The dynamic and culture of Pittsburgh have evolved from an industrial city to a vibrant community for innovation and entrepreneurship for small businesses. More specifically, Latino small businesses have been steadily growing and contributing to the economic growth of Western Pennsylvania. The rise of Latino small businesses exhibits the creativity and resourcefulness of the Latino community.

Moreover, the rise of the Latino population in Western Pennsylvania has also caused more economic growth in this area. “Rising Latino population drives economic growth in Western Pennsylvania” by Anna Mares, published by TribLive, includes an important anecdote by the Executive Director of the PMAHCC. Melanie Marie Boyer recognizes that Latinas are likelier to start a small business than any other demographic. Furthermore, Boyer continues by saying that Hispanic women are responsible for 50% of the new job opportunities created in the U.S. for the last four years (U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce). Boyer emphasizes inclusive growth and that raising one group contributes to overall success and economic prosperity. That said, the Latino Donor Collaborative completed a study in 2023 that measured Pennsylvania’s Latino economic growth. The think tank study concluded that PA’s Latino gross income was $36 billion in 2021, and the Latino sub-economy within the state is growing at 6.2% while PA’s economy is growing at a rate of 1.1%. Overall, Pittsburgh’s Latino economy is rapidly growing and ranks 6th among other states for Latino economic output (Pittsburgh’s NPR News Station). 

If this trend persists, Latino entrepreneurs in Pittsburgh are starting businesses at a faster pace than other demographics. For example, Karin Christoff, the owner of Fierce Knockouts, believes this is the case because the Hispanic community is trying to replicate something from home and is starting a life for themselves in Pittsburgh. Additionally, the rise of Latino small businesses creates jobs and contributes to the diversity of the city’s commercial landscape. Moreover, the owner of Mi Empanada, Ivan Gil-Silva, believes that Pittsburgh has become a hub for Latin-owned businesses due to the influx of Hispanic people coming to Western Pennsylvania from California and NYC. These new residents have been elemental in the growth of Latino businesses because they are already familiar with Latin culture. 

I had the opportunity to interview two Latin-owned small businesses in Pittsburgh! Check out their member highlight below and click on their website link to learn more!

Mi Empanada, located on Butler Street in Lawrenceville, is a mom-and-pop takeout restaurant selling homemade empanadas and other Argentine cuisine. Ivan Gil-Silva’s Argentine family and grandparents' cooking inspired him to open Mi Empanada. Gil-Silva and his team have created a good culture through honest cooking by using whole ingredients with the least amount of preservatives. Since officially becoming a restaurant in March of 2018, Mi Empanada has created a fun atmosphere with a large menu selection of empanadas, Argentine sandwiches, and South American pastries made in-house. Mi Empanada also offers catering services, group reservations, private parties, and gift cards! Check out Mi Empanada in person at 4034 Butler Street in Pittsburgh or online at Mi Empanada Link.  

Karin de Lourdes Christoff established Fierce Knockouts with the dedication to help women gain back their confidence in workout clothes that fit correctly and comfortably. Christoff was inspired to start Fierce Knockouts because, like many other women, she had trouble finding the right workout clothes that made her feel confident at the gym. The purpose of Fierce Knockouts is to design workout clothes to maximize comfort and style with women in mind. Fierce Knockouts holds approximately 2-3 in-person monthly events and has an updated website with their current sales and products. Also, keep in touch with Fierce Knockouts through their blog posts! Check out the in-person events and Fierce Knockouts to learn more about the brand and purchase workout clothes!

NEWSLETTER - JULY 2023

• Upcoming Events
• Announcements/News
• Business Spotlight
• Events Calendar

Join us for a Speed Networking Event at Rivers Club on Thursday, July 20, 2023, at 5:30 pm. Network and mingle while enjoying food and drinks. Practice your elevator pitch in 60 seconds and exchange business cards with potential partners, clients, mentors, and friends.

