Mexican business owners in El Barrio and the East Harlem Business Capital Corporation (EHBCC) are in the process of creating an association of Mexican business owners or a Mexican Chamber of Commerce in East Harlem, with the purpose of representing and serving this business sector.

José S. Garza, executive director of the EHBCC, said that up until now, 10 Mexican business owners have expressed interest in the initiative, which would incorporate dozens of Mexican businesses in El Barrio.

"We're currently in the process of preparing all the legal documents to achieve nonprofit status," said Garza. "We still haven't decided if the project will become a Chamber of Commerce or a Business Association," he added.

Garza explained that the Chamber or Association would aim to provide resources and seminars so that companies can progress, and would allow business owners to become involved in issues affecting their communities, such as politics and social movements.

"What we're looking for is ways for businesses to grow, to earn more income and create jobs, with the intention of improving El Barrio's economy," said Garza.

Among the business owners who support the project are Pedro Mátar, owner of the El Águila restaurant, on 116th Street; Adolfo Ruiz, owner of the Mi Palenque Restaurant, on 112th Street; and Guadalupe Castro, owner of the Fierce Spa nail salon, on 117th Street.

Guadalupe Castro said the project would benefit all the Mexican businesses in El Barrio because they would have a place to turn to if they need consultation or assistance related to operating an enterprise.

"We've had cases where the police arrest street vendors and confiscate their carts. An organization that represents all the businesses would be able to help these street vendors, not only with legal assistance but also with obtaining their licenses and information on their rights," said Castro.

Another person who supports the initiative is Francisco García, a pioneer of Mexican businesses in El Barrio. He was the first Mexican to open a business in the community in 1990, the México Lindo grocery store, on 116th Street.

"It's good that organizations like this exist to help small businesses," said García.

Miguel Ortega, owner of the restaurant Tapatío, on 116th Street, said that an association or Mexican chamber of commerce would point small companies in the direction of where to obtain their licenses to operate.

The East Harlem Business Capital Corporation (EHBCC) is a nonprofit organization that provides community and economic development services in El Barrio, in Manhattan. For more information, visit their website at http://www.ehbcc.org.