Emma decided to take action and make her dream a reality, becoming a micro-entrepreneur. She had plenty of experience in sewing from past employment and family responsibilities but was lacking funding and business knowledge. To overcome that obstacle, in 2010 she decided to participate in LatinaHope to learn about business and obtain micro-funding. Her enthusiasm, participation and motivation while in the program made the idea a reality: Emma’s Alterations.

For Sara, LatinaHope was an opportunity to expand her commercialization strategy and personal-growth. Sara designs and handmakes necklaces, rings, and earrings from her home. During the training, she identified and recognized that her jewelry could be sold by sales representatives for a commission using her personal network. Her next step was to start branding her products and create a commission scale. To grow faster, she applied for a micro-grant offered by LatinaHope to acquire additional inventory to offer to current customers and sales representatives.

Denise had a great location for a party rental supplies, but no money or experience. She recognized the potential of the location and began participating in LatinaHope. She began doing a market research by collecting pricing and services from competitors. The research confirmed her intuition and Denise Party Rental was created. With that information, Denise requested funding and moved her business to the market.

Emma, Sara and Denise are only three examples of women who participate in LatinaHope.  The program facilitates the learning, networking and acting of entrepreneurs who have a new business idea or a small business and want to move their venture to a new profitable point. The program offers training, micro-awards and micro-loans for Spanish speaking micro-entrepreneurs.

The program is sponsored by United Way, the McAllen Chamber of Commerce and Wells Fargo.

For additional information regarding the LatinaHope Program, please contact Eduardo Millet at 956.682.2871 or emillet@mcallenchamber.com.