The Caravanserai Project has unveiled the first-ever Inland Empire Hispanic Small Business Directory.
It shines a spotlight on more than 150 small businesses, both for-profit and nonprofit, all supported and funded by the Caravanserai Project. The primary objective of this directory, available in both print and online formats, is to celebrate and promote Hispanic-owned and led enterprises, acknowledging the dedicated and innovative entrepreneurs who are positively impacting the region.
Moreover, it seeks to integrate these businesses into the broader Inland Empire business ecosystem. As a dynamic project, the Directory will continue to grow, reflecting the ever-expanding network of Hispanic entrepreneurs nurtured by the Caravanserai Project.
Fostering Entrepreneurship through Education and Funding
The businesses featured in the Inland Empire Hispanic Small Business Directory are graduates of the Caravanserai Project’s Spanish-language Biz Readiness Training Program. Through this training, the project has equipped them with the skills and knowledge necessary for business success.
Moreover, these businesses have received microgrants totaling up to $7,500. The Caravanserai Project has invested $1.5 million in these small businesses. This combination of education and funding has allowed these entrepreneurs to realize their dreams, establish enterprises, and contribute significantly to their local communities.
Diverse Enterprises Shaping the Local Economy
The directory spans a diverse entrepreneurship spectrum, from traditional brick-and-mortar retail shops to innovative startups at the forefront of technology.
It encompasses food trucks, farms, childcare services, and businesses pushing the boundaries of technology. Each entry tells a story of the determination and resilience of the individuals who founded them. Now, they are creating job opportunities and offering goods and services essential to the local economy and the community.
The SEED 2.0 Initiative: A Catalyst for Change
The 2023 Inland Empire Hispanic Small Business Directory is a tangible result of the Caravanserai Project’s dedication to fostering entrepreneurship. The initiative was part of the SEED 2.0 program, funded by the California Employment Training Panel.
Launched in 2022, SEED 2.0 is focused on supporting individuals who face significant employment barriers. It provides entrepreneurial training, technical assistance, and micro-grants to kickstart or advance small businesses in California that address social challenges or community needs.
A particularly notable aspect of this program is its commitment to entrepreneurs with limited English proficiency. This initiative reaches beyond immigration or citizenship status, offering opportunities to U.S. citizens, individuals with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) recipients, and those who may not have lawful presence in the United States.
The Caravanserai Project, as a critical player in this initiative, has been awarded $2 million to train and fund over 200 Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs, highlighting the organization’s dedication to diversity and inclusion.
A Glimpse into the Future
The Inland Empire Hispanic Small Business Directory is not just a one-time effort but a testament to the ongoing commitment of the Caravanserai Project to empower Hispanic entrepreneurs. As the directory continues to evolve and expand, it will remain a source of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and a testament to the boundless potential of diverse small businesses.
As these businesses flourish, they enrich the local economy and contribute to the well-being of the Inland Empire’s community.
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