October 2024: Hispanic Heritage Business Showcase

On October 7, 2024, the Pace University Small Business Development Center (SBDC), along with the LaGuardia SBDC and Baruch College SBDC, participated in the Hispanic Heritage Business Showcase. This event, held in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, was designed to celebrate and empower Hispanic business owners by connecting them with critical resources to support their entrepreneurial growth.

The day began with an introduction to Hispanic Heritage Month and an acknowledgment of the essential contributions Hispanic-owned businesses make to the economy. Jacqueline Franco from the Small Business Administration (SBA) welcomed attendees and set the tone for the day with a focus on the importance of access to resources for minority entrepreneurs.

Marlene Cintron, SBA Regional Administrator for Region II, followed with a keynote address highlighting the programs available through the SBA to help Hispanic entrepreneurs start, grow, and scale their businesses. This was followed by presentations from key resource partners, including Operation Hope, Apex Accelerator, and the SBDC, each sharing their services, success stories, and how they continue to uplift the Hispanic business community.

A key feature of the event was the Resource-Driven Excellence session, where Hispanic business owners who have benefited from the support of resource partners shared their personal stories. Each story showcased the transformative impact of accessing the right guidance and support, inspiring attendees to leverage similar resources for their ventures. These success stories highlighted the incredible potential within the Hispanic entrepreneurial community when provided with the tools for success.

To enrich the event and honor Hispanic culture, the showcase included an artistic presentation by the talented Nilko Andreas, whose performance added a vibrant and cultural dimension to the day. The artistic display served as a reminder of the diverse and rich heritage that fuels the creativity and resilience of Hispanic entrepreneurs. The event concluded with a networking session, allowing attendees to connect directly with resource partners and fellow business owners.

For more information about the services and resources available, visit our website or send us an email.