A – B | NJBIZ In the Lead 2026: Minority-Owned Businesses

1st Street Partnerships

Founded in 2023 by brothers Monk and Ifiok Inyang, 1st Street Partnerships aims to future-proof equity by designing training programs on generative AI adoption that empower entrepreneurs of color by providing them with the tools and strategies needed to thrive.

Using its signature “Anchored Intelligence” framework, the Essex County-based firm aims to emphasize human judgment and professional expertise as the foundation for developing AI-related skills.

In addition to teaching and coaching students, entrepreneurs and working professionals on how to effectively use AI, 1st Street Partnerships collaborates with academic institutions, governments, organizations and companies. Just a few of its partnerships include Morgan State University in Baltimore, Harlem Fashion Row and a luxury premium tequila brand founded by actor-comedian Kevin Hart. It also collaborated twice with New Jersey Institute of Technology in Newark on AI-related courses for the school’s Learning Development Initiative.

Monk Inyang – the company’s CEO – recently told NJBIZ, “We are at a moment where AI is reshaping the workforce from two directions. Companies are embedding AI into everyday workflows and expecting fluency from their teams. At the same time, we are living through a layoff generation, with many professionals navigating transitions and exploring entrepreneurship. In both cases, AI literacy is a foundational skill required to compete.”

Adenah Bayoh & Cos.

Adenah Bayoh is a restaurateur, real estate developer and entrepreneur whose work spans hospitality, community development and affordable housing. A native of Liberia, Bayoh came to the United States at age 13 after fleeing the country’s civil war. Inspired by her grandmother, who operated a small restaurant in Liberia, Bayoh built a business career centered on food, community and opportunity.

At 27, she became one of the youngest franchisees in the country when she opened her first IHOP restaurant in Irvington. Today, she owns three IHOP franchises across North Jersey and operates a broader restaurant portfolio that includes Cornbread, a farm-to-table soul food concept she co-founded in 2017, and Brick City Vegan, a plant-based restaurant focused on accessible, community-oriented dining. Her restaurants operate across New Jersey and New York.

Beyond hospitality, Bayoh has become an active real estate developer through her Foya Development Group, focusing on mixed-use and affordable housing projects in cities such as Newark, Irvington and Atlantic City. Her developments include residential communities, mixed-use properties and senior housing projects designed to revitalize neighborhoods while expanding access to housing.

Through both her restaurant ventures and development work, Bayoh has focused on creating jobs, investing in communities and expanding economic opportunities across New Jersey.

Artech

Artech is a Morristown-based IT staffing and workforce solutions firm that helps companies and government agencies address complex talent and technology needs. Founded in 1992 by Ranjini Poddar and Ajay Poddar, the company has grown into the largest women-owned IT staffing firm in the U.S., with more than three decades of experience connecting organizations with skilled professionals and technology services.

Artech provides a range of services including contingent staffing, direct hire, project hiring, recruitment process outsourcing, payroll and transaction services, and statement-of-work–based delivery. The company also offers managed services in areas such as cloud computing, cybersecurity, applications, infrastructure and digital experience, helping clients build and manage modern technology environments.

The firm works with more than 200 Fortune 500 and government clients across industries including technology, financial services, life sciences, manufacturing and retail. Today, Artech supports its clients through a global workforce of more than 11,500 professionals and a network of more than 650 recruiters operating from delivery centers worldwide.

Astir IT Solutions Inc.

Astir IT Solutions Inc. is a South Plainfield-based IT consulting, outsourcing and application development firm that helps organizations leverage technology to improve operations and achieve business goals. Founded in 2001 by Kishore Ganji and Srilalitha Bhattaram, the company began as a small home-based operation with two employees and has grown into a multinational technology services provider supporting clients across the U.S. and around the world.

Astir offers a broad range of services, custom application development, mobile application development, project management and infrastructure support. The company works with organizations to analyze their technology needs, design tailored solutions and provide the skilled IT professionals required to implement and manage complex projects.

Over time, it has expanded into a broader network known as the Astir Family of Companies, which includes Astir Services, Astir Technologies, Astir Analytics and Astir Ventures. These divisions provide specialized expertise in areas such as data analytics, business intelligence, IT project delivery and technology investments.

Astir’s consultants work with a range of organizations, including Fortune 500 companies, helping them modernize systems, improve efficiency and strengthen data-driven decision-making. The company has also been recognized by NJBIZ as one of New Jersey’s Top 250 Privately Owned Companies.

Aurobindo Pharma USA

Aurobindo Pharma USA Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of global pharmaceutical manufacturer Aurobindo Pharma, headquartered in East Windsor. The company distributes and manufactures a broad portfolio of generic pharmaceuticals and specialty medicines, serving health care providers and patients across the U.S.