Learn More & Register here: https://www.pmahcc.org/event-5113821

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The Hispanic community and our friends of all races, religions, sexes, political preferences (etc.) will continue to come together in order to make a positive impact in our region.

To feature your event/business/story/job listing etc. in the newsletter, submit your information including photos and contact info to newsletter@pmahcc.org.

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Announcements & News

The BSA program provides professional and business development training to empower entrepreneurs and business owners to develop crucial competencies in sales, marketing, finance, operations, and time management. Enhance personal attributes like communication, leadership, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence, enabling you to collaborate, build relationships, navigate complexity, resolve conflicts, and adapt for long-term success in today's dynamic business landscape.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to grow your business and yourself!

Register Now!

PMAHCC JOB BOARD IS NOW ACTIVE!

Job Board

IN THE NEWS

United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Educational Fund: Survey On LGBTQ+ Equality

Nayli Russo

Business Spotlight

We are thrilled to showcase Ella Serrato, who made it to the list of TOP 250 Latino Agents across the US, as it is reported by The National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals® (NAHREP®).

EVENTS CALENDAR

JULY 20

REGISTER HERE!

JULY 23

Commemorate the Colombian Independence Day on Sunday July 23 at CMU! You will get to meet new friends and see old ones! Bring your friends and family to come enjoy Colombian dishes, live music and dance! Visit our website for more information: https://colombiaenpittsburgh.org/

AUGUST 7 - 8

Attend the 11th Annual Golf Outing and Two-Day TRIPLE shotgun fundraiser, an event unlike any outing you've ever attended! Breakfast, lunch, dinner, & locker room privileges. Play Diamond Run - a top 10 Golf Course in PA. Outing benefits PBEX and a portion of the proceeds will go to our partner Light of Life Rescue Mission.

REGISTER HERE!

AUGUST 20 - 24

This convention is a multi-day event where opportunities are abundant for Latinos, now more than ever. This sought out convention is where partners recruit Latino talent, business and thought leaders lead innovative conversations, and the ALPFAmilia reunites.

We're bringing the real and true network, skills, and experiences that will help you expand your horizons on your own terms.

Visit our website to register and for more information: https://www.alpfa.org/page/convention-2023

SEPTEMBER 24 - 26

The 2023 USHCC National Conference is the largest gathering of Hispanic business leaders in America. Our annual conference brings together local Hispanic Chambers of Commerce, Hispanic business leaders, and corporate partners to foster Hispanic economic development for the greater American economy. This year’s conference will take place in person from September 24-26, 2023, at the Loews Sapphire Falls Resort in Orlando, Florida.

REGISTER WITH YOUR EXCLUSIVE 20% OFF CHAMBER DISCOUNT: CHAMBER20NC23

Register: https://www.ushccconference.com/

SEPTEMBER 30

The Hispanic Heritage Festival & Concert, in Partnership with UC Entertainment, is an event that celebrates and showcases the rich culture, traditions, and contributions of the Hispanic community. It aims to promote cultural awareness, visibility and appreciation while providing a platform for the community to come together and share our talents and stories.

Get tickets here!

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS FOR HELPING MAKE THIS NEWSLETTER POSSIBLE

Latino Artists! Submit your work now to be featured at the City of Pittsburgh office of Mayor Ed Gainey during Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept - Oct) as part of First Lady Michelle Gainey's "Pittsburgh Paints" initiative.

Submissions can be sent to: FirstLady@pittsburghpa.gov or by going to https://bit.ly/PittsburghPaints

Read below for more information from the City of Pittsburgh Press Release:

"Mayor’s Office seeks to empower local artists and use the power of art to unite Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH – Pittsburgh’s First Lady, Michelle Gainey, announced her first community initiative today, “Pittsburgh Paints”, a rotating art exhibition that uses art to celebrate the diversity of our great city. A longtime passion for Michelle, Pittsburgh Paints will highlight the city’s robust art scene by exhibiting art pieces in the Mayor’s Executive Conference Room, the Mayor’s Office, and the Chief of Staff’s Office. Each month will feature a unique theme dedicated to uplifting Pittsburgh’s diverse voices, empowering local artists, and creating opportunities to use art to learn more about different cultures in our city.

