Press Contact: media@hispanicfederation.org
The event highlighted small business visionaries and was a part of a larger initiative that provided skills-building workshops to more than 400 entrepreneurs this past year
Hartford, CT – Hispanic Federation convened CRECER: Connecticut Latino Business Expo, a gathering of more than 250 entrepreneurs, elected officials, community-based organizations, and policy leaders who are working to address various challenges faced by the state’s small businesses. Throughout the event, panelists discussed policies that could support the small-business environment in Connecticut, improve access to capital, and enable businesses to grow in an uncertain economy. La Marqueta showcased 20 Latino-owned business across the state in industries ranging from self-care to financial management.
Link to select photos from the event can be found here.
This initiative is supported by U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy and funded in part through a grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration. The grant supported Hispanic Federation’s work throughout the year to provide programming and skills building workshops for 400 entrepreneurs throughout Connecticut.
“Small businesses are the backbone of Connecticut’s economy and communities. Restaurants, coffee shops, markets, and salons are more than just storefronts—they’re places to gather and connect with others. I’ve been privileged to visit many Latino owned businesses across Connecticut, and I’ve heard firsthand about the struggles of getting these businesses off the ground and growing. I am grateful the Hispanic Federation is connecting entrepreneurs with the tools they need to succeed so that we can ensure that everyone has the opportunity to realize their American Dream,” said U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal.
“Connecticut’s economy runs on our small businesses, and the entrepreneurship and success of our Latino community is an essential part of our state’s continued growth,” said U.S. Senator Chris Murphy. “Events like the CRECER Expo exist so that Connecticut’s Latino business community can expand even further – and I’m excited to see the results of this conference.”
“Latino entrepreneurs – many of them immigrants – are the backbone of Connecticut’s economy and the fabric of our communities. But too often, the biggest obstacle standing between a great idea and a thriving business is access to capital, guidance, and the right connections,” said Diana Caba, Vice President for Community & Economic Development, Hispanic Federation. “What we did today was help to close that gap. The people running our restaurants, our salons, our startups – they’re not just small business owners, they’re the engine of this community, and giving them real tools and real resources is how we keep that engine running strong.”
The keynote address, “Beyond Success: Leadership, Growth & Legacy,” was given by Richard L. Zayas, Founder of Zayas Law Firm, who discussed the importance of estate planning no matter the size of the business. He highlighted the impact Latinos have on the U.S. economy and on protecting their hard-earned wealth for generations.
“I’m incredibly grateful to the Hispanic Federation for creating the CRECER Latino Business Expo and providing Latino and Latina business owners with a free platform to showcase our businesses, connect with our community, and continue to grow,” said Annamaria Jones, founder and owner of Zen JuJu Boutique and Zen JuJu Perfume Bar.
“As someone who has the privilege of working alongside our region’s entrepreneurs and business leaders every day, I know firsthand the impact that strong partnerships can have on creating opportunities. The 2026 CRECER Expo is a powerful example of what happens when organizations come together with a shared commitment to growth and economic empowerment. We are honored to partner with Hispanic Federation to connect businesses, leaders, and community advocates who are investing in the future of our Hispanic community. When we collaborate with intention, we build bridges, strengthen relationships, and help our community crecer. Because the success of Latino-owned businesses creates a ripple effect, empowering families, strengthening neighborhoods, and moving Connecticut forward together,” said Andrea Torres Fodor, President, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater Bridgeport.
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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 Latine. With programs in 43 states and territories, 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.
