The New Jersey Diverse Business Advisory Council (NJDBAC) is set to host a forum for gubernatorial candidates on March 19. The event will focus on economic development, small business growth, and policies affecting communities across New Jersey.
Candidates participating in the panel discussion include Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, State Senator Jon Bramnick, former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli, Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop, former Senate President Steve Sweeney, radio host Bill Spadea, and NJEA President Sean Spiller.
Sponsored by BCB Bank, the forum will be held from 12-2 p.m. at the Jim Wise Theater at the New Jersey Institute of Technology in Newark. Registration is available online for those interested in attending.
The NJDBAC comprises leading chambers and advocacy groups dedicated to fostering business growth and procurement opportunities for small and diverse businesses in New Jersey. Jeff Cantor, leader of NJDBAC and President/CEO of the NJ Veterans Chamber of Commerce, stated that the forum aims to support small business owners by providing them with a platform to voice their ideas and policy suggestions directly to gubernatorial candidates.
Gus Penaranda, Founder of Evolvere Consulting and a member of NJDBAC, emphasized the importance of highlighting small business issues during this event. "Our mission has always been to give a platform to diverse small business owners to express their lived experiences and concerns," he said.
To reach a wider audience statewide, NJDBAC has partnered with Radio Garden State for an exclusive live stream of the event. This includes a special one-hour pre-show featuring interviews with candidates and key stakeholders.
Several New Jersey small businesses will exhibit on-site during the event. These include Aroma Cafetero from Fairfield, Cavany Foods from Jersey City, Hoplite Communications from Montclair, HR1 Systems from Jersey City, Small Business Pro University from Newark, Taste of the Caribbean Food Market from Newark, and The Setroc Group from New Brunswick.
