NPRCC Partners with Lendreams (COFECC) to bolster both organization’s commitment to economic development and community revitalization.

Pictured from left to right: Giovanna Piovanetti, Executive President of Lendreams (COFECC), Paul Vilaro, Esq., Chairman of the Board Lendreams (COFECC), DJ Lampitt, NPRCC VP of Puerto Rico Small Business Development, Coral Cotto Negrón, NPRCC San Juan Advisory Board.

The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce (NPRCC) is excited to embark on a new partnership with San Juan-based Lendreams (COFECC). This collaborative effort aims to bolster both organization’s commitment to economic development and community revitalization.

By focusing on the creation and preservation of sustainable jobs, promoting self-employment, and providing education on credit and business, our joint initiative seeks to empower small and medium-sized businesses through either establishment or expansion.

Additionally, this alliance aspires to extend Lendreams' impactful work beyond Puerto Rico, with an emphasis on expanding their presence in the Mainland United States, starting with Florida.

The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce Applauds Introduction of the Ensuring Pathways to Innovative Cures Act

Washington, D.C. (February 13, 2024) – Today, the National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce issued the following statement applauding the introduction of the Ensuring Pathways to Innovative Cures (EPIC) Act, a bill proposing to equalize the period that small-molecule drugs and biologics are exempt from government price controls under the Inflation Reduction Act.

"The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce is grateful to Reps. Greg Murphy (R-NC), Don Davis (D-NC), and Brett Guthrie (R-KY) for introducing the EPIC Act.

"We remain worried about the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act's price controls. In Puerto Rico, the bioscience industry indirectly or directly supports close to 80,000 jobs, many of which are in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Price controls will inevitably reduce the number of drugs developed, so will inevitably reduce manufacturing demand. This is especially worrisome for the Puerto Rican business community.

"But we're thrilled that Congress is working to fix the law's 'small-molecule penalty.' It made no sense for lawmakers to subject small-molecule medicines to price controls sooner than biologics. By exempting both classes of medicine from price controls for 13 years, the EPIC Act will ensure that science – not politicians – drives investment decisions for life-science researchers.  The NPRCC urges Congress to pass the EPIC Act."

About the Chamber

The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization committed to fostering entrepreneurship, innovation, and business growth throughout Puerto Rico and the U.S. mainland. We serve as an all-encompassing resource for incubating business ideas, capitalizing on new markets, seizing fresh opportunities, and advocating for policies that catalyze community growth.

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NPRCC Statement in Opposition to International Reference Pricing for Pharmaceuticals

The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce firmly opposes international reference pricing for pharmaceuticals. Our opposition is rooted in two key concerns: First, this approach can significantly delay patient access to new and innovative medicines. Second, it threatens to stifle the pharmaceutical industry's research and development, potentially leading to a decrease in the discovery of groundbreaking new treatments, while further impeding an industry vital to Puerto Rico's economy. These factors highlight the inherent risks of adopting a pricing strategy that might ultimately hinder both patient care and pharmaceutical innovation.

The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce supports U.S. Chamber of Commerce in support of "Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act"

The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce proudly stands with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in endorsing the 'Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act.' This bipartisan initiative is not only a testament to collaborative governance but also a crucial step in ensuring that lower-income Americans, including many in our community, maintain access to vital internet services. As a program that has significantly benefited seniors, veterans, and diverse urban and rural communities, its extension is imperative for continued participation in our digital economy. We urge the Senate to swiftly pass this bill, reinforcing our commitment to universal connectivity and economic empowerment.

The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce Supports Roberto Clemente Commemorative Coin Act

The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce is honored to support Representatives Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) and Jenniffer González-Colón (R-PR) as they introduce the bipartisan Roberto Clemente Commemorative Coin Act, and we proudly stand in support of this meaningful endeavor.

Roberto Clemente, an iconic figure in Major League Baseball, transcended the boundaries of sports to become a beacon of hope and inspiration for countless individuals, particularly within Puerto Rico and the broader Latino community. His legacy extends far beyond his prowess in right field; he was a humanitarian, a champion of civil rights, and a source of immense pride.

