What We Do

Annual Report, Business Spotlights and News Updates

Local businesses and the communities they help build are the heartbeat of the fastest growing, most densely populated, and most diverse county in New Jersey. Each of Hudson County’s 12 municipalities has a unique heritage and economy. We are proud of the fact that the HCEDC and our partners serve and support them each day and into the future. Our mission to open doors of opportunity through access to capital, education, training and information are not merely services we provide, they are deeply reflective of our commitment to the quality of life for every resident and business owner here.

Hudson County Community College, in Partnership with
Hudson County Economic Development Corporation and Citizens Philanthropic Foundation, Launch New Small Business Internship Program

Initiative supports business growth and provides students with real-world experience.

 

Members of the Hudson County Community College-Hudson County Economic Development Corp. Internship Program Team, from left: (front row) Rosennies Feliz, HCEDC Marketing, Communications and Program Coordinator; Lori Margolin, HCCC Associate Vice President for Continuing Education and Workforce Development; Haya Almahdy, HCCC Student Intern; Alejandro Fuenmayor, Owner, Cavany Foods; Alka Kustagi, AIA, Owner, CHB Interiors; Dr. Christopher Reber, HCCC President; Michelle Richardson, HCEDC Executive Director; (back row) Elise White, SRL Enterprises, Workforce Program Director; Natalie Brown, HCCC Internship Coordinator; Mina Abdelmaseeh, HCCC Student Intern; and Destiny Knowles, HCCC Student Intern.

HCEDC’s Opening Doors 2023 Annual Report

Our Opening Doors report is the result of our collaborative work with local municipalities, the Hudson County administration, nonprofit organizations, state government and partners to empower our county. Together we stand as committed citizens and corporations to provide guidance and ongoing investment within our County.

Through the pages of this report, we hope you’ll enjoy meeting some members of our community that define Hudson County’s unique experience and learn more about how we are helping to empower businesses and organizations of all sizes.

Business Spotlight

Coalition for Food and Health Equity

Small Business Spotlight February 2024 Empowering Communities: Leeja Carter, Ph.D, A Journey from Grassroots to Nonprofit Leadership In the heart of Hudson County, a dedicated and visionary leader and Fulbright Scholar, Leeja Carter, Ph.D, spearheads a transformative mission to bridge the gap between food insecurity, nutritional equity, and overall well-being ...

Casa Cubana- Jersey City, New Jersey

Small Business Spotlight October 2023 Casa Cubana, A Family's Journey Located in the heart of Jersey City, Casa Cubana has become a cherished local business, a testament to a family’s entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering dedication to owning and operating a catering company for future generations. As a woman-owned Hispanic business, ...

The Little Boho Bookshop- Bayonne, New Jersey

Small Business Spotlight August 2023 The Little Boho Bookshop- Bayonne, New Jersey For Sandra Dear, the founder of The Little Boho Bookshop, the path to realizing her dream was paved with dedication, community, and a deep-rooted passion for learning. Sandra's dynamic career in the publishing industry spanned over 15 years ...

Level Up Studio, LLC- Bayonne, New Jersey

Small Business Spotlight April 2023 Level Up Studio, LLC- Bayonne, New Jersey Helen Perez's aspirational journey to become a small business owner in Hudson County reflects her resilience, strength, and desire to give back to the people of her community in transformative ways. In 2017, Helen and her partner Patrick ...

ASA Medical Billing Services, LLC- Union City, New Jersey

Angela Gonzalez's aspirational journey began at 19 years old when she relocated from Puerto Rico to embark on the promising opportunities Hudson County has to offer. "What drew me to Hudson County was how easy it was to be a part of a diverse community. It is such a big ...

Double Batch Bakery – Bayonne, New Jersey

When Rachel and Angel Hidalgo found out they were expecting twins they moved from Manhattan to Hudson County in 2009 to be closer to family and are now not only proud parents, but successful business owners. “We always dreamed of opening a bakery of our own. Hudson County’s incredible diversity ...

Fit 4 A Better Me, LLC.

When Brenda Green, a certified, professional NASM-CPT, Precision Nutrition Coach, and Strength Specialist, founded Fit 4 A Better Me in 2016, she embarked on an entrepreneurial journey that was both a personal mission and a community-building revolution. Today, this woman-owned and operated virtual fitness and health studio continues to empower, ...

Reynaldo Diaz, GID LLC.

Reynaldo Diaz immigrated from El Salvador to Guttenberg in the 1980s, where he received citizenship in the 1990s.  Today, he and his wife Suzanne Zikas are proud North Bergen residents who both work in fashion and the importing and exporting of textiles. "We just love the diversity and small-town feeling ...

Chic Diva Spa

Every year, immigrants and entrepreneurs are choosing Hudson County as their home thanks to our diversity and accessibility to pursue their hopes and dreams. “Our mission at Hudson County Economic Development Corporation is to help them realize their goals by connecting them with the training, education, information and access to ...

Brand Intelligence

Resilience is commonly associated with Hudson County and its diverse community of residents and businesses. Mary Olson’s branding and marketing firm, Brand Intelligence, exemplifies this quality and brings a unique perspective, vision, and skill set to the region. Mary’s journey to  Hudson County began over 25 years ago when she ...