriches our city in so many ways. Not only do the small businesses and eateries located in the Ironbound play a critical role in creating jobs and stimulating the economy, they also bring us together and serve as pillars of the community,” said Assemblywoman Eliana Pintor Marin. “It is crucial that we continue building on our work to bolster small businesses across New Jersey and create an environment where they can thrive.”

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and their success is critical to the growth and development of Newark,” said Assemblywoman Shanique Speight. “By supporting and investing in these businesses, we can create more jobs, increase economic opportunities, and build a stronger, more vibrant community for all residents.”

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and a key part of the fabric of our communities! The Iconic Ironbound community we are in today is a tremendous example of the impact that these mainly family-owned businesses have in our society today,” said Newark East Ward Councilman Michael Silva. “The Vibrancy we feel walking these streets comes in large part to the hundreds of small family run businesses that serve the needs of our residents while simultaneously building a powerful community that we can lean on in times of need.”

“It is really simple. It is all local. Stay in Newark, shop in Newark, and spend your money in Newark,” said Newark Councilman-at-Large Luis Quintana.

During the tour, Congressman Menendez and federal, state, and local officials visited local entrepreneurs at various small businesses to discuss the importance of available funding resources and economic development in New Jersey’s Eighth Congressional District, and the opportunities available to our local entrepreneurs as well as the challenges that they are facing.

The tour included four stops in Newark’s Ironbound Neighborhood.

Teixeira’s Bakery

Teixeira’s Bakery has been a neighborhood staple in the Ironbound since it first opened its doors in 1964 and is known throughout the region for its Portuguese pastries. 

Mompou Tapas Bar

Mompou Tapas Bar is a longstanding destination for Spanish cuisine in the Ironbound, serving residents of the East Ward, and visitors from across the tri-state area.

Fornos of Spain

Fornos of Spain has served Newark and surrounding communities for over 40 years, and is known for their fish, steaks, and paella.

Sihana Café

Sihana Café is a combined coffee shop, restaurant, and gallery which fuses Georgian, Albanian, Portuguese, and Latin-American cuisine.

Original source can be found here