Part of India-based Aurobindo Pharma, founded in 1986 by P.V. Ramprasad Reddy and K. Nityananda Reddy, the U.S. division was established in 2004 and has since expanded into a major hub for manufacturing, packaging and distribution. Its East Windsor campus includes a 567,000-square-foot automated distribution center that supports nationwide delivery of pharmaceutical products.

Aurobindo Pharma USA operates a vertically integrated supply chain that spans active pharmaceutical ingredient production, formulation, manufacturing, packaging and distribution. The company markets more than 250 active pharmaceutical ingredients and over 225 product families across dosage forms including oral solids, injectables, topicals, ophthalmics and inhalation products.

The company also oversees several affiliated divisions, including Aurolife Pharma, AuroMedics and Aurohealth, which focus on manufacturing, specialty injectables and over-the-counter medicines. Through its integrated operations and global manufacturing network, Aurobindo Pharma USA serves customers in more than 100 countries while focusing on efficient production and affordable medicines.

Axtria

Axtria Inc. is a Berkeley Heights-based technology and analytics company that provides cloud software and AI-driven data solutions for the global life sciences industry. Founded in 2010 by Jaswinder “Jassi” Chadha, the company helps pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device organizations turn complex data into actionable insights that improve commercial performance and patient outcomes.

Axtria’s platform combines artificial intelligence, advanced analytics and cloud-based software to help life sciences companies make faster, more informed decisions across both clinical and commercial operations. Its product suite includes solutions such as Axtria SalesIQ, CustomerIQ, MarketingIQ and DataMAx, which support sales performance, customer engagement, marketing analytics and enterprise data management. The company also offers its Axtria InsightsMAx.ai platform, designed to help organizations scale AI applications and deploy data-driven decision tools across their operations.

Today, Axtria supports more than 100 life sciences companies in over 75 countries, including many of the world’s largest pharmaceutical firms. The company employs 3,600-plus professionals globally with a focus on helping organizations move from raw data to insights and action, enabling more efficient commercialization of therapies and improved patient access to treatments.

Bagel Bazaar

Headquartered in Hamilton, Bagel Bazaar is known in New Jersey’s breakfast scene for its mix of classic standbys and eye-catching creations. Since the first shop opened 39 years ago in Edison, the chain has grown to 10 locations statewide. It also bakes and ships bagels to customers across the U.S. and Canada.

CEO Paul Salas is ushering in the chain’s next phase of growth via a newly launched franchise program. Through the model, Bagel Bazaar aims to have 50 franchisees by 2030. Its long-term goal is to reach 250 units by 2040.

After growing up in New Brunswick, Salas began working behind the counter at the Franklin Park store in 1994 when he was just 15 years old. By age 20, he invested in his first store and began laying the foundation of a lifelong career with the brand.

“The bagel had so much power and endless possibilities for myself and the communities that support us,” said Salas, whose mother came from Puerto Rico and father immigrated from Peru.

As a minority-owned company, Bagel Bazaar is also committed to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion in all aspects across the 200-person operation. Nearly 50% of the business is made up of women.

Basic Commerce & Industries Inc.

Basic Commerce & Industries Inc. is an engineering and technology company that provides technical solutions and consulting services for government and commercial clients, particularly in the defense and aerospace sectors. The company was founded in 1981 by Sailesh Chowdhury, who serves as its president and CEO. And Chowdhury has grown BCI from a small consulting operation into a specialized provider of engineering, software and technical services supporting major defense and aviation programs.

BCI delivers a range of capabilities including systems engineering, weapons and combat systems engineering, radar and communications systems development, interoperability engineering, operational systems, safety and IT security. Its engineers support the development, testing and integration of complex military and aviation technologies used by agencies such as the U.S. Department of Defense, the U.S. Navy and the Federal Aviation Administration.

The company also develops radar signal processing systems and weather radar technologies used in tactical and aviation applications. BCI’s teams provide expertise across the full life cycle of technical programs, from research and development to certification, deployment and operational support.

Headquartered in Moorestown, BCI operates additional locations in New Jersey and Pennsylvania supporting defense, aviation and government customers.

BAW Development
NJ Jackals
New York Cosmos

Baye Adofo-Wilson is a real estate developer, attorney and entrepreneur whose career spans community development, public service and professional sports. A Paterson native and U.S. Army veteran, Adofo-Wilson has more than 25 years of experience working on projects focused on urban revitalization, historic preservation, arts and cultural districts, and affordable and mixed-income housing.

He is the CEO of BAW Development, a firm involved in redevelopment initiatives across New Jersey.

Adofo-Wilson is also active in professional sports through Hinchliffe Sports Partners, through which he owns the NJ Jackals professional baseball team and a majority stake in the New York Cosmos soccer club. Both teams play at the restored Hinchliffe Stadium in Paterson, a historic venue he helped redevelop.