“I could not be prouder to use the Mayor’s Office as a platform to showcase and highlight such incredible and diverse artists from across Pittsburgh,” said Mayor Gainey. “Our greatest asset is our people. We must support local artists, our Black artists, our Women artists, and everyone in Pittsburgh. Art and Culture are essential to building pathways to prosperity and rich, full lives for everyone in our city. Celebrating culture and learning from each other is how we grow and become the most inclusive city in America. Pittsburgh’s talented artists deserve this platform and it is my honor to highlight and share the incredible work of our residents.”

The first Pittsburgh Paints exhibit is in honor of Black History Month and features the work of Brandon Jennings, Ashante Josey, Marlon Gist, Douglas Webster, Irene Sparks, Kellye Jean Dawson-Young, Baba Amir Rashiid, Jamie Acie Sr, Ernest Bey, Hurley Charles Nance, and Theresa Rose Monroe.

“Pittsburgh has such a beautiful and inspiring art scene,” said Michelle Gainey. “Pittsburgh Paints is just one way we can highlight our local residents, bring culture into the Mayor’s Office, and celebrate all of the incredible artists in Pittsburgh. I have always been passionate about art providing an opportunity for us to learn and explore different cultures, ideas, and perspectives. It is my honor to work with the incredible community in Pittsburgh to showcase our local talent. I hope this series can help inspire our children to think creatively and embrace opportunities to learn about something new.”

Pittsburgh’s 90 neighborhoods are filled with rich and incredible cultures. The Pittsburgh Paints initiative will build on the Mayor’s efforts to celebrate our city’s diversity and empower the voices of those that have been pushed out or left behind for far too long. Mrs. Gainey will work to support Pittsburgh’s local art scene in partnership with local organizations and community outreach. Selections for February’s Black History Month feature were selected in coordination with Nicky Jo Dawson of BLAQK House Collections. Pittsburgh Paints will be run in partnership with Fantasy Zellars.

Artists wishing to be involved in upcoming exhibits can submit their work anytime to FirstLady@pittsburghpa.gov or by going to https://bit.ly/PittsburghPaints."

Press Release: 12/22/2021

Download full press release here

Empowering Business Owners and Professionals to Weather The Uncertainties Of  Covid-19 and  Develop a Renewed Resiliency For The Future

Hillman Foundation Provides $75,000 for scholarships to the Hispanic Chamber’s BSA Business Success Academy Program

 

Pittsburgh, PA. (December 23, 2021) – The Pittsburgh Metropolitan Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and CE Leadership Group are partnering to launch its 2021 class of the Business Success Academy (BSA) Program to combat the disproportionate effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on Hispanic Businesses in addition to the existing business achievement gap. Applications are being accepted at www.pmahcc.org/bsa until January 21, 2022 and participants will be notified by February 14th.

“With Hispanics creating 87% of all new jobs since the great recession and Latinas (alone) creating 50% of all new jobs in the country today, it is more important than ever, to the United States Economy, that we ensure that Latinx entrepreneurs are equipped for success and poised for growth.” 

- Melanie Marie Boyer, Executive Director, PMAHCC

While the numbers for starting businesses and creating jobs are higher than other ethnic groups, Hispanic businesses remain the least likely to reach one million dollars in revenue. The  goal of the Business Success Academy is to provide professional and business development training to empower entrepreneurs and business owners to  grow to new levels and weather the uncertainties of the coronavirus pandemic and develop a renewed resiliency for the future and thereby strengthening the local Hispanic community and the region at large. 

“The program is designed to grow critical professional and business skills needed to improve leadership and get work done faster, better and at a lower cost ; in all aspects of human interaction both in business and professional contexts thereby increasing overall professional performance, productivity and success.” 