This act seeks to honor and immortalize Roberto Clemente's profound impact on our society.

Here's why it matters:

  • Recognizing a Legend: The Roberto Clemente Commemorative Coin Act aims to create a commemorative coin that pays tribute to Roberto Clemente. This coin serves as a symbol of his enduring legacy, reminding us of his extraordinary achievements on and off the baseball field.

  • A Model Player and Advocate: Clemente was not only a stellar athlete but also an unwavering advocate for civil rights and minority communities. He used his platform to bring attention to important social issues and championed the causes he believed in.

  • Bipartisan Support: This initiative has garnered bipartisan support, underscoring its significance. Representatives Espaillat and González-Colón's collaboration highlights the universal respect and admiration for Roberto Clemente's contributions.

  • Endorsements: The act has received endorsements from a wide range of organizations, including FRIENDS of the National Museum of the American Latino, NALEO Educational Fund, and The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce, among others. These endorsements reflect the widespread recognition of Clemente's enduring impact.

  • Inspiration for Future Generations: By creating a commemorative coin in Roberto Clemente's honor, the act aims to inspire future generations to embrace values of compassion, justice, and social responsibility. Clemente's life and work serve as a shining example of what one person can achieve when driven by a deep sense of purpose.

  • MLB Recognition: Representative Espaillat's previous resolution urging MLB to fully implement Roberto Clemente Day throughout the league underscores the importance of recognizing Clemente's contributions to the sport and society.

As supporters of the Roberto Clemente Commemorative Coin Act, we believe that this initiative not only pays homage to a legend but also celebrates the values of compassion, justice, and unity that Roberto Clemente embodied throughout his remarkable life.

We invite you to join us in advocating for this act and honoring the enduring legacy of Roberto Clemente. Let us come together to ensure that his contributions to American society, particularly to Puerto Rican and Latino communities, are remembered and celebrated for generations to come.

Together, we can make a difference and continue to champion the causes that Roberto Clemente held dear. Stay tuned for updates, and let us work together to keep his spirit alive.

The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce Issues Statement in Support of Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)

The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce issued the following statement in response to the Biden Administration’s recent proposal to increase funding to the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a vital contributor to improving economic opportunities for Puerto Rican communities around the country:

“The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce (NPRCC) extends its robust support to the Biden Administration's proposal for amplifying the funding allocated to the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Recognizing the crucial role of digital connectivity in stimulating economic growth and nurturing community resilience, the NPRCC underscores the indispensable nature of the ACP. By offering subsidized internet services, the program has played a central role in narrowing the digital divide, enabling all businesses, including Puerto Rican-owned and operated businesses, as well as individuals and families to fully engage in the digital economy.

Recent data highlights the significant impact of the ACP on the country, with studies noting how the ACP has facilitated internet connectivity for hundreds of thousands of Puerto Rican households across the country, a critical lifeline in the digital era. This connectivity has overcome geographical barriers, allowing Puerto Ricans everywhere to pursue their educational, entrepreneurial, and professional endeavors without interruption. The subsequent enhancement in online business operations has notably invigorated local economies and expanded the scope of opportunities for our communities.

The NPRCC ardently believes that by fortifying the financial backbone of the ACP, an investment is made into a vessel that not only empowers the Puerto Rican business landscape but also enriches the socio-economic fabric of our society. We, therefore, urge Congress to heed this call for further support and promptly act to ensure the fiscal fortitude of the ACP, thereby securing an inclusive digital future for industrious Americans across the country. The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce remains steadfast in its commitment to advocating policies that propel economic vibrancy and societal advancement in Puerto Rico.”

The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce Issues Statement Against CMS Price Controls List

The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce issued the following statement in response to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) unveiling its inaugural list of medicines within Medicare subject to government-mandated price controls:

“The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce steadfastly supports policies aimed at reducing and controlling the cost of prescription medications for communities nationwide. However, we contend that the government and CMS's recent decision to promulgate a list of prices set in an arbitrary manner may yield more harm than good. Such an approach could have long-lasting ramifications that stymie research and development in pharmaceuticals, thereby undermining potential life-saving innovations and the overall well-being of the American populace.”

