Small Business Spotlight
May 2025
Building Futures, Powering Hudson County:
Inside the 2025 Internship Program

In 2025, Hudson County is doubling down on its commitment to growing the local workforce—and it’s doing so in a big way. The Hudson County Internship Program, a new initiative led by the Hudson County Improvement Authority (HCIA) in partnership with the Hudson County Economic Development Corporation (HCEDC), is opening doors for local students to explore their futures, right in their own backyard.

Funded through a generous grant from Citizens Philanthropic Foundation and the Career Accelerator Internship Grant Program (CAIGP) through the Office of Higher Education , this paid internship program is more than just a career development opportunity. This innovative program is a community investment—connecting students with nonprofits and businesses across Hudson County, and laying the foundation for a stronger, more inclusive local economy.

Students from Hudson County Community College (HCCC) and New Jersey City University (NJCU), representing a wide range of majors and academic backgrounds, are stepping into real-world roles that reflect their passions and ambitions.

“At Citizens, we believe in the power of local businesses to strengthen communities and fuel healthy economies,” said Yajaira Hafley, Tri-State Metro Retail Executive at Citizens. “Internships are a valuable workforce development opportunity that give students the hands-on training and experiences they need to be prepared for today’s industry needs.  We’re looking forward to engaging local students and investing in the next generation of talent that will help propel our New Jersey businesses forward.”

From Campus to Career: A County-Led Commitment

What makes this program unique is how intentionally it bridges the gap between student aspirations and employer needs. Developed and implemented by Jersey City-based SRL Enterprises, the internship experience is rooted in the ACE framework: Apply, Connect, Elevate. Over the course of the month, SRL hosted several info sessions and readiness workshops, connected with 38 registered businesses, and proudly matched 28 interns with 27 unique companies.  Through this model, students are empowered to:

• Apply what they’ve learned in the classroom to real-world challenges,
• Connect with professionals in industries aligned with their goals,
• Elevate their career trajectory through meaningful, skill-building experiences.

It’s not just about preparing students for jobs—it’s about shaping the future of Hudson County through inclusive, community-centered workforce development.

A Hudson County Legacy Steps Up: GP’s Restaurant

Rooted in Tradition, Built for Today.

One shining example of how the program comes to life is GP’s Restaurant in Guttenberg. Perched along Boulevard East with sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline, GP’s is a third-generation, family-run restaurant with roots dating back to 1934 in Hoboken.

Known for its Italian-American comfort food and warm hospitality, GP’s has long been a beloved neighborhood staple. But for Owner George and Operator/Manager Adriana Politis, the restaurant is about more than meals—it’s about legacy, mentorship, and giving back.

“This region has always been a first stop for immigrant families like ours,” said George Politis. “And our goal has always been to give back to the place that gave us our start.”

That community spirit is what led GP’s to join the internship program, welcoming Angel Bermudez, a business and hospitality student from HCCC. Angel quickly became part of the team, diving into front-of-house operations, helping with staff training manuals, and offering insights from his own experience.

“He brought fresh perspective and curiosity,” said Adriana. “It reminded us how much potential there is in the next generation—and how important it is to open doors for them.”

County Collaboration for a Stronger Tomorrow

Hudson County Executive Craig Guy sees the internship program as a perfect example of the power of possibility.

“When opportunity meets collaboration, great things happen—and that’s exactly what we’re seeing with the relaunch of this paid internship program now in its second year,” said Guy. “Thanks to strong partnerships between HCIA, HCEDC, and our local business community, students are gaining valuable real-world experience right here in Hudson County. It’s more than an internship—it’s a launchpad.”

Guy also emphasized how programs like this are preparing the region for big moments on the horizon, including FIFA26 and the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. “We’re building a stronger, more skilled, and more diverse Hudson County—one opportunity at a time.”

 Looking Ahead: Pride, Purpose, and Possibility

As GP’s approaches its remarkable 100-year milestone, the Politis family is already looking ahead to the next chapter. For George and his daughter Adriana, it’s not just about preserving a legacy—it’s about evolving it. Together, they’re exploring fresh opportunities to deepen the restaurant’s impact and bring even more vibrancy to Guttenberg. Whether it’s expanding their footprint, mentoring the next generation of hospitality professionals, or championing local initiatives, the vision is clear: GP’s will continue to grow alongside Hudson County. As the community thrives, so too will this beloved family business—remaining a place where culture, cuisine, and community come together in meaningful ways.

