The Northern California Small Business Development Center (SBDC) has recently introduced ¡HolaSBDC!, an innovative initiative designed to empower the growing population of Hispanic entrepreneurs in Northern California. The program offers culturally customized business advising, training, and live Q&A sessions in Spanish, addressing a critical gap in support services for this demographic.
Hispanic entrepreneurs play a crucial role in driving economic growth in Northern California. Despite representing 39.4% of California’s population, Latino entrepreneurs only own 11% of all employer businesses in the state. This underrepresentation highlights the need for tailored support to help Hispanic-owned businesses thrive in the competitive marketplace.
¡HolaSBDC! directly addresses these challenges by providing a comprehensive range of support services in Spanish, including live Q&A sessions, one-on-one business advising, and culturally relevant training workshops. The program has been developed in collaboration with the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce to ensure alignment with the unique needs and aspirations of the Hispanic business community.
Kristin Johnson, Executive Director for Norcal SBDC, emphasized the organization’s commitment to fostering a more inclusive business ecosystem where Hispanic entrepreneurs can thrive. She highlighted the importance of removing language barriers and providing culturally relevant support to empower entrepreneurs to contribute to the economic prosperity of their communities.
Oscar Garcia, Program Director for ¡HolaSBDC!, expressed pride in the new program, emphasizing the importance of providing resources and support to help Hispanic businesses overcome obstacles to growth, including language and cultural barriers. He believes that equipping small businesses with the right resources and guidance will pave the way for their growth and prosperity.
Hispanic entrepreneurs who are looking to start, grow, or expand their businesses are encouraged to visit the ¡HolaSBDC! website or contact Program Director, Oscar Garcia, for more information.
The Norcal SBDC has been a pivotal force in Northern California’s economic development for over three decades, providing extensive, no-fee support to existing and startup businesses across various sectors. Their efforts have led to the creation of over 14,000 jobs, the launch of 2,200 new businesses, and the mobilization of over $2.4 billion in small business capital, significantly contributing to the region’s sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
In conclusion, ¡HolaSBDC! is a groundbreaking initiative that aims to bridge the support gap for Hispanic entrepreneurs in Northern California. By providing tailored support services in Spanish, the program is empowering business owners to reach their full potential and contribute to the region’s economic prosperity.