- Joe Eliza, CEO & Founder - CE Leadership Group

The Hillman Foundation has provided funding in the amount of $75,000 to provide 20 Hispanic Small Businesses with scholarships for the program that include: Professional Entrepreneurial Program Costs, Software, Trainers, Workbooks, one-on-one Marketing (through local Marketing Company, Higher Images) or Financial Consulting Services, a print ad, graduation ceremony, video documentation and Small Business Membership with benefits (for non-members). Corporate Sponsorships are also being sought.

To Apply Now Visit: www.pmahcc.org/bsa

Contact: MelanieMarie@pmahcc.org
Or call 412-533-9300

To learn more about the Hispanic Chamber, visit: www.pmahcc.org

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PRESS RELEASE 12/22/2021

Pittsburgh Metropolitan Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Penn State Greater Allegheny to hold 3rd annual basketball charity event

The Pittsburgh Metropolitan Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (PMAHCC) and Penn State Greater Allegheny (PSUGA) are partnering to host their 3rd annual basketball charity game on January 8th, 2022. This event was created by Jesus Torres and his planning committee to raise funds to benefit the PMAHCC Foundation Educational Fund and PSUGA’s scholarship program.  

“I created the event three years ago, and I wanted to marry two things that I’m very passionate about. One of them is basketball. I’m from Puerto Rico, but I moved here to the States because I received a scholarship to play basketball. I moved my senior year of high school, and then I played a little bit of college basketball,” said Jesus Torres, Celebrity Basketball Event Chair at Pittsburgh Metropolitan Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Partner at Davis Torres Financial Group.

“The second part is the importance of education and making sure that our future generations have the proper resources and help to be able to afford college. Specifically, here we are targeting the Latino community. I wanted to marry both of them together, so I created the event.”

This event will feature celebrity appearances from Nate Walker from American Idol, Carla Cortijo former WNBA and Puerto Rican National Team Player, Garrett Miller and Brandon Gomes from Siesta Key on MTV, Derek Frazier from Big Brother, Chris Edmonds former Cincinnati Bengal and former Harlem Globetrotter player, members of the Steel City Yellow Jackets and many more. 

The event will also feature a variety of games and prizes for attendees to enjoy. 

“I created a planning committee, and we have people who have dedicated a lot of time to it. This year, we have someone from Penn State Greater Allegheny, Laura King, and my wife Elizabeth; they both have helped me so much. I’m grateful too for the players and coaches that have been helping with this event,” Torres said. 

Torres said in the past two years of this event, they have raised between $23,000 and $24,000. He said this year so far, they have collected $25,000 just in sponsorships. “We have been growing since day one. Last year we had about 350 fans; this year, we’re hoping to have 500 or even more,” said Torres. 

The charity basketball event will be held at Penn State Greater Allegheny on January 8th from 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm. A swag bag with snacks and gifts will be provided at the event. Tickets for this event make for a great last-minute holiday gift for the entire family! 

Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.pmahcc.org/event-4411569.

To donate to the scholarship fund now visit www.pmahcc.org/donate

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PPP Apply Now: The Pittsburgh Metropolitan Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Partners to Empower Businesses to Apply for the PPP Loan Program

 

Pittsburgh, PA. (February 9, 2021) – The Pittsburgh Metropolitan Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Customers Bank are partnering to offer a streamlined platform for the Paycheck Protection Program, providing assistance to business owners with applications through a system that will ensure completeness of the application as well as provide one-on-one customer service in both English and Spanish.  

 

“It is crucial that all businesses, especially in our underserved communities, have access to the tools needed to accurately complete a PPP application. This process will break down barriers for all businesses, especially the minority small business who are the least likely to receive funding in this last round of loans. 

 

Providing one-on-one assistance in both English and Spanish, we can also help limit discrepancies in the applications process for Hispanic entrepreneurs. It is our goal, in partnership with Customers Bank, The Pittsburgh Hispanic Development Corporation, Latino Community Center, Casa San Jose, and other partners, that all those who need PPP assistance have an equal opportunity to apply and qualify for this round of funds.”

