In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 to Oct. 15), we honor the impact and contributions of Hispanic small business owners on our local communities. Accessity is proud to support these startup and established businesses with access to funding and a community of support.
Many new businesses and very small businesses with few or no employees express that they often feel isolated in their business journey and don’t know who to turn to when they have questions. This is also the experience of many Hispanic business owners, especially if English is not their dominant language.
Studies show that business owners are most successful if they have a network of business professionals who can help them through moments of unexpected growth and challenging times or connect them with business opportunities, though many entrepreneurs of color lack access to these types of business networks. Below we share various organizations that are available to help Hispanic business owners in Southern California.
Business Coaching and Mentorship Organizations
SCORE
SCORE offers a network of mentors who are experienced entrepreneurs, industry experts, and retired professionals who volunteer to help mentor small business owners. Working with a mentor is free of charge. SCORE also offers workshops and resources. Local chapters are available throughout Southern California.
Small Business Development Centers
The SBDC offers free business educational workshops, resources and one-on-one coaching from consultants who are experts in various areas of business including startups, marketing, and strategic growth planning. Local chapters are available throughout Southern California.
The SBDC is a partner program of the Small Business Administration, which has a great resource guide in Spanish for small business owners.
Women’s Business Center
Similar in nature to the Small Business Development Centers, the Women’s Business Center offers workshops and training, one-on-one counseling, and other support services dedicated to women entrepreneurs. Local chapters are available throughout Southern California.
Los Angeles Urban League
The LAUL’s Center for Entrepreneurship provides minority and women-owned companies with education, access to a network of mentor advisors, and access to capital and new market opportunities.
Procurement Opportunities
There are multiple organizations that support Hispanic-owned businesses in getting certified and prepared to pursue contract opportunities with various government agencies and corporations that have committed a certain percentage of all contracts to be awarded to minority-owned businesses. Getting certified as a minority-owned business offers excellent opportunities for entrepreneurs to secure these contracts and grow their businesses, as many small businesses owned by entrepreneurs of color generally lack access to larger contract opportunities.
Council for Supplier Diversity (San Diego)
Minority Business Development Agency (Los Angeles)
Southern California Minority Supplier Development Council (Southern California excluding San Diego)
San Diego, Orange and Imperial PTAC
U.S. Small Business Administration 8(a) Business Development Program (National)
Networking Opportunities
Making time to meet and network with other small businesses is also a great way to expand your business network and to feel more connected with other entrepreneurs.
California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce
The California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce website includes a list of all local chambers in your area. Local chambers host networking events and offer opportunities to volunteer and get involved within the chamber.
Hispanic Chamber of E-Commerce
The Hispanic Chamber of E-Commerce offers educational seminars, marketing services, networking opportunities and more with the goal of helping businesses harness the power of technology and the internet as a business tool.
National Latina Business Women’s Association
The National Latina Business Women’s Association helps Latinas to develop their business and professional skills and to meet their goals through educational programs, financial workshops, business referrals, and networking by building strong relationships.
NLBWA – Inland Empire (Riverside and San Bernardino)
Access to Capital
Accessity’s mission is to open doors of financial opportunity to entrepreneurs who historically have had less access to capital and business support: women, people of color, immigrants, and low-to-moderate income businesspersons. At least seventy percent of our lending each year goes to entrepreneurs of color. In addition, to access to small business loans up to $100,000 with flexible lending requirements, Accessity offers free business educational events and webinars, publicity opportunities, and mentorship and coaching and resources through local and national partners.
Accessity’s entire underwriting process from application to disbursal can happen in Spanish. For more information, please visit our website or contact our team. At Accessity and on behalf of the other organizations listed above, we’re eager and ready to help you grow your business.
This information is shared for educational purposes only. Please consult legal, tax, credit, or financial experts for specific guidance.
