Alliance Adelante and Onyx Business Hubs Spark New Partnerships and Collaborations in the Valley

The Business Networking Mixer, hosted by The Valley Economic Alliance’s Onyx and Adelante Business Hubs on September 5th, was a tremendous success. The event showcased our collective mission of empowering local businesses and fostering a thriving economic landscape within the Valley.

By bringing together a diverse group of entrepreneurs, professionals, and community leaders, the mixer created an invaluable space for forging new partnerships and strengthening existing ones. The synergy in the room was palpable, with participants engaging in dynamic conversations that sparked innovative ideas and potential collaborations.

The Onyx and Adelante Business Hubs play a pivotal role in curating an inclusive and impactful business climate. They effectively showcase our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion by highlighting minority-owned businesses and providing them with the resources and connections necessary for growth.

The evening opened with remarks from Alliance Vice President of External Affairs, Greg Martayan, who noted, “Seeing us come together as one reinforces our mission of advancing economic development through diversity and inclusion. The connections made tonight will positively shape the future of our business ecosystem. The Alliance represents over 400 square miles and, throughout the past thirty years, has created lasting economic gains for the region in significant, meaningful, and enduring ways.”

Following Martayan’s remarks, Alliance Chair Emeritus and Publisher of El Sol, Martha Diaz Aszkenazy, introduced and welcomed the evening’s sponsors: Pacific Premier Bank, represented by First Vice President Armida Colmenares-Stafford, and HSBC, represented by West Coast Community Development Relationship Manager Evelyn Zartner.

First Vice Chair of the Alliance and Pacific Premier Bank Vice President, Armida Colmenares-Stafford, emphasized the importance of community-driven support: “As co-chair of The Alliance’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee, I am passionate about providing opportunities for minority entrepreneurs and business owners,” she shared. “By breaking down barriers to capital and knowledge, we’re empowering each and every business owner to reach their full potential.”

The highlight of the evening was an inspiring keynote address by Nicole Williams, Executive Director of the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC). Nicole shared valuable insights on developing and implementing strategies to support families, businesses, and underserved communities. She emphasized how our collective efforts can bridge opportunity gaps and lay the groundwork for long-term success.

Attendees also benefited from mini business consultations led by top experts, including Jessica Reveles, CEO of J Squared Communications, Lynna Ochoa, Procurement Manager at PACE, Cassie Jenkins, Director of Business Assistance at The Alliance, and Dr. Jennifer Keysor, Business Advisor at The Alliance. These dynamic sessions provided entrepreneurs with tailored advice and practical strategies to elevate their businesses.

“This mixer demonstrated the strength of our business community and the power of collaboration,” shared Alliance President and CEO Sonya Blake. “When we come together, we build pathways for success that uplift every entrepreneur in the Valley, including those in traditionally underserved communities.”

The Alliance extends continued thanks to Wells Fargo and the U.S. Small Business Administration for supporting the Alliance’s Business Assistance Program (BAP).

Looking ahead, the relationships cultivated at this mixer will undoubtedly drive economic development, and The Alliance looks forward to building on this momentum with more high-impact events.