T-Mobile Announces Latest Round of Hometown Grants

Our partners at T-Mobile have some exciting news to share!


T-Mobile is thrilled to announce the latest round of Hometown Grant recipients as part of their five-year, $25 million initiative to support small towns across America. With these 25 new recipients, T-Mobile has now distributed nearly $9 million to 200 communities, creating meaningful change throughout America's small towns.

More than 40 states have now received a Hometown Grant. In this latest round, T-Mobile will aid the Edgewood School in Goldsboro, North Carolina in developing its first-ever STEM program, which will focus on students with disabilities. They will also install free, public Wi-Fi in downtown Paxton, Illinois to provide connectivity for residents and local businesses.

With a record of over 600 applications this time around, the growing interest in Hometown Grants is a testament to the profound impact T-Mobile is making on small towns across the country.

Any American town with fewer than 50,000 people is encouraged to apply for a Hometown Grant at this link: https://lnkd.in/d4cegYB

Twenty-five new recipients will be announced quarterly through 2026.

For more information, you can read the full press release at the link below:
https://lnkd.in/ekvtdMrx

Grow with Google Launches Cybersecurity Certificate

Our friends at Google, are committed to contributing to a safer internet for all. They have long worked to protect people, businesses, and governments by sharing their expertise and advancing cybersecurity tools and resources.

To help build a more robust and diverse cyber workforce, they're excited to announce the launch of the new Google Cybersecurity Certificate! This expansion of the Google Career Certificates program will help anyone — no previous experience required — develop the skills needed to enter the fast-growing cybersecurity field.

All NPRCC Small Business Members and their employees are eligible to obtain a Google Career Certificate at no cost! To learn more contact us at info@nprchamber.org.

#GrowPR #GrowWithGoogle

NPRCC & Unlock Capital announce partnership to support Puerto Rico's Small Business Ecosystem

The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce and Unlock Capital announced their partnership in support of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Puerto Rico at the Unlock Capital 2023 Cohort Kick-Off.

Unlock Capital participants will benefit from NPRCC's vast network of investors in Puerto Rico and on the mainland and complimentary NPRCC Small Business Memberships.

Future events and collaborations to come, so stay tuned. Here's to working together and building the case for investing in Puerto Rican businesses! #GrowPR

Coalition for Food Security ✦ Puerto Rico

Joint Statement by the Coalition for Food Security Puerto Rico, National Organizations and Stakeholder Groups in Support of Transitioning Puerto Rico to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Puerto Rico is home to U.S. citizens who deserve participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The 2023 Farm Bill provides the opportunity to transition Puerto Rico into SNAP and finally afford people residing in the territory parity to nutrition benefits offered in the states, Guam and USVI.

SNAP is the most critical anti-hunger program supporting nutrition, health, and economic well-being. Yet, people living in Puerto Rico were excluded from the program in 1981 and locked into a capped federal block grant known as the Nutrition Assistance Program (NAP). Over the past forty years, Puerto Rico's exclusion from the program has exacerbated poverty and food insecurity for low-income families, children, the elderly, and veterans. When implemented, the transition resulted in an automatic 25% reduction in aid.

Currently, the maximum monthly benefit for people receiving NAP in Puerto Rico averages 41 percent less than SNAP in the 48 states and D.C. With inflation, food supply chain challenges, and increasing poverty, families are facing even greater hardships.

The block grant severely limits Puerto Rico's ability to respond to necessary changes. NAP has no equivalent to Disaster-SNAP, so disasters or emergencies require new and separate appropriations by Congress, which can take months. Following Hurricane Maria in September 2017, people in Puerto Rico waited six months to receive additional nutrition aid.

Since NAP is not need-based like SNAP, U.S. citizens living in Puerto Rico receive uneven benefits as enrollment levels go up or down. Given reduced funding, NAP has stricter eligibility requirements, so people have lower income levels than those in the states. People receiving NAP make hard decisions about food, nutrition, health, and housing every day. SNAP provides essential support to workers in low-income jobs as they seek employment and financial security for their families.