- Melanie Marie Boyer, Director - Pittsburgh Metropolitan Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

 

This program is one of a handful of hybrid financial technology models that support the SBA’s initial round of Paycheck Protection Program loans, This loan is designed to provide quick economic relief to small businesses across the country. By working with select partners, over 100,000 SBA-approved loans were processed by Customers Bank– the fifth highest of all lenders in the nation – and in 2020 provided an aggregate value of over $5 billion to small businesses without discrimination in the loan amount, business size, race, ethnicity, or any other biases. Deadline for PPP loan application is 

 

 

To Apply Now Visit: www.pmahcc.org/ppp

Contact: MelanieMarie@pmahcc.org

Or call 412-533-9300

To learn more about the Hispanic Chamber, visit: www.pmahcc.org

PMAHCC Director, Melanie Marie Boyer has been named to WPXI-TV Pittsburgh's "Pittsburgh Get's Real" Advisory Board to act as an agent of change in leveling the playing field for underestimated groups to receive fair and equal opportunity, pay and media coverage.

She was featured in the recent segment "Local leaders say social injustice won’t change until we talk about it". Check out the full article and video HERE.

"Melanie Marie Boyer, the director of the Pittsburgh Metropolitan Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, said she can cite specific examples of implicit bias.

She told the story of a successful Latina woman who owns a tech company with Fortune 100 clients that rakes in hundreds of millions of dollars, but still can’t compete in a space for capital.

“When we look at the studies and we look at the numbers, there is no reason that 87% of all angel investing should go to white males,” Boyer said.

Things will only begin to change by having conversations about social justice and equity Boyer said.

“It starts with our children and teaching them about equality and that you know, you and I and the next person, all of our ideas are equal, and that we should all be given an equal opportunity to make the world a better place for everyone,” Boyer said."

The deadline to apply for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) has been extended to August 8, 2020. The time is now! If you have not applied and are in need of a loan to cover your operating costs, please apply for the PPP today. Do not wait! These federal loans can be forgiven if businesses follow rules such as utilizing 60% of the loan for payroll costs as demonstrated in the graphic below

Find an SBA-Approved Lender Apply through CDC Small Business Finance   Encontrar un Prestamista de la SBA Aplicar a Través de CDC Small Business Finance

As of June 27, the remaining amount left to distribute equates to more than $134 billion. This includes $10 billion of PPP funding set aside for Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs).    This extension will help America's Hispanic and Minority-owned small businesses affected by COVID-19 still seeking PPP loans.   The US Hispanic Chamber of Commece has partnered with Goldman Sachs and CDC Small Business Finance to streamline the PPP process for our small business members. Click here to apply through CDC Small Business Finance today.   For more information the USHCC and Goldman Sachs had proviced a bilingual webinar on the Paycheck Protection Program. To access the video, enter the case-sensitive audience passcode: GS10KSB.   The PPP was created in March through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and has been modified twice since its passage to adjust to the needs of America’s more than 30 million small businesses. The USHCC proudly represents more than 4.7 million Hispanic Business Enterprises (HBEs).    The PPP loans have provided a lifeline for more than 4 million businesses who have already been approved for PPP funding.    We must continue to work towards ensuring that Hispanic and Minority-owned businesses have equitable access to economic relief as we recover from the COVID-19 crisis.

