By The Star Staff
Gov. Pedro Pierluisi Urrutia, accompanied by Economic Development Bank for Puerto Rico (BDE by its Spanish initials) President Luis Alemañy González, announced on Monday the return of the Urban Market to be held this year in four island towns.
The event represents a vital platform for the promotion of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) on the island.
The markets, which are free and open to the general public, will begin in Guaynabo this Saturday and will continue in San Germán on May 25, Aguadilla on June 29 and San Juan on July 4, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. They will offer diverse products for sale, ranging from gastronomy, agricultural products, handicrafts and other items, thus reflecting the creativity and variety of entrepreneurs in Puerto Rico.
“This activity stands out for highlighting the best of our culture, products and gastronomy from the hands of our small and medium-sized merchants,” the governor said in a written statement. “This event, which has been held for 15 years, has become a cultural tradition in Puerto Rico that allows our farmers, artisans and chefs to showcase their entrepreneurial spirit and local products. In my administration we recognize the hard work and dedication of so many of our entrepreneurs who have turned their dreams into a reality, creating businesses typical of our island, and at the same time generating jobs and wealth in our economy.”
Spaces such as the Urban Market, in which the BDE is investing close to $80,000, provide opportunities for merchants and artisans to enter a highly competitive market, allowing them to access new customers and a greater reach for their products,” Pierluisi added.
“Almost half of the private jobs in Puerto Rico come from our SMEs, so we firmly believe in promoting opportunities like these that help our local businesses, our small entrepreneurs and regional and state economic development,” he said.