Helping Businesses Thrive
THRIVE HERE A Strategy for Success
Forging Connections Recognizing the value in bringing thought leaders together to network and learn from one another, for the past seven years Middlesex County has hosted an annual business summit. What began as a relatively small event has evolved into one of the preeminent business events in New Jersey: The 2023 Middlesex County Business Summit included keynote discussions with Stephanie Ruhle, the host of MSNBC’s The 11th Hour and Senior Business Analyst for NBC News; and New Jersey’s 56th Governor, Phil Murphy. With the theme, “The Future Belongs to Those Who Build It,” this year’s summit celebrated the County’s rich legacy as a cutting-edge life sciences hub and included a panel discussion featuring top leaders from the life sciences industry, as well as three breakout sessions. For information and key takeaways visit middlesexcountynj.gov/businesssummit .
Stephanie Ruhle, host of MSNBC’s The 11th Hour and Senior Business Analyst for NBC News
Director of Network Operations Center Vijayant (VJ) Rajvanshi
New Jersey Governor Philip D. Murphy
Office of Business Engagement Guides the Way
“Our experience working with the County’s Office of Business Engagement and the help that this office provided to us meant so much to us because we were able to grow our business to the next level,” said Guevara. “Also, their continued guidance on getting all permits was crucial to be able to operate in our new location in South River, and the grant obtained during the pandemic was very helpful. We are so grateful for their help.” In September 2022, Paradise Flowers Distribution’s South River warehouse officially opened, and in 2023, they were awarded the Immigrant Entrepreneur of the Year Award by the New Jersey Business Immigration Coalition. For guidance and support for your business, reach out to the Middlesex County Office of Business Engagement today via middlesexcountynj.gov/biz .
When Paula Guevara and her husband Alex Martinez wanted to purchase warehouse space for their wholesale flower business, Paradise Flowers Distribution, they were attracted to Middlesex County for its proximity to New York City and major highways. Guevara founded Paradise Flowers Distribution 18 years ago, as a college student and waitress. The business imports flowers from all over the world, distributing them to event planners, florists, and other wholesalers in the tri-state area. Both Colombian, they have grown the company into the top distributor and importer of hydrangeas and a multimillion-dollar business with 10 employees. Knowing that the right warehouse space is crucial, the couple were referred to the Middlesex County Office of Business Engagement (OBE) for support. OBE’s Division of Small Businesses and Real Estate identified locations that met their logistics needs and helped Martinez resolve an issue with zoning restrictions. Martinez was also led to additional resources, including the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey, for available entrepreneurship programs. As a certified Minority and/ or Women Business Enterprise by the state, Martinez applied for the New Jersey Economic Development Authority’s (NJEDA) Small Business Improvement Grant. In May 2022, he contacted OBE again for assistance with the New Jersey Zero Emission Incentive Program that helps businesses purchase new, medium-duty zero- emission vehicles. Through OBE’s NJEDA connection, Martinez was awarded three electric vans.
Middlesex County is intentionally creating programs and investing in new initiatives with one goal in mind: helping businesses to thrive here in Middlesex County, New Jersey. A thriving economy creates a community of residents that thrive. In July 2023 the County unveiled its Thrive Here business strategy to support existing businesses and new prospects to help them grow their footprint in Middlesex County. The County identified five core areas to offer resources and support to ensure that businesses have the right connections, resources, and services. These areas include economic development, workforce, education, arts and culture, and transportation. Entrepreneurs who are interested in learning more about Thrive Here can visit middlesexcountynj.gov/thrivehere .
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12 Your Middlesex | 2023 Issue 3
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