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JAMESTOWN – A downtown Jamestown business is receiving recognition for their resilience during the pandemic.
The Hotspot Café at 101 E 3rd St. was presented with the new JCC Entrepreneur of the Year Award during a ceremony on Thursday morning.
The Small Business Development Center at SUNY JCC launched the effort to recognize area small businesses who have adapted to pandemic challenges, something owner Hector Alverio is all too familiar with.
Alverio, with the help of small business experts and his wife Michelle, opened his business a week before the pandemic shutdown in February 2020. He says he is blessed to have not only survived, but to have thrived.
“I was nervous, don’t get me wrong, I put a lot of money into this business, but I took a shot at it and I made it, so I’m very happy,” said Alverio. When asked what his message to his customers is, he said, “Don’t give up, people give up too quick, keep it going, if you want to start something, start it.”
The Hotspot Café isn’t the only business receiving recognition, as the Small Business Development Center is honoring three other establishments in Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Allegany counties ahead of National Small Business week.
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