Nearly one-quarter of all new businesses today are started by owners who identify as Hispanic. All told, they add up to more than 5 million businesses in the U.S.
Those numbers are one of the reasons why Entrepreneurs Forever piloted its first Spanish-language group. The other? Because there was simply a need.
Leonela Gonzalez-Fogarty, the group’s co-facilitator with Kevin Moforte, explains the group and its unique value: “As Latinos, we’ve seen the challenges that Latino business owners have. We do not reach or pass $1 million per year. With guidance from Kevin, we’re starting to see how we lose opportunities because of mindsets or by not understanding how the business world works the American way.”
The Spanish-language group focuses on the same core concepts that all Entrepreneurs Forever groups work through: learning, solving problems, and taking on challenges together. The latter, indicates Leonela, is the heart of this group’s success. “Our members feel comfortable because they have this network.”
All members speak Spanish and hail from either Mexico, Colombia, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic. Many of them juggle running a small business with working through language barriers, cultural differences, and systems that weren’t created with them in mind. It can be a lot to navigate.
But like every business owner, “They mostly need some help growing their businesses,” Leonela says.
Is it working? Leonela shares the story of a member who arrived at one meeting burned out and ready to give up. By the end of the meeting, the owner’s mood shifted. And after implementing the group’s suggestions and tactics, that owner netted a new sale, too.
The short answer is “yes.” The long answer: Success is all about getting past the moments of doubt. It is happening every month for members of the Spanish-language group. Just wait and see what is to come: they’ve been working together for less than a year!
Own a business? Your personal financial history matters … a lot. Amber Book from Pittsburgh’s Financial Empowerment Center explains how personal credit impacts business and steps to improve yours. Bring your questions!
Friday, Sep 8th 8:30a-9:30a ET Zoom
Learn the secret sauce of e-commerce in September’s In Good Company panel discussion. Hear real stories and get real advice from business owners who struck it big when they took their businesses online.
Wednesday, Sep 13th 11:30a-12:30p ET Zoom
Retiring, selling, or just wondering how much your business is worth? Join Entrepreneurs Forever’s CEO, AJ Drexler, for a Deep Dive into valuing your business. You’ll get insight into how the pros do their calculations and have your questions answered too.
FREE Online Workshop
Friday, Sep 18th 4:00p-5:30p ET Zoom
You can still register for the Self-Made Entrepreneur Conference on Sep 13 in Worcester, MA. Organized by Worcester member Jennifer Hernandez, this FREE event features keynotes, panel discussions, and multiple learning tracks to inspire every business owner.
DCU Center, Worcester, MA
Wednesday, Sep 13 9:00a-4:00p ET
Maybe you were thinking about becoming a business owner for years — or maybe a bad day at work helped you decide overnight! What we want to know this month: What exactly happened that pushed you to take the plunge? Answer today. We’ll publish the results in October!
Caren Beckett, Sylvan MBA facilitator
Caren will help run a brand new group for Sylvan Learning owners, and she brings her 25 years of experience with 7 locations.
Ethan Kakley
Ethan had an amazing career in retail with Pier 1. Loving fast-paced work with plenty of challenges, Ethan switched gears. Currently, he’s a freelance graphic designer and is learning the cannabis business, and he’s adding “Facilitator” to his list of cool accomplishments.
Virginia Crocker Timmins
Virginia is a certified business and executive coach and founder of Soundboard Advisors. Prior to coaching, Virginia worked in middle- and executive management for large corporations, small businesses, start-ups, and more.
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