About HURF Chapter

Empowering small business in our communities since 2020

Our Mission

"To support, promote, and advocate for small businesses in the HURF region, fostering an environment where local entrepreneurs can thrive, grow, and sustain the economic vitality of our communities."

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Support

Providing resources, training, and mentorship to help businesses succeed

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Promote

Amplifying the voices and visibility of HURF businesses

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Advocate

Fighting for policies that benefit small business growth

The HURF Region

A Vibrant Economic Corridor

The HURF region—comprising Hempstead, Uniondale, Roosevelt, and Freeport—represents one of the most culturally vibrant and economically potent corridors on Long Island.

This area is a true mosaic of the American dream, characterized by a rich diversity of African American, Caribbean, Hispanic, and immigrant communities who have built a dynamic local economy from the ground up.

From the bustling commerce of the Village of Hempstead and the educational hubs of Uniondale to the historic civic pride of Roosevelt and the nautical economy of Freeport, the region offers a unique blend of industries.

This diversity is our strength, providing a vast marketplace of ideas, goods, and services that reflects the global nature of modern business while maintaining a distinct, tight-knit community identity.

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Four Communities, One Vision

Hempstead

Bustling commerce and retail hub with diverse business ecosystem

Uniondale

Educational institutions and professional services center

Roosevelt

Historic civic pride with strong community-based businesses

Freeport

Nautical economy, maritime industries, and waterfront commerce

Our Story

The HURF Chapter of the National Small Business Chamber of Commerce was founded in 2020 by a coalition of local business owners who recognized that the unique challenges facing minority-owned and immigrant-owned businesses in our region required a dedicated, hyper-local response.

While traditional chambers of commerce serve broader geographic areas, our founders understood that Hempstead, Uniondale, Roosevelt, and Freeport share distinct economic characteristics, demographic profiles, and systemic barriers that demand specialized advocacy and support.

Since our inception, we have grown from a grassroots network of 15 founding businesses to a thriving community of over 100 member organizations. Our success is measured not just in membership numbers, but in tangible outcomes: businesses securing their first government contracts, entrepreneurs accessing capital previously out of reach, and a unified voice at town board meetings advocating for small business-friendly policies.

We are more than a business organization—we are a movement dedicated to ensuring that the American dream of entrepreneurship is accessible to all, regardless of background, zip code, or access to traditional networks of power.

Our Core Values

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Community First

We believe in the power of local community. Every decision we make prioritizes the collective benefit of HURF businesses over individual gain. We rise together.

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Diversity & Inclusion

Our region's diversity is our greatest strength. We actively celebrate and support businesses from all cultural backgrounds, ensuring every voice is heard and valued.

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Innovation & Growth

We encourage businesses to embrace change, adopt new technologies, and continuously improve. Stagnation is not an option in today's dynamic marketplace.

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Transparency & Integrity

We operate with complete openness in our finances, decision-making, and advocacy efforts. Trust is the foundation of our community.

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Results-Driven

We measure our success by the tangible outcomes we deliver: businesses funded, contracts secured, policies changed, and entrepreneurs empowered.

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Education & Empowerment

Knowledge is power. We invest heavily in training, workshops, and mentorship programs that equip business owners with the skills to succeed independently.

Our Leadership

Meet the dedicated business owners leading the HURF Chapter

JD

Jane Doe

Chapter President

Owner, Doe's Bakery, Hempstead

MS

Michael Smith

Vice President

Founder, Smith Tech Solutions, Uniondale

AR

Angela Rodriguez

Treasurer

Owner, Rodriguez Consulting, Roosevelt

KJ

Kevin Johnson

Secretary

CEO, Johnson Marine Services, Freeport

LP

Lisa Patel

Programs Director

Owner, Patel Family Market, Hempstead

DW

David Williams

Advocacy Chair

Principal, Williams Law Firm, Uniondale

Interested in joining our leadership team?

Get Involved

HURF Chapter Impact

100+
Member Businesses
$2M+
Capital Accessed
45
Government Contracts Secured
200+
Workshop Attendees

Join us in building a stronger HURF business community

Become a Member