Launched by a former Prudential Financial executive, BrightStreet recently celebrated its debut. During the event, the Newark urban microfinance empowerment program awarded funds to its first cohort of business owners.The nonprofit held its party at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center Feb. 20, featuring a dramatic representation of its mission, a roster of high-profile attendees and check presentations to three local entrepreneurs.Founder and CEO Rob Falzon detailed the motives behind BrightStreet in NJBIZ last fall. The former vice chair referenced his time at Pru as inspiration for the progress that can come from public-private partnerships and a place-based approach.He described the new venture as “a sustainable economic engine” to empower individuals.BrightStreet will provide affordable loans, grants, financial education, mentorship and hands-on operations support to startups, solopreneurs and micro-enterprises. It will pair capital with guidance, the organization says, to…..