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Small Business Focus: Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with community and mentorship | ARLnow.com

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Small Business Focus: Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with community and mentorship | ARLnow.com

Brunch and Business

This column is sponsored by BizLaunch, a division of Arlington Economic Development.

As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, it’s time to recognize the incredible contributions of Latino-owned businesses across the United States.

This year’s theme, Building Our Future Together, reflects the power of unity, mentorship and community in business. At BizLaunch, we are proud to uplift the next generation of Hispanic entrepreneurs by fostering collaboration, providing essential resources, and emphasizing the transformative impact of mentorship.

The Growing Impact of Latino-Owned Businesses

The growth of Latino-owned businesses has been nothing short of extraordinary. According to the Stanford Latino Entrepreneurship Initiative, Latino-owned businesses contribute over $470 billion annually to the U.S. economy, with their numbers increasing by 44% over the last decade (Business Wire).

Today, there are approximately 5.1 million Latino-owned businesses in the U.S., showcasing their influence in industries like retail, construction, technology, and healthcare (SBA.gov). Latino entrepreneurs are not just building businesses; they are creating jobs, boosting local economies, and innovating across sectors.

However, despite this impressive growth, many Latino entrepreneurs still face challenges such as limited access to capital, mentorship, and networking opportunities. These barriers can stifle their potential. That’s where BizLaunch steps in.

BizLaunch: Empowering Latino Entrepreneurs

At BizLaunch, we don’t just believe in offering advice — we create connections. For years, we’ve been a hub for Latino entrepreneurs, helping them navigate the complexities of starting and scaling businesses. Whether it’s through our workshops, consultations, or networking events, we’ve built a community that fosters collaboration and long-term support.

We understand the cultural nuances and specific needs of Hispanic business owners. Our programs are designed to make entrepreneurs feel empowered, not overwhelmed. Through our mentorship initiatives, we connect up-and-coming business owners with experienced professionals who offer tailored guidance, share valuable insights, and, most importantly, open doors to growth.

Research shows that small businesses with mentors are five times more likely to succeed than those without one (SCORE, 2023) (SBA.gov). That’s why we emphasize mentorship as a critical tool for success. Through BizLaunch’s mentorship programs, Latino entrepreneurs gain access to experts who can help them refine their business plans, secure funding, and tap into new markets.

Additionally, we tailor our programs according to current market trends to ensure entrepreneurs stay competitive. For example, our LaTech program offers Latino tech entrepreneurs essential resources and mentorship to break into the ever-growing tech industry, bridging the gap between innovation and opportunity in the Latino community.

Building a Thriving Business Community

Latino entrepreneurs have always been known for their strong sense of community, and this is something we encourage at BizLaunch. We’re not just about individual growth — we’re about building a network where everyone can thrive together. Our events and initiatives provide a space for entrepreneurs to exchange ideas, share their challenges, and offer support. It’s in these spaces that innovation happens, partnerships are formed, and businesses flourish.

For a deeper look into how innovation can foster a sense of community, check out Natalia Micheletti of Pryze and her insights on building community through innovation in this podcast episode.

One of the highlights of this year’s Hispanic Heritage Month is Brunch and Business: Building Our Future Together. Hosted by BizLaunch, LEDC, and Arlington Public Libraries, and sponsored by Amazon and Hyatt Regency at Crystal City, this event is designed to bring Latino entrepreneurs together, offering both aspiring and established business owners the chance to network, learn, and grow. Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience, this is your opportunity to build relationships that can propel your business forward while connecting with key industry leaders and fellow entrepreneurs.

This year’s distinguished panelists include Susana Flores from Communications Shop, Gerald Kierce from Trustible, and Giuseppe Lanzone from Peruvian Brothers, who will share their insights on building successful businesses and navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship.

Join Us in Building the Future

We invite you to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by being part of this growing community. Whether it’s seeking mentorship, becoming a mentor, or simply attending our brunch and business event, your involvement strengthens the Latino business community.

Together, we can continue building a future where Latino entrepreneurs thrive, supported by mentorship, collaboration, and a powerful network of like-minded individuals.

Save the date for Brunch and Business: Building Our Future Together and be part of something bigger — a vibrant community where we uplift each other and succeed together. Let’s celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by committing to the success and future of Latino businesses.

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