Dear LAEDA’s Team, Alumni, Partners, Funders and Teachers,
As we near the end of another remarkable year, we pause to reflect on the incredible milestones we have achieved together. The year of 2024 has been a year of growth, innovation, and collective success. In this news article, we are excited to spotlight the key moments that shaped our journey. Let us celebrate our achievements and milestones, while looking forward to how we continue to build meaningful connections, foster valuable relationships, and make a lasting impact in the communities we serve and the lives of those we mentor.
Friday, March 1, 2024 – Angel Ramos, a participant in LAEDA’s Entrepreneurial Development Training Program Session 97, celebrated the launch and ribbon cutting of his business, Seek Pest Solutions LLC. Joined by his team—Luis Nunez, Jose Velez, and Seth Vancour—along with family, friends, and the LAEDA team, the event took place at Cooper’s Poynt Park in Camden, NJ.
Tuesday, February 13, 2024 – LAEDA facilitated the first match through the Camden Verified Program, connecting local florist Creations by Jenn with Subaru of America. Jennifer Ortiz, owner of Creations by Jenn, had the opportunity to participate as a vendor for Subaru in Camden. Subaru, committed to supporting Camden-based businesses, sought a florist to provide flowers for their Valentine’s Day event.
Creations by Jenn, a Camden Verified business, has successfully demonstrated the skills and capacity to serve large companies like Subaru.
As of Wednesday, December 11, 2024, we have 36 out of 72 businesses matched and verified. Becoming a Camden Verified Business is simple and sets you apart. The Camden Verified Badge shows customers your business has been vetted and is ready to perform. Start with our quick application today! LAEDA continues to process in our Camden Verified B2B Match.
Thursday, July 18, 2024, LAEDA’s Camden Verified Program successfully connected local business Sustainable Style Studio with Subaru of America. Owner Terina Nicole Hill had the honor of participating as a vendor at Subaru’s Camden event, highlighting her handcrafted fashion, home décor, and accessories. Subaru, dedicated to supporting Camden businesses, continues to foster community partnerships through events like this.
Monday, July 8, 2024 – LAEDA’s Food Trucking 101 course concluded after 8 weeks with 20 students. The course covered business planning, marketing, menu creation, food production, and legal requirements, providing a roadmap for aspiring foodpreneurs.
Thursday, August 1, 2024 – LAEDA and Curate Noir hosted the final session of their inaugural Retail Launchpad Program at Curate Noir Camden. This 8-part series offered retail businesses training in brand development, marketing, merchandising, and business administration, along with one-on-one coaching. The program concluded with a pitch competition, where participants competed for $3,000 in prizes. The event featured beautifully decorated vendor tables and was attended by LAEDA staff, Curate Noir owners, judges, and guests.
The showroom of Curate Noir was filled with beautiful and nicely decorated vendor tables, pitch presenters, LAEDA staff, Curate Noir owners Nika and Alban Corbett, judges, and guests.
Friday, October 25, 2024, four of the eight businesses from the Retail Launchpad Program have successfully begun displaying their products at Curate Noir locations in Camden and Moorestown Mall.
Thursday, October 17, 2024 – at LAEDA’s annual graduation party, Ray Lamboy unveiled LAEDA’s new logo and website. Mr. Lamboy explained the design, highlighting the cityscape evolving into graphics representing skyscrapers, with orange and blue bands symbolizing motion and community unity. The open space in the center signifies endless possibilities. The logo now reads “LAEDA est. 1987,” reflecting the diversity of both the entrepreneurs we serve and the communities we represent. Mr. Lamboy thanked the LAEDA team and graphic artist Jessica for their work in creating this new, forward-facing image.
Wednesday, October 23, 2024, Mayor Carstarphen highlighted new initiatives driving Camden’s growth, including the launch of the Buy Camden 1st program in partnership with LAEDA. This initiative supports small businesses, especially those facing barriers in starting or securing capital.
Businesses that complete the Camden Verified process with LAEDA can level up their listing, showcasing their readiness to meet the needs of corporations and institutions in Camden. For more information and to apply, Visit BuyCamden1st.com/camden-verified/ and complete the application. LAEDA will help with the rest!
Buy Camden 1st also offers resources, business-building tools, and procurement opportunities to help businesses grow and achieve Camden Verified status. As of Wednesday, December 11, 2024, we have 36 out of 72 businesses matched and verified. Becoming a Camden Verified Business is simple and sets you apart. The Camden Verified Badge shows customers your business has been vetted and is ready to perform. Start with our quick application today!
Tuesday, November 12, 2024 – LAEDA successfully wrapped up its 2024 business training programs in Cumberland County, marking a year of significant community impact. In partnership with local organizations, LAEDA hosted eight workshops, including five in Bridgeton through the Bridgeton Urban Economic Zone (UEZ) and three in Cumberland with the Cumberland Empowerment Zone Corporation (CEZC).
