Contact: media@hispanicfederation.org
200+ Latino entrepreneurs, Elected Officials, and Community Leaders Connected at Hispanic Federation’s Latino Business Expo
The event highlighted small business visionaries and was a culmination of skills-building workshops that served more than 500 entrepreneurs this fall
New York, NY – Hispanic Federation convened CRECER: Latino Business Expo, a gathering of Latino entrepreneurs, elected officials, community-based organizations, and policy leaders who are working to address various challenges faced by the city’s small businesses. Throughout the event, panelists discussed policies that could support the small-business environment in New York, improve access to capital, and enable businesses to grow in an uncertain economy.
This initiative is supported by U.S. Rep. Adriano Espaillat and funded in part through a grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration.
“Latino-owned businesses are the economic engines that help power communities around the nation and ensuring their support is essential to our economic sustainability and resilience,” said Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13). “Hispanic Federation has long stood at the forefront of our collective efforts to bolster support for Latino businesses and development. I look forward to the continued impact of the Federation’s investment and engagement throughout our communities.”
“Latino entrepreneurs, many of them immigrants, power the New York economy and strengthen our communities. Unfortunately, many aspiring entrepreneurs struggle to make their dreams a reality because of barriers to accessing capital or essential skills,” said Frankie Miranda, President and CEO, Hispanic Federation. “Today, we were able to provide important resources that can make a difference between an idea on paper and a successful business. By bringing together people who power our bodegas, beauty shops, and brands, we are growing a network of business leaders who can continue to strengthen the local economy.”
The keynote address about the “State of Latino Entrepreneurship: Trends Shaping the Future of Business” was given by Ana Ceppi Maldonado, Founder, Factivist, LLC, who discussed current and future Latino-owned business trends, from evolving buying behaviors to emerging opportunities. She highlighted how Latino entrepreneurs and consumers are redefining influence, driving innovation, and powering economic growth across industries.
“Hispanic Federation’s uptown workshops and networking events have been a game changer for small business owners like me,” said Jackie Aleman, President of the Chamber of Commerce of Washington Heights and Inwood. “They have created a space where entrepreneurs can learn, connect, and grow together. I have seen how these programs unite an eclectic group of business owners with one shared goal, to collaborate, stay strong, and strive.”
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ABOUT HISPANIC FEDERATION
Hispanic Federation (HF) is a nonprofit membership and advocacy organization, founded in 1990, committed to empowering and advancing the Hispanic community, with a focus on low-income, marginalized, and immigrant Latinos. With programs in 40 states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia, HF’s focus areas include immigration, economic empowerment, civic engagement, disaster relief, philanthropy, education, health, and the environment. HF also maintains ongoing public education campaigns and meets the organizational development needs of its member agencies through grant-making and capacity-building assistance.
