A group of 55 Arizona-based Hispanic entrepreneurs recently graduated from Fuerza Local, a Spanish language business accelerator by Local First Arizona.
Fuerza Local is a free, six-month business training course that provides entrepreneurs with skills to create and launch successful businesses. Participants attend weekly courses led by experts on marketing, business planning, cash flow management and more.
The program also aims to end racial wealth gaps and unfair banking and lending practices by connecting Hispanic business owners to mentors, customers, capital and the community, according to Local First Arizona, a nonprofit organization that supports community and economic development.
This year, 45 entrepreneurs from Maricopa County and 10 from Yavapai County graduated from the program. The entrepreneurs represented a wide variety of industries, including restaurants, life coaching, construction and photography.
“I couldn't be more proud of these graduating cohorts," Kimber Lanning, Local First Arizona CEO, said in a statement. "Their hard work and dedication inspire everyone."
Fuerza Local has graduated more than 800 business leaders since its inception in 2013.
Fuerza Local graduate Cristina Gomez said the program was beneficial for her business, Paletas de Queso. The business offers 12 flavors of paletas, which are similar to popsicles, but typically made with fresh fruit.
Although Gomez has been making paletas for more than 20 years, she decided to ramp up her business during the pandemic and that led her to apply for Fuerza Local.
Fuerza Local’s classes on how to protect intellectual property and expand distribution were particularly helpful, Gomez said.
Gomez aims to eventually operate a factory for Paletas de Queso. In addition, she's looking to ink a deal to sell Paletas de Queso in local restaurants and grocery stores.
“I encourage people to be part of Fuerza Local because we learn a lot about how to start a business,” she said.
The Fuerza Local graduates in Maricopa County include:
Mesa
- AG Insurance Brokers LLC
- Blanca's House Cleaning Az LLC
- Canastacos LLC
- El Sazon Emi Dos Almas
- Family Life Coaching
- Lavatodo LLC
- Mis Frutisnacks
- New Heritage Painting & Cork LLC
- Pamirel LLC
- The Michoacana Yummy Yummy Place LLC
Central Phoenix
- A & MES Investments LLC
- Bertha's Bakery LLC
- El Tamaluki LLC
- Hobby Print LLC
- Human & Training Services Marla LLC
- Liz Cleaning Service LLC
- Majestic Lux Studio LLC
- Perfectic LLC
- Sabor y Alegria Mexicana LLC
- Sonora Granite LLC
- Tacos Monkey LLC
South Phoenix
- Arellanos Truck Equipment Services LLC
- Armored Frame Construction LLC
- Cakes Coffee & More By Blanca LLC
- Chunky Tacos LLC
- Colocha Creations LLC
- Conce's Cleaning LLC
- Dessertslu LLC
- El Taco Dorado y Postres LLC
- Embroidery Plus Az LLC
- JJM AC Tech LLC
- Paletas de Queso LLC
- This Is Jess Photography LLC
