After a pandemic hiatus, Portland entrepreneurs Juan Barraza and Edgar Navas are back on track to launch an accelerator aimed at Latinx founders.
To kick it off, they are also bringing back the event Pitch Latinx.
Six founders will take the stage Oct. 5 at the Redd on Salmon in Southeast Portland to showcase companies they're building, including those in the tech, food, consumer goods and footwear categories.
It’s an intentional move to highlight the breadth of companies emerging from the state’s Latinx community. The group hopes to help 100 founders get to $1 million in recurring revenue in five years.
“The world has changed around us. Many of the businesses presenting started during the pandemic,” said Barraza. “It’s not just tech. We wanted to showcase what the community has been able to do and recognize it’s an opportunity to create a business and it doesn’t have to be a software business.”
What hasn’t changed is Barraza and Navas’ efforts to build a culturally specific organization to help founders take their companies to the next level. They want a place where founders don't need to explain why they aren’t changing a flavor profile of agua fresca or how a traditional textile is made.
“We need cultural and content specific (programs) and the connections and type of mentorship that can open doors,” said Navas, adding that mentors and sponsors must be willing to put in the work. “We don’t expect people to check the box. We want them to roll up their sleeves, put their hands in the fire and help build the community.”
Brownwashing, or simply signing on as a sponsor or mentor for the PR boost, will not be tolerated by mentors and sponsors, the duo said. They've compiled a list of committed mentors and others interested in helping. They're in final talks for space as they submit applications to grant funders.
The pair will file paperwork for Latinx Founders to become a nonprofit. The entrepreneurial organization Built Oregon is the new group’s fiscal sponsor.
Applications for the accelerator are slated to open Oct. 6. The first cohort will start next year.
Brazi Bites founder Junea Rocha, who launched her own program aimed at Latinx founders with consumer packaged goods companies, said the $1 million target is important, as it's hard to get attention below that threshold.
The Pitch Latinx event will feature a discussion about access to capital with founders Nyah Zarate and Rommel Vega. Zarate's company performs research and development, prototyping and other engineering for electric propulsion. Vega's company makes a line of sustainable sneakers.
The showcase will also feature presentations from:
- Jezarely Miguel, founder of Matiz, which makes small batch, traditional rugs with artisans in Oaxaca.
- Erik Hernandez, founder of Mise Footwear, which makes shoes for chefs and other hospitality professionals.
- Nikki Guerrero, founder of Hot Mama Salsa, the salsa, chili oil, hot sauce and now tortilla chips maker.
- Marcelino Alvarez, founder of Photon Marine, which is developing high-powered electric outboard motors for commercial boats.
- Rebecca Smith, founder of Ice Queen, maker of paletas, a Mexican-style ice pop made with natural juice and fruit, and ice cream bars. Smith’s new flagship retail store opens this month.
- German Ochoa, founder of Woppa. The company makes alfajor, or a type of sandwich cookie filled with dolce de leche popular in South America.
