TRENTON, NJ - Seeking to make the New Jersey Business Action Center's services more accessible to Spanish speaking business owners, Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno has announced that callers to the center will now have access to a Spanish speaking telephone representative.

The BAC serves as the state's "one-stop-shop" for business, playing a critical role in helping the state grow, retain and attract businesses and jobs.  BAC's knowledgeable phone staff provides answers to business related questions and information about the state's many business resources and services.

"Serving the needs of New Jersey's vibrant Hispanic business community is essential to growing New Jersey's economy," said Lt. Governor Guadagno. "The addition of a dedicated Spanish language service ensures that our commitment to counseling all New Jersey business owners is fulfilled." 

Last year, the call center counseled over 36,000 business people on starting a business, growing a business, applying for state financing and incentive programs, permitting and licensing matters, and other services the state offers businesses.

"With more than 68,377 Hispanic-owned businesses in New Jersey earning $10.1 billion in revenue, it is imperative to our economy that these business owners have full access to the valuable resources we offer," continued Lt. Governor Guadagno.

By calling 1-866-534-7789 and choosing a prompt for Spanish language, callers will reach a BAC Spanish language staff person.  Trained business representatives are available during regular business days from 8 am to 5 pm.

"The primary mission for the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey is to expand business opportunities for our members and for all of New Jersey's Hispanic owned businesses," said Carlos A. Medina, Esq., chairman of the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey.  "This initiative helps support that mission and we want to thank the Christie-Guadagno administration for acknowledging the contributions of Hispanic businesses to the New Jersey economy and for their continued support."

BAC is dedicated to growing New Jersey's business community.  Its mission is to foster economic vitality, grow jobs and position New Jersey as the nation's leader in retaining, growing and attracting businesses. For more information on the BAC and its unique services, entrepreneurs, small business owners and companies of all sizes are encouraged to call the BAC directly at 866-534-7789 or via the State's Business Portal at www.newjerseybusiness.gov.

During the Christie Administration's first two years, New Jersey added more than 84,000 new private-sector jobs and attracted scores of companies.  In fact, 2011 was the best private sector job growth year in New Jersey since 2000, according to Rutgers University economist Joseph Seneca.

Led by Lt. Governor Guadagno, the New Jersey Partnership for Action (PFA) supports the vital role business plays in advancing the state's economy and creating jobs.  The PFA is a three-pronged public-private approach to economic development and the starting point for all initiatives, policies, and efforts to grow New Jersey's economy and create quality, sustainable jobs in our communities.  The three elements of the PFA include BAC, which reports directly to the Lt. Governor and provides the business community with a single point of contact, applying a proactive, customer-service approach to businesses' interactions with State government; the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, serving as the state's "bank for business"; and Choose New Jersey, an independently funded and operated 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation created to encourage and nurture economic growth throughout New Jersey.

Business Facilities magazine recently presented its "Achievement in Reorganization of Economic Development" award to the PFA for its efforts to reverse the state's previously anti-business image.

Businesses considering a move or in need of assistance are encouraged to call New Jersey's Business Action Center at (866) 534-7789 or visit the State's Business Portal at www.newjerseybusiness.gov.