Hispanics start businesses in this country 2-3 times faster than the average entrepreneur. And Latinas start more businesses than their male counterparts. But that doesn’t make it any easier.
In fact, Latinas face unique challenges getting training and gaining access to capital.
That’s why Carlos Medina said the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey was so eager to announce that its Latina Entrepreneurship Training Series will return for a second year, thanks to Bank of America, which was introduced last week as the program’s primary sponsor.
Medina, CEO of the SHCCNJ, said the eight-week LETS program will be held Friday mornings starting in May.
The class will consist of 30 Latina participants who have been in business for at least two to three years, understand the basics of running a business and are seeking to scale up.
Click here to apply.
The program features a comprehensive curriculum that will cover diverse business pillars that appeal and matter to the multifaceted, multitalented, modern Latina. Topics to be covered include:
- Leadership and empowerment;
- Business scaling-up;
- Technology and small business;
- Financial management;
- Strategic marketing pillars;
- Networking and community;
- Health and wellness.
SHCCNJ Chairman Luis De La Hoz said the program will serve as guide on how to grow your business.
“Our experienced, bilingual instructors will guide them into refining their business pillars toward sustainable growth, which includes moving to a brick-and-mortar location, hiring employees and obtaining loans,” he said. “During this series, participants will put together a business plan, will further their understanding of the foundational principles of day-to-day operations and will be exposed to several subject-matter experts, panels and unique networking and community building opportunities.”
At the end of the course, selected participants will be provided one-on-one mentorship/coaching to further develop their business plans or to focus on a specific area of their interest.
Medina said the need is there.
“This program recognizes that Latina business owners face unique barriers for success,” he said. “After just one year, it’s obvious that our Latina-based program has been a huge success. Our success metrics for these entrepreneurs are off the charts.”
The evidence, he said, can be found in the chamber’s own leadership.
“When I became chairman 12 years ago, the SHCCNJ had one Latina board member and nine gentlemen,” he said. “I am proud to say that, with the leadership of Chairman De La Hoz and Vice Chair Claribel Cortes, we are now a board of seven powerful Latinas and eight gentlemen.”
Alberto Garofalo, president of Bank of America New Jersey, said the bank welcomed the opportunity to be a part of the program.
“Bank of America is thrilled to sponsor the Latina Entrepreneurship Training Series,” he said. “Our company was founded in the first half of the 20th century by A.P. Giannini, a true entrepreneur, who saw the power and value of creating opportunity, and it’s great to see that spirit lives on today through our partnership with LETS to promote women and the Hispanic community of New Jersey.”
