Chamber Assists Member in Obtaining $20K Grant

By Michael Anderson, Staten Island Chamber of Commerce

Two minutes is not a lot of time. But for Sarahi Marquez, those 120 seconds made the difference in receiving a $20,000 grant.

Thanks to her determination - and the continued support of the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce - Sarahi Marquez, owner of San Jeronimo Restaurant & Bakery in Port Richmond, was recently awarded a $20,000 grant through the Santander X Cultivate Small Business Program.

The grant came after Sarahi completed a rigorous 12-week, MBA-style training that included virtual classes on bookkeeping, customer relations, budgeting, and business planning. She also had to pitch her business to a panel of judges, where she emphasized her strong community focus and growth vision.

“I was in shock. I couldn’t believe it,” Sarahi said of the moment she learned she had won the top award at Santander’s July 1 ceremony. “I did push myself, and I received a lot of support from my staff. They were so helpful and positive. They kept telling me I could do it.”

Sarahi’s journey to the award began in late January 2025, when she contacted the Chamber’s Small Business Resource Network (SBRN) Supervisor, Michael Anderson, after facing an HVAC issue. Michael recommended the Santander grant program, which was open to small businesses in several cities, including New York. Sarahi submitted her application at 11:58 p.m. - just two minutes before the midnight deadline.

Sarahi also had to pitch her business towards the end of the program. Additionally, Michael referred her to several free mentoring resources, including The Acceleration Project and The Harvard Business School Club of New York, which she could contact.  

“They worked to give me a guideline about what my business is. For me, I know what my business is. But to an outsider, what do they think my business is?” she said. “One of the things I mentioned is that I’m very community-oriented.”

Marquez plans to use the grant funding to invest in new equipment and social media campaigns to grow her business.

This marks the third $20,000 grant recently secured by Chamber-assisted businesses through the SBRN. Enrique Vargas of Citi Fades Barbershop & SMP and Dr. Mecca Nelson of Mecca’s City of Wholeness each received NYC Boss Up Veterans grants after referrals from the Chamber team.

“This grant highlights the vital role the NYC Small Business Resource Network and our Chamber play in uplifting local entrepreneurs,” said Linda Baran, President and CEO of the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce. “In today’s challenging economy, every dollar makes a difference, and we’re proud to see Staten Island’s own San Jeronimo Restaurant recognized and supported.”

Sarahi has long been involved with the Chamber, previously participating in its Verizon Digital Inclusion Program and the inaugural Leading Ladies Collective. She also received a new business website through the Chamber’s Open + Online program.

If you’re a small business owner seeking resources or support, contact the Chamber’s SBRN team at businesshelp@sichamber.com or call 718-727-1900.