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Building Markets Rings Nasdaq Closing Bell in Tribute to Small Businesses

On July 24, 2026, Building Markets, a global nonprofit dedicated to empowering small businesses in vulnerable communities, will celebrate its impactful journey by ringing the Nasdaq Closing Bell at Times Square. This momentous occasion honors the ingenuity and hard work of entrepreneurs who have the ability to create jobs, strengthen families, and ultimately transform their communities.

Since its inception in 2004, Building Markets has supported over 28,000 small businesses and facilitated access to more than $1.5 billion in contracts and financing, leading to the creation of over 78,000 jobs across regions like Latin America, the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia. The organization's mission embodies the belief that opportunity can significantly change lives and communities.

Celebrating Entrepreneurial Resilience

The ringing ceremony will highlight several key figures from Building Markets, including Executive Director Elizabeth Brown and Carolina Durán, the Director for Latin America. They, along with community members, will ring the closing bell to mark not only the event but also the launch of the "Opportunity Changes Everything" campaign. This initiative aims to open doors for countless aspiring entrepreneurs worldwide, particularly those in underserved areas where opportunity may seem scarce.

"Talent and ambition are everywhere, but opportunity is not," Brown remarked during the campaign's announcement. This sentiment resonates deeply with the mission of Building Markets, which seeks to identify and uplift talent within economically challenged communities. The campaign underscores the notion that enabling access to opportunities can lead to groundbreaking transformations in both local economies and individual lives.

One particularly inspiring story featured within the campaign is that of Vanessa Vélez, an entrepreneur from Colombia. Operating in a region grappling with conflict and violence, Vanessa embarked on her journey to build a spice business. Through Building Markets' support and resources, she received critical business training that enhanced her product quality and marketability. Additionally, the organization connected her with her first international buyer, overcoming hurdles that seemed insurmountable prior to her involvement with the program. "Every day, I meet entrepreneurs with the vision, resilience, and determination to build extraordinary businesses," stated Carolina Durán. "They just need the opportunity to show what they can do. We are bringing their stories to a global stage."

Invitation to Support Change

With the launch of the "Opportunity Changes Everything" campaign, Building Markets is inviting individuals and partners from all sectors to join in opening doors for inspiring entrepreneurs. The goal is to create a ripple effect that amplifies the impact of small businesses across the globe. In alignment with this mission, supporters can learn more about the campaign and how they can contribute at Building Markets' website.

About Building Markets

Building Markets operates under three main pillars: Find, Build, and Connect. The organization identifies small businesses with the potential to grow, strengthens their capacity and skills through training, and matches them with buyers and financing opportunities. Building Markets places a strong emphasis on supporting women, refugees, and individuals in communities impacted by crisis and economic exclusion. Through collaborative efforts, the nonprofit aims to drive job creation and foster inclusive economic growth.

As Building Markets rings the Nasdaq Closing Bell, it not only celebrates its accomplishments but also the indomitable spirit of small businesses worldwide. The organization invites everyone to be part of this transformative journey, reaffirming that opportunity is indeed the key to unlocking potential and propelling communities forward.