Rising Tide Capital CEO Dr. Joynicole Martinez named to NJBIZ 2026 Leading Women in Business

Rising Tide Capital said Dr. Joynicole Martinez has been selected as a 2026 NJBIZ Leading Women in Business honoree, with recognition set for Thursday night in Somerset, New Jersey. The honor spotlights her leadership as the nonprofit expands entrepreneurship support in New Jersey and nationally.

Why it matters: - The NJBIZ honor puts a spotlight on leadership tied to New Jersey’s business community and economic opportunity. - Rising Tide Capital says the recognition also reflects the organization’s work to help entrepreneurs build businesses that last. - The award comes as Rising Tide Capital is expanding its entrepreneurship support model beyond Jersey City.

What happened: - Rising Tide Capital announced that Dr. Joynicole Martinez, CEO and president, has been named one of NJBIZ’s 2026 Leading Women in Business honorees. - Dr. Martinez will be recognized Thursday evening at The Palace at Somerset Park in Somerset, New Jersey. - Martinez was named CEO and president in March 2026 after serving as president and chief advancement and innovation officer.

The details: - NJBIZ’s Leading Women in Business program honors women whose leadership and professional contributions are shaping New Jersey’s business community. - Rising Tide Capital says its Community Business Academy graduates own businesses that survive more than five years at an 81% rate, compared with roughly 50% nationally. - Entrepreneurs who complete the Community Business Academy see an average 95% increase in business revenue. - Rising Tide Capital says every dollar invested in the program returns $8.51 in economic activity. - The nonprofit says its work centers on strengthening partnerships, building clearer pathways to capital and advisory support, and scaling an entrepreneurship model that supports long-term business growth. - Rising Tide Capital says it has reached more than 13,500 entrepreneurs nationally through its Community Business Academy, Business Acceleration Services and Credit to Capital programming. - The organization was founded in Jersey City and focuses on economic mobility through entrepreneurship. - More information is available on Rising Tide Capital’s website. - The organization also shared social media links for LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

Between the lines: - The honor reinforces Martinez’s role as the public face of an organization that frames entrepreneurship as an economic mobility strategy, not just a business-training effort. - The timing suggests Rising Tide Capital wants to pair leadership recognition with proof points on program outcomes as it grows its footprint. - The board chair said Martinez understands that entrepreneurs need practical tools, trusted relationships and systems of support that help them build durable businesses. - Martinez said the recognition reflects an entire community and the entrepreneurs at the center of RTC’s work.

What's next: - Martinez will be recognized alongside other 2026 honorees in Somerset. - Rising Tide Capital says it will continue deepening its New Jersey roots while expanding its national platform for entrepreneurship support and economic mobility. - The organization expects to keep focusing on partnerships, capital access and advisory support for entrepreneurs.

The bottom line: - NJBIZ’s recognition gives Rising Tide Capital a public validation moment as the nonprofit pushes to scale an entrepreneurship model it says produces stronger businesses and broader community gains.