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Immigrant Small Business Pitch

Event

Immigrant Small Business Pitch

Thursday, March 5, 2026 | 4:30-7:30PM

Immigrant Small Business Pitch

About the Event

ENB’s Immigrant Small Business Pitch event was a transformative experience that empowered immigrant entrepreneurs as they advanced their journeys toward turning their business dreams into reality. This unique event provided a platform for aspiring immigrant business owners to showcase their innovative ideas while celebrating the diverse and inspiring stories of immigrant entrepreneurship.

The event featured successful immigrants and the proud children of immigrants as judges. These distinguished business and community leaders brought a wealth of experience and insight, offering valuable feedback, encouragement, and mentorship to each participant.

As six finalists pitched their business concepts, the event fostered a supportive and collaborative atmosphere that encouraged networking, connection, and the exchange of ideas among aspiring entrepreneurs. More than a competition, ENB’s Immigrant Small Business Pitch highlighted the resilience, creativity, and economic contributions of immigrant communities while helping launch the next generation of small business owners.

Congratulations to the 2026 winners!

gold MsB Manager by Amanda Ornellas Gutierres

silver Healthy Skin by Ana Lucia Munoz Realpe

bronze Los Ponys Family Child Care by Gloria Velasquez

winners

This year's highlights

Master of Ceremonies

Shirley Leung
Shirley Leung

Shirley Leung is an award-winning columnist at The Boston Globe, where she examines the intersection of business, politics, and diversity. She also hosts the Globe Opinion podcast “Say More” and is a regular contributor to GBH’s Boston Public Radio. She previously served as the Globe’s business editor and interim editorial page editor, and has been recognized as one of Boston Magazine’s “100 Most Influential People.” Before joining the Globe, she was a reporter for The Wall Street Journal. A graduate of Princeton University, Shirley began her journalism career at her hometown paper, The Baltimore Sun. Shirley is a proud daughter of Chinese immigrants and is delighted to return as an emcee for the immigrant small business pitch event for the 2nd year!

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Judges

Eric Low
Eric Low
Management Consultant at PwC, Real Estate Investor & Developer

Eric Low is a mergers and acquisitions and transformation advisor with over 20 years of experience in financial services and 10 years focused on advising corporate and private equity clients on growth, integration, and value creation. He currently works at PwC, where he specializes in evaluating operating models, identifying synergies, and supporting companies from diligence through post-close execution. Throughout his career, Eric has helped organizations assess new markets, scale operations, and make disciplined investment decisions—skills that translate directly to evaluating early-stage and small business opportunities.

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In addition to his advisory work, Eric is an active real estate investor and developer with experience analyzing cash flow, market positioning, and risk across a range of property types. His background combines strategic thinking with practical financial modeling and an operator’s mindset, allowing him to assess both the vision and execution behind a business idea.

Eric brings a balanced perspective to judging: he looks for clear customer value, realistic economics, strong founders, and the ability to scale sustainably. He is particularly interested in businesses that demonstrate thoughtful problem-solving, disciplined growth plans, and a compelling path to profitability. He is excited to support and encourage entrepreneurs building the next generation of small businesses.

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Jose Abreu
Jose Abreu
Business Banking-Relationship Manager, Eastern Bank

Jose Abreu is Business Banking–Relationship Manager at Eastern Bank with over 15 years of experience in business development, relationship building, and project management across Latin America and the U.S. Since joining Eastern Bank in 2017, Jose has supported small businesses throughout Eastern’s footprint and manages the Equity Alliance for Business, a program advancing resources and capital access for emerging entrepreneurs.

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His contributions have earned him several honors, including the Office of the President Award, the Core Values Award for Community Development and Top 20 employee volunteer. Jose actively participates in multiple employee resource groups and mentor small business owners. He has been appointed to the City of Chelsea Master Plan Steering Committee and to the Boards of the MA LGBT Chamber of Commerce and the Chelsea Chamber of Commerce. Recognized as a Next50 Leaders by ALPFA Boston in 2025 and an ALX 100 2024 honoree, Jose continues to champion financial literacy and equitable economic growth.