Nearly one in three NAP households in Puerto Rico is a person aged 60 or older, and 56% of all households are people living alone. Families with children, older adults, children, the working poor, and persons with disabilities represent 80% of all NAP households. Right now, a single-person household receives $1.83 per meal at the maximum monthly benefit, and many people receive even lower monthly benefits. 

The nutrition aid provided to Puerto Rico helps the U.S. economy with 75% of imported food purchased from the U.S. Puerto Rico's purchases greatly support U.S. manufacturing, distribution, farming, and transportation. Puerto Rico's executive and legislative branches of government are already committed and preparing for a SNAP transition.

The 2023 Farm Bill presents Congress with the opportunity to include Puerto Rico in SNAP through a systemic transition that provides equitable nutrition benefits to its residents. We ask you to support Puerto Rico’s participation in SNAP.

Foundation for Puerto Rico Partners with The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce to Reach Diaspora

Looking to pursue a socioeconomic transformation for the island, Foundation for Puerto Rico (FPR) has established a collaboration agreement with The National Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce (NPRCC) to promote relationships among Puerto Rican entrepreneurs in the mainland U.S., Puerto Rico-based business owners and communities on the island.

“Puerto Rico is much more than 100 x 35. In 2018, the Puerto Rican population in the United States reached 5.8 million according to the federal Census Bureau,” said Alan Taveras, Director of Development and Marketing at FPR.

“Through this collaboration, both entities serve as a bridge between the diaspora and Puerto Ricans on the island,” Taveras. “We believe that the entrepreneurial community of Puerto Ricans residing in the states is crucial to the economic development of the island and the growth of its businesses.”

As part of the collaboration agreement, FPR will supply NPRCC with educational content and resources to enrich the organization’s website, enabling more vendors and business owners to access free workshops and training sessions that cover subjects such as innovation, visitor economy, the benefits of doing business on the island, resilience and sustainability.

Additionally, both organizations will encourage joint participation in debates, forums, and discussion panels focused on the subject of Puerto Rico’s economic development.

“There’s a saying that goes, ‘Somos Uno Solo Pueblo,’ that refers to the relationship between Puerto Rico and the diaspora. This association between NPRCC and FPR puts this saying into action,” said Joel Berrocal, Executive Director of the NPRCC.

The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce & The Puerto Rico Blockchain Trade Association partner to promote Web3, Blockchain, & Act 60 literacy in Puerto Rico

San Juan, Puerto Rico - February 6th, 2023  - In an effort to educate its members about Web 3, Blockchain Technology, Crypto Currencies, and Act 60 Tax Incentives, The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce (NPRCC), is announcing a collaborative agreement with The Puerto Rico Blockchain Trade Association (PRBTA) to jointly promote literacy on the island and mainland US as well as create networking opportunities while supporting each other’s projects and initiatives.

“In the last eighteen months, our educational and community outreach program has held over 70+ meetups and webinars for over 3,000+ individuals. We are also doing workshops on Ley 60 to encourage the diaspora to return to Puerto Rico,” said Keiko Yoshino, Executive Director for the Puerto Rico Blockchain Trade Association. “Through this joint effort, we hope to continue in our mission to educate and help NPRCC stay knowledgeable about emerging technologies and tax incentives for their businesses” she added.

NPRCC Executive Director, Joel Berrocal had this to say: “At the NPRCC, we strive to provide our members with the best educational resources available.  One of our main focuses is to leverage our partners to provide our members with valuable educational resources and networking opportunities.  With that being said, we are thrilled to announce the collaboration with PRBTA and the educational and networking opportunities it will bring to our members.  This alliance will provide our members with the opportunity to stay ahead of the curve as it pertains to things like the Act 60 Tax Incentives along with Web3/Blockchain technologies. 

To learn more about The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce visit our website www.nprchamber.org/

To learn more about The Puerto Rico Blockchain Trade Association and its CryptoCurious initiatives, visit www.prblockchain.org or their social media pages: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn.

The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce

The NPRCC is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization created to support the development of entrepreneurship, innovation, and business expansion throughout Puerto Rico and the U.S. Mainland by providing a comprehensive resource for incubating business ideas, leveraging new markets, taking advantage of new opportunities, and advocating for policies that help our communities grow.