Shaping Futures Through Real-World Experience

“At SRL, we believe meaningful career exploration starts with access, and that’s what this internship program is all about,” said Elise White, Workforce Program Director at SRL Enterprises. “By empowering students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings and connect with businesses that reflect their interests, we’re not just preparing them for jobs; we are helping shape confident, capable professionals who are ready to lead right here in Hudson County.“

For more information about how the HCEDC can help grow your business, explore the HCEDC website!

Explore: GP’s Restaurant

Download the May 2025 Business Spotlight at: GP’s Restaurant

Small Business Spotlight
March 2025
A&R Media- Building a Legacy in West New York

Fifteen years ago, Any P. Oliva-Valera embarked on a bold new chapter, leaving behind the vibrancy of Mexico City to pursue opportunity in the United States. Her destination? West New York—a choice driven by both heart and strategy, as her husband, Juan Gonzalez, had already laid down roots. This community would soon become the launchpad for an entrepreneurial dream: the creation of A&R Media.

More than just a printing and media company, A&R Media, serves as a vital link—connecting businesses, institutions, and the Latino community with dynamic marketing, advertising, and commercial printing solutions. Whether through custom branding materials, corporate magazines, large-format prints, or promotional giveaways, Any and her team transform ideas into powerful marketing tools. Their mission is clear: to uplift and empower organizations of all sizes with professionalism, sustainability, and integrity.

But A&R Media is about more than just print—it’s about building reputations and relationships, amplifying visibility, and fueling business growth. A shining example of this is the company’s bilingual publication, Negocios Hispanos USA Magazine, which fosters collaboration by showcasing success stories, services, and opportunities for Latino entrepreneurs.

Navigating Growth Through Business Development Programs

Understanding the intricacies of the U.S. business landscape was a pivotal step in A&R Media’s evolution. To bridge the gap, in 2018, Any applied and was accepted into the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey’s (SHCCNJ) Hispanic Entrepreneur Training Program (HETP). In March 2022, Any was also accepted into UCEDC’s Virtual Incubator Program (VIP).
As her mentor, Dr. Jairo Borja, DBA, Training & Technical Assistance Officer at UCEDC worked with Any to fine tune her approach to growing her business and to secure certification as a Small Business Enterprise (SBE) and a Woman, Minority Business Enterprise (WMBE).
UCEDC’s VIP program equips small business owners with the knowledge, tools, and support to overcome common challenges, particularly in underserved communities facing funding and education gaps. Through targeted resources and personalized support, UCEDC breaks barriers and creates pathways to success.

“Each session is designed for maximum impact, even for busy entrepreneurs. Our goal is to build lasting relationships while delivering actionable solutions that drive success,” said Dr. Borja.

Over the various sessions with Dr. Borja, Any was able to sharpen her expertise in business strategy, audience targeting, and operational management. Thanks to these insights, Any and Juan launched a specialized printing service—a venture that now accounts for 50% of A&R Media’s revenue. This milestone underscores the power of education, strategic thinking, and ambition.

Certifications, Expansion & The Road Ahead

As Hudson County continues to thrive, A&R Media is poised to grow alongside it. Programs like UCEDC’s VIP program have broadened Any’s business acumen and unlocked essential mentorship and networking opportunities. She also recognizes the game-changing power of SBE and WMBE certifications.

“Participating in these incredible programs has been instrumental to our success. The insights I’ve gained have helped us navigate multiple certification processes—credentials that bolster our credibility and open doors to new ventures. Looking forward, we are eager to embrace new growth opportunities while staying true to our commitment to community, service, and long-term impact,” said Any.

“The Hudson County Economic Development Corporation’s (HCEDC) work with UCEDC has evolved to include education and mentoring. While our focus has historically been lending, in the last 8 years we see a need for early-stage businesses to access education in a learning environment that provides networking opportunities and one-on-one mentoring. Any’s story serves as an inspirational reminder that with the right resources, determination, and a strong support system, anything is possible,” said Michelle Richardson, Executive Director.

A&R Media Group corporate magazines

For more information about how the HCEDC can help grow your business, explore the HCEDC website!

Explore: A&R Media 

Download the March 2025 Business Spotlight at: A&R Media