State launches Spanish language business site

New Jersey launched a Spanish language version of Business.NJ.gov, encouraging the growth of Spanish language businesses statewide with available resources.

The Tuesday announcement comes as New Jersey concludes Hispanic Heritage Month, which spanned Sept. 15 through Oct. 15.

“Entrepreneurship and innovation are just a few of the many ways that New Jersey’s Hispanic and Latinx communities deeply contribute to the Garden State’s rich cultural landscape,” said Gov. Phil Murphy in an announcement Tuesday. “As we continue to modernize and streamline the state’s ability to serve our businesses, we must do so in a stronger and fairer manner — that means ensuring that our resources, programs, and services are accessible to as many people as possible.”

Launched in early 2020, Business.NJ.gov consolidates critical information and resources from more than 15 different agencies into one easy-to-navigate “first digital stop” for businesses. Users can find information on financing options, assistance with obtaining permits and licenses, tax information, and guidance on business planning and marketing through the website.

In addition to the fully-translated content, the Spanish language website offers business owners the ability to connect via live chat with experts from the Department of State’s Business Action Center, which will also be available for Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs by Spanish-speaking business experts.

“Experts at the Business Action Center help tens of thousands of businesses each year,” said New Jersey Secretary of State Tahesha Way in a prepared statement. “Live chat has enabled us to deliver expert advice in a faster and easier way to all business owners, and the ability to deliver human-to-human service in a multitude of languages, including Spanish, ensures that we can assist entrepreneurs from all walks of life and backgrounds.”

Susana Baumann, founding president and chief executive officer of Latinas in Business Inc., lauded the initiative.

“[Spanish-speaking business owners] come to this country in pursuit of the American Dream, and they encounter language and cultural barriers that prevent them to achieve their path to success,” Baumann said. “These resources are an excellent way to help them navigate the tools they need and support them in achieving their goals, which in turn builds a stronger economy for all New Jerseyans,”