A passion for small business stories
After years of working closely with local entrepreneurs, Barbara Martinez saw firsthand both the passion and the challenges behind running a small business. A former Director of Communications at the Orange County Chamber of Commerce and former Director of the Goshen Chamber of Commerce, Martinez has long been deeply connected to the Hudson Valley business community.
“I’ve always loved telling small business stories,” Martinez said. “Before, during, and even outside of my chamber work, I was interviewing small businesses just because I wanted people to know who the owner was and what the story behind the business was.”
Turning stories into action
Martinez previously hosted multiple radio shows and created a popular community series, “Where in the Hudson Valley is Barbara Martinez?” In these interviews, she went behind the scenes of local businesses, giving owners a chance to share their journeys directly with the public.
“People loved it,” she recalled. “They wanted to know the owner. They wanted to know the story. When people understand the story, they want to support the business.”
HV Business Link’s hands-on support hub, created to help small businesses grow and connect.
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Creating HV Business Link
That passion eventually led to the creation of HV Business Link, based at 28 North Street in Middletown, a hands-on support hub designed specifically for small businesses.
“My reasoning for doing HV Business Link is simple,” Martinez said. “I want to make it easier for small businesses. I want to connect them with reputable resources, teach them how to promote themselves, and give them the tools they need to survive and grow.”
A hub for connections
Martinez describes herself as a “hub” — someone who knows local businesses personally and can connect them efficiently.
“If someone says, ‘Barb, do you know a good…?’ I say yes, and I introduce them,” she said. “That’s it. No stress, no searching. Just real connections.”
HV Business Link invites small business owners to connect, collaborate, and grow. “Your business should make people feel like they’ve just met their new favorite person… Let’s connect,” Martinez said.
Her goal is simple: helping small businesses thrive through real, meaningful connections.
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