The Puerto Rico Blockchain Trade Association

The Puerto Rico Blockchain Trade Association exists to connect blockchain entrepreneurs to

communities and peers contributing to make positive changes in Puerto Rico while representing

members’ interests on and off the island. For more information, visit www.prblockchain.org.

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The Facts on Verizon's Broadband Deployment

Our friends at Verizon continue to make progress in closing the digital divide. Below is a recent article they shared, which discusses the details of their work.

Verizon understands the urgency of the need to close the digital divide and solve the underlying reasons why some people are not connected. The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce is proud to support Verizon to address the issues of broadband adoption

American Edge Project Launches 2023 Toolkit

WASHINGTON, D.C. — As the 118th session of Congress convenes, the American Edge Project (AEP), a coalition of nearly two dozen domestic organizations, today released a new toolkit outlining the importance of supporting and strengthening American technological innovation and why lawmakers must look to smart policy solutions that strengthen America’s ability to compete on the global stage.

“American technology and innovation aren’t just components of our economy; they are the very backbone of our national security, economic prosperity, small business success, and advancement of our democratic values,” said Doug Kelly, CEO of American Edge. “U.S. competitiveness and exceptionalism depend on our ability to strengthen our domestic technological leadership. Misguided policies that weaken America’s tech innovators undermine the foundation that has propelled the United States to be a global tech leader. The stakes are too high for Congress to get this wrong.”

The toolkit highlights how domestic technology and innovation have protected Americans, helped spread democratic values, and strengthened the U.S. economy and small businesses. It outlines the importance of maintaining America’s edge and how U.S. leadership in this critical space is no longer guaranteed, especially as competition from foreign adversaries, namely China, continues to grow.

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About the American Edge Project

The American Edge Project is a coalition of domestic organizations representing a cross-section of U.S. innovators who are dedicated to telling the story about technology’s positive influence on America’s economy and the vital role innovation plays in our society. Former New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez, former U.S. Representative Chris Carney, and former Federal Election Commission Chairman Bradley A. Smith are directors of the American Edge Project. AEP’s National Security Advisory Board is comprised of Former White House Counterterrorism and Homeland Security Advisor Frances Townsend; retired four-star General Joseph F. Dunford Jr., United States Marine Corps (USMC), who served as former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; and former Acting Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Michael J. Morell. Former U.S. Senators Saxby Chambliss (R-GA) and Kent Conrad (D-ND) serve as Co-Chairs of the Project’s Economic Advisory Board. Former U.S. Representative Greg Walden (R-OR) serves as the Chair of the Project’s Open & Accessible Internet Advisory Board. Visit AmericanEdgeProject.org for more information.

The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce partners with Google to offer Members and their Employees Google Career Certificates

WASHINGTON D.C. - January 5th, 2023 - The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce (NPRCC) is partnering with Google to offer their Small Business Members and Member employees Career Certificates in Data Analytics, IT Support, and Project Management at no cost, announced NPRCC National Director of Operations, Joel Berrocal.

Since 2018, Google.org has provided more than $60 million in funding for nonprofit organizations to provide digital skills and wraparound support to learners from underserved communities to complete the Google Career Certificates. No prior experience is needed for NPRCC Small Business Members or their employees to take Google’s online certification programs, which aim to prepare individuals for entry-level roles in fields that are projected to grow over the next 10 years. They are created and taught by Google employees. As stackable credentials, the certificates can be credited toward a four-year degree at select colleges and universities, and are available in 100 community colleges in the U.S. Graduates can also submit their resumes to an employer consortium of over 150 companies.

“The NPRCC feels cultivating a more skilled, diverse workforce is of the utmost importance. We believe these are important, transformative courses that allow our Small Business Members and their employees to have hands-on, applied skills, which are very much needed in today’s competitive workforce. We’re very grateful to Google for allowing us to be one of the first Hispanic organizations in the country to have this partnership and bring such a valuable opportunity to the Puerto Rican community in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. There’s lots of excitement and anticipation. We think it’s going to be of very high interest to our Members and their teams,” Berrocal said.

For additional information about the Google Career Certificates Program, visit our website at nprchamber.org or email us at info@nprchamber.org.