Caribbean Americans are ready for business

To run a business in New York City is not a simple feat.

For business owners, an extensive network with resources is just as important as the services or goods the new business provides.

For Caribbean nationals and Caribbean Americans, working with the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CACCI) is their network to help them succeed.

As part of Caribbean American Heritage month’s weekly celebration at Brooklyn Borough Hall, Dr. Roy Hastick – president and founder of CACCI – held an Expo of Caribbean-American Businesses Marketplace in partnership with the Borough President Eric Adams.

“This is an opportunity to market yourself,” Dr. Hastick said.

The expo included 24 local businesses across Brooklyn except for one that was located in Manhattan.

A mix of non-profit organizations, fashion designers, real estate and more were available for the public to become familiar with. Dr. Hastik also encouraged the business owners to network with each other to build a strong Caribbean-owned business community.

“This is a difficult time for Black businesses in the New York and the only way we’re going to make change is to harness our resources and work together.”

For Solanche Robert, a Grenadian visual artist and creative painter, this exposition allows her to showcase her talents to a wider audience and create possible relationships. “I am a business woman and a visual artist from the Caribbean, the beautiful island of Grenada, and whenever I get the opportunity to tell people about my work as an artist and as a business person I take full advantage of the opportunity,” Robert said.

Business owners such as Robert have participated in other expositions but none that brought together other Caribbean Americans. Robert believes that strengthening relationships with other Caribbean American business owners will only bring more success to their niche, small business community.

“It gives me great pleasure to be here to be participating in the first Caribbean expo. I’m very willing to work with other Caribbean businesses and am looking forward to building those relationships,” Robert said.

While business owners networked and connected with with possible new clients, performers provided entertainment including a small dance performance from Cumbe: Center for African and Diaspora Dance.

CACCI provides a wealth of services for Caribbean American small business owners including, business consultations, monthly business meetings, certificate and contract preparation and much more for those who sign up as a member.

Learn more about CACCI and what services they offer at www.caribbeantradecenter.com.

Reach reporter Alley Olivier at (718) 260–8310 or e-mail her at aolivier@cnglocal.com. Follow Alley on Twitter @All3Y_B.