28-02-2025
Ponce Bank revitalizes Bronx small businesses with state funding
NEW YORK (PIX11) – It was the who's who of the Bronx at Ponce Bank headquarters on Westchester Avenue. From City and State leaders to everyday people, everyone was on the same mission: to help small businesses thrive.
A newly renovated community bank branch was unveiled in the Bronx.
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The state has invested millions of dollars in small businesses in the Bronx. Last September, it made a $35 million investment; in May, it made another $20 million.
Al Amin is the owner of Hala Fresh on Westchester Avenue. Amin is from Bangladesh. He opened his restaurant here on Westchester Avenue four years ago. He says he couldn't have done it without funding.
It was last September when PIX11 News first visited Ponce Bank president and CEO Carlos Naudon.
He received a $35 million check from the state to help Bronx small businesses. It's a new look but the same mission, Naudon says, helping the undeserved but most deserving.
Ponce Bank is taking part in what's called the Banking Development District Program.
It's designed to stimulate and revitalize the economies of neighborhoods underserved by banks.
Naudon says every day, it's his personal mission to fight for small businesses in the city.
Naudon came to America from humble beginnings, arriving at the age of 13 from Chile with nothing but a suitcase and a dream. Now, the president says it's hard not to get emotional.
He says he sees himself in the community he now serves.
With more than $3 billion in assets, Naudon says it's always about the people.
He launched the Ponce Bank small business boot camp in 2020, helping 1400 small businesses not just survive but thrive.
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