Forty-five Hispanic entrepreneurs from Maricopa County and 10 from Yavapai County are boosting the statewide economy as they prepare to graduate from Local First Arizona’s Spanish-language business accelerator Fuerza Local. The Hispanic startups from Cottonwood, Sedona, Mesa, Maryvale, central Phoenix and south Phoenix range from restaurants to photography and life coaching to construction.
Fuerza Local is a six-month business training course offered in Spanish at no cost to local business owners to support them in obtaining the necessary resources and tools to have healthy and successful businesses.
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With a goal of building an inclusive, sustainable Arizona economy, Local First Arizona has graduated more than 800 leaders since 2013 from Fuerza Local and more than 40 leaders since 2020 from its Black-centered business academy, We Rise.
The programs aim to end age-old racial wealth gaps and unfair banking and lending practices by connecting Hispanic and Black business owners to mentors, customers, the community and sources of capital.
During Fuerza Local, entrepreneurs learn everything from basic fundamentals to advanced skills to develop their businesses, creating a firm foundation to achieve their short- and long-term goals. All classes are taught by professionals and experts in the area, offering participants the opportunity to learn from years of experience and knowledge.
“I couldn’t be more proud of these graduating cohorts. Their hard work and dedication inspire everyone,” said Local First Arizona CEO Kimber Lanning. “More than 800 small business entrepreneurs have graduated from this six-month program, which is helping to shape the future of Arizona, in our rural and urban areas alike. Our most sincere congratulations to all of these amazing business owners.”
The two graduation ceremonies celebrating the entrepreneurs’ dedication and hard work also will include displays of their products and services for attendees and future clients.
Space is limited, so secure your seat now.
Graduation for Maryvale, Mesa, central Phoenix and south Phoenix:
WHEN: 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25
WHERE: Versalles Palace Event Center, 4344 W. Indian School Road #100, Phoenix, AZ 85031
RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/450189613952812
Graduation for Cottonwood/Sedona:
WHEN: 6-8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27
WHERE: Sedona Performing Arts Center, 995 Upper Red Rock Loop Road, Sedona, AZ 86336
RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/697415832052531
Fuerza Local in Maricopa County is sponsored by the City of Mesa, Arizona Community Foundation, MariSol Federal Credit Union, Hensley Beverage Company, Thunderbirds Charities, Maricopa County, The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation, Arizona Financial Credit Union and APS.
Fuerza Local in Yavapai County is sponsored by the City of Sedona, City of Cottonwood and Prestamos CDFI, a division of Chicanos Por La Causa.
Visit www.fuerzalocal.org to learn more about the program, donate or apply.
Here are the 55 up-and-coming Hispanic startups that are strengthening Arizona’s economy top to bottom:
Cottonwood and Sedona
Antojitos
Bocha’s Restaurant Mexican & Amercian Food
Constantino and Son’s Landscaping
Dulce Desert Cakes
Heaven’s Flowers
Jalisco’s Landscaping & General Work
K&G Cleaning Services
Martha Sandoval Cakes
Villalpando’s Landscaping
Verde Valley Weed Control
Maryvale
AC Cool Valley
Antojitos Puro Jalisco
Desert Gold Concrete
Elegancee Entertainment International
Jabon Artesanal Joven Gonzalez
La Canasta de Luz
Mariscos y Clamatos AAA
Mireya’s Boutique
Ohh Senoor
Sisters Party
Sweet Life Creations
Tamashii
Mesa
AG Insurance Brokers
Blanca’s House Cleaning Az
Canastacos
El Sazon Emi Dos Almas
Family Life Coaching
Lavatodo
Mis Frutisnacks
New Heritage Painting & Cork
Pamirel
The Michoacana Yummy Yummy Place
Central Phoenix
A & MES Investments
Bertha’s Bakery
El Tamaluki
Hobby Print
Human & Training Services Marla
Liz Cleaning Service
Majestic Lux Studio
Perfectic
Sabor y Alegria Mexicana
Sonora Granite
Tacos Monkey
South Phoenix
Arellanos Truck Equipment Services
Armored Frame Construction
Cakes Coffee & More By Blanca
Chunky Tacos
Colocha Creations
Conce’s Cleaning
Dessertslu
El Taco Dorado y Postres
Embroidery Plus Az
JJM AC Tech
Paletas de Queso
This Is Jess Photography