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Deeqo Jibril
Deeqo Jibril
Director of Small Business Development, Executive Office of Economic Development

Deeqo Jibril serves as the Director of Small Business Development at the Executive Office of Economic Development, where she works closely with the Undersecretary, Secretary, EOED agencies, quasi-public partners, and external stakeholders to coordinate cross-Secretariat strategies and advance high-impact economic development initiatives. Through leadership in strategic planning, policy formulation, and program execution, she supports the Commonwealth’s mission to promote sustainable economic growth, workforce development, and business expansion across Massachusetts. Deeqo has been on the road leading EOED’s Small Business Office Hours where she is listening to stories and connecting people with resources to help them succeed.

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Previously, she spent six years at the City of Boston’s Office of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion, working with Main Street districts and leading immigrant-focused workshops to support small business owners. A refugee from Somalia, Deeqo has been a Massachusetts resident since the age of 12, an experience that deeply informs her commitment to inclusive, community-driven economic development.

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Joan Ni
Joan Ni
Owner & Executive Leader, Suzhou-Chem Inc.

Joan Ni is a successful business owner and executive leader in the import and distribution industry, serving customers across North America. With extensive experience in the sector, she is known for reliability, professionalism, and consistent business excellence.

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In addition to her business leadership, Joan has a long-standing commitment to community service. She has served on the boards of Newton Chinese School, the New England Chinese Information and Networking Association, and the American Zhu Kezhen Education Foundation, and she is the President of the Boston Zhejiang University Alumni Association.

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Special Guests

Liz Miranda
Liz Miranda
Massachusetts Senate representing 2nd Suffolk district

Born and raised in the Dudley Street Triangle in Roxbury,MA to Cabo Verdean parents, Massachusetts State Senator Liz Miranda represents the Second Suffolk District, which includes Roxbury, Dorchester, Mattapan, Hyde Park, Mission Hill, Jamaica Plain, the South End, Roslindale, and the Fenway. Her work in the Legislature is deeply rooted in the neighborhoods that raised her and the communities she continues to serve.

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A proud graduate of Boston Public Schools and the John D. O’Bryant School of Mathematics and Science, Senator Miranda earned her bachelor’s degree from Wellesley College and is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Boston Alumnae Chapter. She served as the 143rd Commencement Speaker at Wellesley College for the Class of 2021. Her lifelong commitment to service began early, shaped by family, community, and a belief that public institutions must work for those most often left behind.

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Gialesdi Navarro
Gialesdi Navarro
2025 Immigrant Small Business Pitch Champion: The Crafty Girls

The Crafty Girls’ mission is to illuminate celebrations with creativity and connection, offering tailored craft activities that foster joy, creativity, and meaningful interactions among people of all ages. In June 2025, Gia shared her experience in support of Bill1326 to promote economic mobility through ESOL. Specifically, she highlighted how English for Immigrant Entrepreneurs class gave her the tools and language she needed to grow her business!

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Finalists

TIC Coffee Car
TIC Coffee Car

TIC Coffee Car is a coffee shop where coffee will be the star attraction. Because it’s such a versatile beverage, we can combine it with many ingredients, such as: different types of milk, matcha, chocolates, liqueurs, various syrups, and hot and cold drinks. We’ll offer seasonal and trendy options, among other things. Our name is linked to the equator, as we are from Ecuador and will be working with high-quality coffee sourced from the country, as well as chocolate, highlighting the fact that Ecuador is one of the world’s leading cocoa exporters… therefore, we have excellent quality chocolate.

But our focus doesn’t end there; our product and main focus will also be CUSTOMER SERVICE.

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MsB Manager
MsB Manager

goldMsB Manager is a SaaS platform designed for small money transfer businesses (MSBs), primarily immigrant-owned, operating in the U.S. It helps store owners centralize customer data, transaction history, and compliance documents that are currently spread across multiple remittance providers.