In March, Hinchliffe Sports Partners launched a new partnership with William Paterson University, creating internship and training opportunities for students while strengthening community ties. The Cosmos also made their debut at Hinchliffe Stadium March 14, marking another milestone in the stadium’s revival and Paterson’s growing sports and cultural presence.

BCT Partners LLC

BCT Partners is an East Brunswick-based management consulting and analytics firm that helps organizations address complex social challenges through data-driven strategies, research and technology solutions. Founded in 2001 by Randal Pinkett, Lawrence Hibbert, Jeffrey Robinson and Dallas Grundy, the minority-owned company works with government agencies, corporations, nonprofit organizations and philanthropic foundations to develop programs that promote economic opportunity and social impact.

The firm specializes in areas such as data analytics and artificial intelligence, information technology, management consulting, research and evaluation, and training and technical assistance. BCT Partners focuses on sectors including housing and community development, workforce development, health, education, economic development, and children and family services. By combining domain expertise with advanced analytics and program management, the company helps clients design, implement and measure initiatives aimed at improving outcomes for communities.

BCT Partners employs a multidisciplinary approach that brings together researchers, technologists and policy experts to tackle large-scale challenges. The company’s culture is guided by the South African principle of Ubuntu – “I am because we are” – emphasizing collaboration, shared responsibility and community-centered solutions. The firm has been recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Best Management Consulting Firms and has appeared on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies.

The BLOC Society

Based in Elizabeth, The BLOC Society is a 100% minority women-owned full-service construction and investment firm. Co-founded in 2021 by Natasha Davis and Natalie Prisock, the firm – whose name stands for Black Ladies of Construction – aims to foster economic empowerment and redevelopment in underserved communities by increasing minority participation in real estate and real estate investing.

By providing mentorship, education and resources, The BLOC Society hopes to empower individuals to become confident, knowledgeable real estate investors and community builders. In turn, that will help create a more inclusive and equitable construction industry across the state, the firm believes.

In 2023, the organization expanded its mission by launching The BLOC Foundation, a nonprofit arm dedicated to workforce development and community empowerment among women, minorities, veterans, high school dropouts and recently incarcerated individuals.

Since then, it has secured almost $850,000 in grants through the state Department of Labor and Workforce Development’s New Jersey Builders Utilization Initiative for Labor Diversity and NJLEAD to offer curriculum-based programs on the skills and tools necessary for careers in construction and real estate. The BLOC Society also just announced a partnership with New Jersey City University to transform an underused campus space into a workforce training hub.

Boraie Development

Boraie Development, a family-led real estate firm in New Brunswick, has spent over 35 years reshaping urban landscapes across the state. Founded by Omar Boraie, the company has grown under the leadership of Omar and his sons, Wasseem and Sam, earning a reputation for high-quality, transformative developments that revitalize cities while attracting tenants, residents and financial partners.

The firm specializes in mixed-use, transit-oriented projects, combining residential, retail and community spaces to create vibrant, sustainable neighborhoods. Notable developments include ICONIQ 777 in Newark, a 370-unit mixed-use tower developed in partnership with NBA legend and Newark native Shaquille O’Neal; 930 McCarter Highway, a 25-story, 333-unit tower adjacent to the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, supported by a $90 million Aspire tax credit; 11 Spring St. in New Brunswick, a 342-unit luxury apartment tower near Rutgers University’s medical campus; and The Aspire, a 30-story, 330-unit mixed-use building also in New Brunswick with retail space and 60 affordable units.

Boraie Development’s philosophy emphasizes long-term vision, unmatched quality and attention to detail — hallmarks instilled by its founder.

ButACake

Founded by Matha Figaro 11 years ago in Jersey City, ButACake is a woman- and minority-owned cannabis edibles brand founded by classically trained pastry chef Matha Figaro. Established in 2016, the brand built a loyal following through scratch-made baked goods before transitioning into New Jersey’s regulated cannabis market, becoming one of the state’s pioneering infused baked-goods manufacturers.

Known for its commitment to craftsmanship, ButACake brings authentic pastry techniques and premium ingredients to cannabis edibles, offering products designed to deliver consistent dosing and elevated flavor experiences beyond traditional mass-produced options.

Operating through CannPowerment, a licensed New Jersey cannabis manufacturing facility, the company also supports the growth of emerging brands while advocating for expanded product diversity and responsible industry development within the state.

Founder Figaro is an active industry advocate and manufacturing leader, working to advance cannabis policy, expand consumer education, and create new opportunities for minority entrepreneurs in the regulated market. ButACake products are available at licensed dispensaries throughout New Jersey.

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