Entrepreneur Day 2025: Highlighting Local Businesses
On June 10th, students, entrepreneurs, and financial leaders came together for a vibrant Entrepreneur Day celebration hosted by HANDS and Orange Public Schools. The event was held as part of NeighborWorks America Week and featured a student-led pop-up shop, a panel of business experts and seasoned entrepreneurs, and a networking session.
The day kicked off with an exhibitor hall featuring student business owners from Orange Public Schools, who offered an impressive array of services and products -- including crochet flowers, clothing, desserts, and even an on-site barber shop. In fact, the Executive Director of Greater Newark Enterprises Corporation, Victor Salama, decided to give each of the students a scholarship to attend a 10-day entrepreneurship boot camp held at Seton Hall.
Afterwards, the Deputy of Planning and Economic Development, Chris Mobley, read out a proclamation from Mayor Dwayne D. Warren, Esq. declaring June 10th as Entrepreneur Day in Orange.
The program continued with a panel led by experts from Columbia Bank, K&K Powerwashing, Athletic Arts Academy, and Greater Newark Enterprises Corporation, which was moderated by Alicia Robinson of Citizens Bank. Panelists discussed how entrepreneurs can position themselves as competitive applicants for funding and develop strategies for long-term success in a competitive market. A special thank you to Crystal Moon-Boulware, Coach Iya, Rhys Harris, and Victor Salama for their insights.
Attendees also enjoyed delicious meals from Antojitos Genesis and Sarrah Cafe Trinbago. These businesses -- both Sustain & Thrive grantees -- demonstrated the incredible talent within Orange’s culinary scene. We’d like to thank our partners, especially Orange Public Schools and NeighborWorks America, for making this event possible.
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