As the world prepares for the 2026 global soccer tournament, the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (SHCCNJ) has been preparing local businesses for this moment for several years.
As the world prepares for the 2026 global soccer tournament, the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (SHCCNJ) has been local businesses for this moment for several years.
One of the first concrete steps was the launch of Business Link, our digital platform designed to increase visibility for small businesses, as more than one million visitors are expected to travel through the New Jersey region during the tournament.
One of the first concrete steps was the launch of Business Link, our digital platform designed to increase visibility for small businesses, as more than one million visitors are expected to travel through the New Jersey region during the tournament.
Additional opportunities and programming are currently being explored as part of SHCCNJ’s broader effort to help New Jersey’s small businesses prepare to welcome the world.
Additional opportunities and programming are currently being explored as part of SHCCNJ’s broader effort to help New Jersey’s small businesses prepare to welcome the world.
Lyndhurst, New Jersey — The Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (SHCCNJ), recognized as one of the largest Hispanic chambers in the state, has officially launched Business Link, a new B2B and B2C digital business directory designed to increase visibility, strengthen connections and help businesses gain opportunities tied to the economic activity surrounding the 2026 global soccer tournament. Business Link offers multiple participation levels Basic (for existing members), Bronze, Silver, Gold, and VIP for Corporate and Sustaining Partners, allowing businesses of all sizes to strengthen their digital presence and visibility ahead of the global event.
Lyndhurst, New Jersey The Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Jersey (SHCCNJ), recognized as one of the largest Hispanic chambers in the state, has officially launched Business Link, a new B2B and B2C digital business directory designed to increase strengthen connections and help businesses gain opportunities to the economic activity surrounding the 2026 global soccer tournament. Business Link offers multiple participation levels Basic (for existing members), Bronze, Silver, Gold, and VIP for Corporate and Sustaining allowing businesses of all sizes to strengthen their digital presence and visibility ahead of the global event.
Together, De La Hoz and Medina lead the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey as board chair and president & CEO, respectively. With more than 7,000 members, the state’s largest chamber continues to grow SHCCNJ highlights the diversity of its membership, too, which is approximately 45% nonHispanic.
The Latino community represents a significant driver of the economy: with more than 150,000 businesses contributing approximately $127 million to state GDP. Last fall, SHCCNJ worked with Choose New Jersey to organize Gov Phil Murphy’s final economic mission, to Mexico. At the time, Medina said the trip reflects a shared entrepreneurial spirit between the country and the Garden State. The relationship between the two represents $10.6 billion in two-way trade.
Here’s the reality. Nuestro kickoff happened early. We know that preparation beats reaction every time. How have you been preparing? We want to know: (fill out form here). Since 2024, SHCCNJ has moved decisively, building relationships, visibility platforms, advocacy channels and business-readiness initiatives, including Business Link launching this week, to help ensure small businesses, especially Latino-owned enterprises, are not left on the sidelines Strategy, preparation and sustained engagement continue guiding this work, so opportunity reaches the businesses driving New Jersey’s economy.
Rutherford, N.J. Our leadership at the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey welcomes Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s decision to pivot World Cup Fan Festival planning toward a statewide community initiative designed to expand participation and economic opportunity tied to the 2026 global soccer tournament President Carlos Medina underscored that this is an encouraging initiative. “Black and Brown businesses have been significantly affected by recent immigration enforcement actions, so this initiative offers a welcome reprieve for a business community under real strain. Thank you, Governor.” We believe this shift has the potential to bring meaningful benefits to local communities, small businesses and cultural organizations throughout New Jersey while positioning the state to maximize the tournament’s projected multibillion-dollar economic impact.
The FIFA World Cup is the largest sporting event on the planet, and in 2026 it will be hosted in the United States New Jersey isn’t just nearby—it sits at the center of one of the most powerful Hispanic markets in the world. According to regional economic analyses, the Hispanic GDP in the New York–New Jersey metropolitan area approaches $500 billion annually, making it one of the most influential consumer and business engines in the country. This is not a niche audience it is a core market. It drives entrepreneurship, workforce growth, consumer spending, media reach, and global cultural influence
Markets are not abstract they are communities. And when organizations seek to monetize a region’s passion, spending power, and cultural capital, the expectation is simple: recognition, partnership, and mutual respect. Anything less is not strategy; it’s missed opportunity.
They are CEOs and managing partners, principals and executive directors — leaders in health care, economic development, law, energy, public affairs, higher education, the arts, communications, marketing, and more. The BINJE’s Best: Top Women in Business for 2026 is a true who’s who of decision-makers and thought leaders across New Jersey. BINJE, in partnership with the N.J. Business & Industry Association, will recognize the honorees at a breakfast celebration on March 25 at the APA Hotel in Woodbridge
(Ticket and sponsorship information can be found here.) The honorees also will be featured in the March edition of BINJE.
So, scan the list below and check back in a few days for our Top Ten selections, as well as our Five Rising Stars.
This sumamer, as the world turns its attention to our region for the global soccer championship, New Jersey’s small businesses will have a chance to shine on an international stage. The New Jersey Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has partnered with American Dream to launch “La Plaza de Fútbol,” a 39-day small business marketplace and cultural celebration happening June 11th through July 19th at the Meadowlands complex. President & CEO, New Jersey Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Carlos Medina joins the show to discuss this new project!