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Healthy Skin
Healthy Skin

silverAt Healthy Skin we have a great passion for caring for and treating the health and beauty of the skin, for creating protocols, daily routines, using technology and products, helping you feel comfortable with yourself. As a Licensed Esthetician committed to the constant and efficient search for how to keep our skin and body healthy inside and out, understanding that skin and body care is health and not vanity.

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JF-Project & Business Consulting
JF-Project & Business Consulting

JF-Project & Business Consulting helps businesses improve operations, reduce costs, and increase productivity through data-driven strategies and practical solutions.
Offer guidance, tools, and strategic planning that enable startups and established businesses to grow, innovate, and succeed.

Integrate sustainability, compliance, and community impact into every project —especially in community development initiatives.

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Los Ponys Family Child Care
Los Ponys Family Child Care

bronzeLos Ponys Family Child Care creates and offers safe stimulating and fun spaces for the care of children, promoting an active, playful, and comprehensive early education in children oriented toward ethical and cultural values.

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Mentorias Migratoria
Mentorias Migratoria

Mentorias Migratoria’s mission is to support immigrant professionals with personalized mentorship that bridges career growth, legal clarity, and cultural integration in the U.S. We envision a society where immigrant talent is fully integrated, empowered, and driving economic and social growth.

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ENB’s Immigrant-Owned Market

(Starts at 4:30PM)

New this year, we’re proud to introduce ENB’s Immigrant-Owned Market, a vibrant marketplace celebrating immigrant entrepreneurship and community. Beginning at 4:30 PM, guests are invited to meet and shop in support of immigrant entrepreneurs from our pitch alumni and community.​ From unique products to creative services, the market highlights the talent, resilience, and innovation of immigrant entrepreneurs building and growing their businesses right here in Boston.

We’re also excited to feature resource partners, including the City of Boston Small Business Unit, who will be onsite to share information, tools, and opportunities to support small business growth.

Come early, support local, and connect directly with the makers and changemakers shaping our city’s small business landscape!

Meet the entrepreneurs and partners participating in this year’s market

Event Committee

This event was made possible by the dedication and leadership of our Event Committee. Special thanks to our Committee Chair along with all committee members who contribute their time and expertise.

Lawrence Andrew

CHAIR

Lawrence Andrew
Senior Vice President/Senior Relationship Manager
Bank of America

 

Jose Abreu, Eastern Bank

Vaskar Gnyawali, Breaking

Eric Low, PwC Advisory

Elke Trilla, Wilson Sonsini

Michel Bamani, Federal Reserve Bank of Boston

Mryna Guerrero-McCabe, The Winsor School

Jonathan Sanchez, M&T Bank

Aurora Castillo Magner, Santander Bank, N.A.

Terry Kwan, Tai Tung Realty

Julie Smith-Bartoloni, The Boston Foundation

Attend the Event

Registration has closed, but you can still support this event by making a donation.

Donate

Become a Sponsor

We invite you to become a key partner in fostering diversity and innovation by sponsoring ENB’s Immigrant Small Business Pitch event. Your support will not only contribute to empowering immigrant entrepreneurs but also align your brand with a celebration of resilience, creativity, and the impactful contributions of immigrant communities to our economy and the Commonwealth. Join us in making a difference and be recognized as a champion for the dreams and success stories of aspiring immigrant business owners.

Become a SponsorDownload Sponsorship Package

Contribute to our Immigrant Entrepreneur Prize Pool

Capital is essential for every stage of a startup’s journey, which is why we celebrate our winners with cash prizes. This year, we were thrilled to launch the Immigrant Entrepreneur Prize Bank — a dedicated fund that collects donations to turn the dreams of local immigrant business owners into reality. Your contributions will provide ongoing cash awards, the cash prizes provide resources for our winners to enhance their existing businesses or embark on new entrepreneurial ventures. Every dollar you contribute creates a lasting impact and fosters opportunities for growth.

Contribute Now

Thank you to our sponsors:

Venture Capital Sponsor

Accelerator Sponsors

Seed Sponsors