In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, NMSDC proudly spotlights Keyla Marte, Founder and CEO of Keyla Consulting & Company, a dynamic entrepreneur helping minority-owned businesses (MBE) unlock growth, strengthen operations, and compete for new opportunities. Through her work, Marte is empowering entrepreneurs to build stronger companies, expand their market presence, and create lasting economic impact in their communities.
As a business strategist and entrepreneur, Marte believes MBEs are driving innovation, creating jobs, and helping shape the future of the American economy.
“MBEs are not just participating in the economy, we are helping to shape it. They are creating jobs, serving communities, introducing new ideas, and bringing perspectives that have historically been underrepresented in business and economic decision-making. Our success is part of America’s economic story.”
That belief is reflected in her own entrepreneurial journey. Growing up in environments where resources were not always abundant taught Marte the value of determination, creativity and resourcefulness. Those lessons continue to shape her leadership style and her commitment to supporting other entrepreneurs by sharing what she has learned.
“One of the biggest lessons I carry with me is that you don’t wait for someone to give you permission to build something,” Marte said. “You learn, you figure things out, you ask questions, and you keep moving.”
Marte also believes that success creates a responsibility to help others gain access to opportunities that may not have been readily available before.
As an NMSDC-certified MBE with the NJNYMSDC regional affiliate, Marte credits NMSDC certification with helping expand her professional network and creating new growth opportunities for her business.
“NMSDC certification has helped create opportunities for visibility, relationship-building, and access to a broader network of corporations and fellow minority business owners. It has also strengthened how I position my company when pursuing partnerships and larger opportunities.”
For Marte, Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to elevate the entrepreneurs, innovators and leaders whose contributions continue to strengthen industries and communities nationwide.
“Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to celebrate where we come from while also recognizing where we are going. Professionally, I see it as an opportunity to highlight Hispanic entrepreneurs and leaders who are building businesses, creating jobs, influencing industries, and opening doors for others.”
She is particularly passionate about ensuring Hispanic-owned businesses have access to the resources necessary to compete and scale. She feels that one of the greatest opportunities for small businesses knowing how to access capital, contracts, technology, networks and information. “There are incredibly talented Hispanic entrepreneurs building businesses across virtually every industry,” Marte said. “The opportunity is to make sure those businesses are positioned to compete for larger contracts, leverage technology, strengthen their operations, and build long-term wealth.”
Looking ahead, Marte sees MBEs playing an increasingly important role in shaping America’s next chapter of economic growth as technology changes industries and new markets to emerge. She believes that MBEs can bring innovation, cultural insight and community-centered solutions to those markets — maximizing their impact through connections, education and business opportunities. The better prepared MBEs are to access those opportunities, the greater their ability to grow, hire, invest and create wealth within their communities.
An advocate for building strong professional networks, Marte credits mentors, clients, fellow entrepreneurs and community organizations with helping shape her development as a business leader.
“I’ve learned that mentorship isn’t always about finding one person who has all the answers. Sometimes it is about building a community of people who can help you navigate different stages of growth.”
She also encourages MBEs to take advantage of opportunities to engage with the broader supplier inclusion community, including the Conferencia e intercambio anual del NMSDC.
“One of the biggest values of the conference is the opportunity to get out of your normal business environment and connect with people who understand the unique opportunities and challenges of growing a business. For an MBE, showing up matters. Sometimes a conversation at an event can become a partnership, a referral, or an opportunity months later.”
Ultimately, Marte hopes her journey inspires future generations of Hispanic entrepreneurs to embrace their unique experiences and pursue their goals with confidence. She hopes young entrepreneurs understand that their background, personal story and even the obstacles they’ve experienced all become part of their strength.
Through Keyla Consulting & Company, Marte continues to help businesses grow with confidence while demonstrating the innovation, resilience and leadership that define Hispanic entrepreneurship. Her story is a powerful reminder that when entrepreneurs are equipped with opportunity, mentorship, and access, they can create meaningful impact for generations to come.
As Marte puts it, “We are not simply asking to be included in the economic narrative. We are already part of it, and we are continuing to build what comes next.”