Wednesday, November 20, 2024 – Jamila Powell of the LAEDA Women’s Business Center hosted a successful networking event at Curate Noir in Camden. Network in Noir brought together entrepreneurs and community members to connect and share resources. Presentations from the SBA, NJEDA, and Citizens Bank provided valuable insights on funding, resources, and growth strategies.
Wednesday, November 13, 2024, LAEDA concluded its 100th session of the 9-Week Business Training Program. This 75-hour course, designed for experienced entrepreneurs and startups, covers best practices for managing and growing a business. Classes meet Mondays to Wednesdays, and some Thursdays, from 6-8:30 PM. The course is free but requires qualification.
Wednesday, November 13, 2024, Ocean First Foundation showed its support for economic growth by presenting a $5,000 donation to LAEDA. Kathy Durante, Executive Director, delivered the check to LAEDA’s leadership, including Ray Lamboy, Jamila Powell, and Jiao Xu. This partnership highlights the power of collaboration to support local entrepreneurs and strengthen the community.
Tuesday, December 3rd, 2024 – LAEDA was awarded the top prize of $2,500 through Columbia Bank’s “Banking for a Cause” program, highlighting the organization’s critical role in community economic development.
Our free business education programs are designed for entrepreneurs at any stage, whether you are starting a business, facing challenges in a launch, or looking to develop a business plan for growth. LAEDA offers resources to support you.
In 2024, our training programs experienced impressive engagement, with 104 attendees across 10 Introduction to Entrepreneurship sessions, 15 for Turning Your Hobby Into a Business, and 56 for two Quick Start Series. Additionally, our valuable one-night seminars—covering topics like Preparing to File Your Business Taxes, Making Your Money Work for You, Cumberland EZ Workshops, and Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Reporting—attracted a total of 51 participants. These programs reflect our commitment to providing entrepreneurs with essential knowledge and practical tools to succeed.
In 2024, LAEDA was actively involved in a variety of networking and community events, strengthening connections across the region. We tabled at, presented at, and distributed resources at numerous impactful gatherings, including:
● NJEDA Resources Event
● WOW Center Pitch Presentation
● Senator Singleton NJBAC Business Roundtable
● Business to Business Social Networking Event – BurlCo Economic Development
● Food Truck Tuesdays – Burlington
● Camden County Chamber of Commerce “Unique” Networking
● Sip and Socialize Soiree – Ladies Networking Event
● Voorhees Small Business Showcase and Expo
● Rep. Norcross Annual Constituent Services Fair
● The Small Bizz B.A.S.H (Business Associates Social Hour)
● Bridgeton Walk and Talk
● Small Business Resource Fair
● Small Business Resource Forum
● Bridgeton Sidewalk Sale
● Alumni Event – Jeaneen Jenkins
● Truist Bank Camden – Biz Finance Basics Workshop
● Haddon Ave Street Festival
● Men of Excellence Luncheon
● CCNJ’s Camden Business Council
● Center for Family Services Job and Resource Fair
● Workforce Development Day at Camden County College
● NJBAC’s Resources for Growth
● Burlington County Business to Business Fall Social
● Woodbury Farmers Market
● Mega Job Fair and Resource Event/Lunch and Learn with Gloucester County Workforce Development and Economic Development
● Mosaic Family Success Center Job Fair
● SBA Small Business Resource Forum
● Small Business Grant Writing
● Legacy Foundation: The 2025 Business Landscape
● 2024 Southern NJ President’s Luncheon
● Hispanic Family Center Job Fair
● SBA and LAEDA WBC Network in Noir
● Chamber of Commerce Southern NJ – Camden Business Council Meeting
● South Jersey Small Business Social hosted by EXP Realty
Through these events, we connected with around 280 individuals, sharing insights about our services, programs, and training opportunities. LAEDA remains committed to fostering a strong entrepreneurial community and facilitating valuable relationships for business growth.
Starting a business is a significant commitment, requiring time, savings, and effort. The best way to ensure success is through business education, and LAEDA is here to help.
LAEDA empowers individuals and revitalizes communities in Camden, Burlington, Gloucester, Atlantic, and Cumberland Counties. Ready to start or grow your business? Call (856) 338-1177 or visit www.LAEDA.com for more information
LAEDA Alumni: Join our Facebook group, LAEDA Alumni Connections, to connect, promote your business, share updates, and support each other’s growth.
As we look ahead to 2025, LAEDA is excited to continue supporting the growth and innovation of small businesses. We are working on new initiatives and cannot wait to share more soon.
Thank you for being part of our journey. We could not have achieved these milestones without you. Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a fantastic new year ahead!
Founded in 1987, the Latin American Economic Development Association (LAEDA) supports the growth of small businesses and entrepreneurs in underserved communities across southern New Jersey, with a focus on Camden, Burlington, Atlantic, Gloucester, Cumberland, Cape May, and Salem counties.
Sincerely,
The LAEDA Team