This message was sent to you by the Pittsburgh Metropolitan Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce  1555 Broadway Avenue Second Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-553-9300 - Chamber@pmahcc.org

You're invited to a Global Virtual Supplier Training and Empowerment Program (STEP) in Spanish on Thursday, July 16, 2020 at 3:30 p.m. ET! Join us on Thursday, July 16, 2020 at 3:30-5:00 p.m. ET for a Spanish-language Supplier Training and Empowerment Program (STEP) virtually on Zoom.   What is STEP?   Enabling the economic empowerment of women business owners is a priority at Coca-Cola. That’s because when women succeed, economies and communities greatly benefit. In 2010, Coca-Cola launched "5by20," an initiative aiming to enable the economic empowerment of 5 million women entrepreneurs by 2020 across the company’s value chain—all businesses Coca-Cola touches. STEP is designed to help women-owned suppliers stay competitive and grow their businesses.   The Coca-Cola 5by20 program is a global initiative focused on bringing economic empowerment through business skills training, loans and financial services, and building peer networks and mentoring.      Partnership Coca-Cola has partnered with HopeSeasons, LLC and the US Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to offer a LIVE Spanish language version of STEP to equip participants with key learnings and tools to help start, grow and sustain businesses by identifying and eliminating potential barriers. Targeted symposium participation is open to organizations identified by Coca-Cola or HopeSeasons, LLC who are specifically focused on the success of Hispanic women owned businesses.   There is no cost to participate. Register Here   ¡Usted está invitado a un Programa de Capacitacion de Proveedores (PASO) Permitiendo el Empoderamiento Económico en Español el jueves 16 de julio de 2020 a las 3:30 p.m. ET!        Únase a nosotros el jueves 16 de julio de 2020 a las 3:30-5:00 p.m. ET para un Programa de Capacitación de Proveedores (PASO) Permitiendo el Empoderamiento Económico en Español virtual en Zoom.     ¿Qué es el PASO? Permitir el empoderamiento económico de las mujeres empresarias es una prioridad en Coca-Cola. Eso es porque cuando las mujeres triunfan, las economías y las comunidades se benefician enormemente. En 2010, Coca-Cola lanzó "5by20," una iniciativa destinada a permitir el empoderamiento económico de 5 millones de mujeres empresarias para 2020 en toda la cadena de valor de la compañía, todos los negocios que Coca-Cola toca. PASO está diseñado para ayudar a los proveedores de mujeres a mantenerse competitivas y hacer crecer sus negocios.   El programa "5by20" de Coca-Cola es una iniciativa global enfocada en llevar el empoderamiento económico a 5 millones de mujeres para 2020. El programa se enfoca en la capacitación de habilidades comerciales, préstamos y servicios financieros y en la construcción de redes y orientación para individuos.     Sociedad Coca-Cola se ha asociado con HopeSeasons, LLC para ofrecer una versión en vivo de PASO en español para equipar a los participantes con aprendizajes y herramientas clave para ayudar a iniciar, hacer crecer y mantener negocios al identificar y eliminar posibles barreras. La participación en el simposio está abierta a organizaciones identificadas por Coca-Cola o HopeSeasons, LLC que se centran específicamente en el éxito de los negocios propiedad de mujeres hispanas.   No hay costo por participar.   Registrarse Aquí

This message was sent to you by the Pittsburgh Metropolitan Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce  1555 Broadway Avenue Second Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-553-9300 - Chamber@pmahcc.org

There is NO COST to attend these virtual trainings thanks to the underwriting by our partners at Wells FaWe, along with our national chapter the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, would like to invite you and your board members, staff and committee members to participate in Free Chamber Training on June 16, 30, and July 14 along with Chamber Leadership Alliance partners the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC), and the U.S. Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce Education Fund (USPAACC). Our first chamber training session put together by these four national chamber organizations will be covering "Fundraising and Grant Writing in the Era of COVID-19 and Beyond". We invite our network of chamber board members and staffers to sign up for this training that will provide comprehensive training in the following four categories: 1. Fundraising, Grant Writing & Access to Capital 2. Leadership Development & Chamber Governance 3. Administration and Sustainability 4. Strategic Planning & Business Plan Development There is NO COST to attend these virtual training thanks to the underwriting by our partners at Wells Fargo. There is NO COST to attend these virtual trainings thanks to the underwriting by our partners at Wells Fargo.   Sign Up Now   1555 Broadway Avenue, Second Floor ●  Pittsburgh, PA 15216 U.S.A. Please Like, Follow and Subscribe us at: