Camden, NJ — The Latin American Economic Development Association (LAEDA) has been named a Resilience Innovation and Impact Champion through Citizens Bank’s Champions in Action program, receiving a $50,000 grant to expand its programs and strengthen its support for entrepreneurs and small business owners throughout the region.
The recognition underscores LAEDA’s commitment to helping entrepreneurs by delivering innovative and client-focused education, technical assistance, and access to capital.
“At Citizens, progress matters,” said Maria Rassoulis, Senior Vice President and Market Executive for the Mid-Atlantic Region at Citizens Bank. “By pairing purpose with innovation, we are committed to creating measurable outcomes within the communities we serve. This partnership with LAEDA reflects our shared belief that entrepreneurs—regardless of zip code—deserve real opportunities to grow and succeed.”
“This support will help LAEDA expand its programs and provide even more resources to entrepreneurs and business owners,” Rassoulis added. “It also demonstrates how nonprofits and financial institutions can adapt, innovate, and grow together as a community.”
Raymond Lamboy, President & CEO of LAEDA, expressed gratitude for Citizens Bank’s continued investment in small businesses across the state.
“We are truly honored to be recognized as a Champions in Action organization,” said Lamboy. “So many entrepreneurs have strong ideas but lack the technical and financial knowledge needed to scale. At LAEDA, we are constantly improving how we deliver services and rethinking how education is provided—helping entrepreneurs move from survival to sustainability and ultimately to growth.”
Cesily Cannon, owner of Cesily’s Love Meals, shared how LAEDA and Citizens Bank played a pivotal role in her business growth.
“LAEDA didn’t just support my idea—they helped me build the systems my business needed to grow,” said Cannon. “Winning the pitch competition with Citizens Bank was life-changing. It allowed me to purchase the company-branded van I needed to meet the growing demand for my business. That support helped take my business to the next level.”
Her story reflects LAEDA’s mission to inform, educate, and advocate for small businesses as they navigate real-world challenges—from marketing trends and economic uncertainty to cash flow management and profit margins.
As part of the Champions in Action recognition, Citizens Bank and other leaders supported LAEDA’s mission to educate by participating in a panel discussion focused on entrepreneurship, financial resilience, and policy challenges impacting small businesses.
Rassoulis, a Rutgers–Camden alumna whose parents owned a small business, shared both professional insight and personal experience. “As a small business owner, it never ends,” she said. “You’re always thinking about whether you’ll leave it (the business) as a legacy for your family or eventually sell it. I truly enjoy advising small businesses and helping them understand their numbers so they can get to that next level.”
Althea Ford, Vice President of Government Affairs at NJBIA, addressed the broader policy and operational challenges facing small businesses today. Ford discussed how issues such as paid family leave requirements, temporary workforce needs, staffing shortages, and regulatory compliance can significantly impact small business operations. She emphasized the need for adaptive policies, thoughtful retooling, and stronger collaboration between policymakers and business owners.
“Small businesses are resilient, but they need policies that reflect economic realities,” Ford noted. “Supporting entrepreneurs means ensuring regulations don’t unintentionally hinder growth and that business owners have the tools and advocacy they need to succeed.”
The event brought together not only community stakeholders but also members of LAEDA’s alumni and client family, including:
- April & James Ward, Owners of Creative Content OnDemand
- Kashana “Yara” Waples, Owner of Juice Capitol
- Cesily Cannon, Owner of Cesily’s Love Meals
- Manny Jose, Owner of Loida Development Learning Centers
- Ernesto Ventura, Co-Owner of La Ingrata Camden
Through this partnership, LAEDA and Citizens Bank are creating pathways for entrepreneurs to thrive—strengthening communities, supporting innovation, and ensuring small businesses have the resources they need to build a sustainable future.
Entrepreneurs and small business owners looking to grow, strengthen their financial foundation, and scale sustainably are encouraged to connect with LAEDA. Community partners, funders, and advocates are also invited to join in supporting inclusive economic growth across the region. For more information, visit LAEDA.com or follow LAEDA1987 on all social media platforms.