Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with these Grants and Business Assistance opportunities

National Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15 through October 15, and whether you're a part of the community or cheering on in support, this September is the perfect opportunity to elevate Hispanic and Latino owned small businesses. As of 2023, there are five million Latino-owned businesses in the United States, and Latino entrepreneurs are projected to make up 29% of the U.S. population by 2050. With Latino-owned employer businesses outpacing the national average, to aid this growth, here are five resources we think would benefit your small business this National Hispanic Heritage Month!

Support Latino Business Impact Fund Grants

In efforts to honor and celebrate diverse small businesses across the country, Support Latino Business, for the sixth year, has opened applications for their Impact Fund Grants. The initiative awards four winners $2,500 grants to strengthen their businesses’ capabilities and reach. Only the first 150 eligible applications will be considered for a chance to be awarded, so apply as soon as you can. The deadline for applications is 11:59pm PT on Tuesday, October 1, 2024. Apply here!

PepsiCo’s 2024 Hispanic Digital & Delivery Program + $10,000 Grant 

PepsiCo continues its support of Hispanic-owned small businesses with their 2024 Juntos Crecemos programs. Aimed at serving small Hispanic-owned restaurants, bodegas and carnicerías, the Hispanic Digital & Delivery program offers personalized, expert consultations designed to provide immediate and lasting improvements to your small business. Selected businesses receive expert advisors in technology, delivery logistics, marketing and search engine optimization (SEO). Alongside Hello Alice, PepsiCo’s Jefa-Owned programming is teaming up to fund $10,000 grants and power a 12-week Boost Camp for women entrepreneurs in the food and beverage industry. Learn more about PepsiCo's 2024 Juntos Crecemos programming here!

$10,000 Verizon Digital Ready Small Business Grant

Verizon’s Digital Ready Small Business program aims to provide free courses, mentorship, networking and grants to meet your small business needs. This month, take advantage of not only their online resource but also their $10,000 Digital Ready grant. The grant is eligible to small businesses that complete a combination of two online courses or events. Applications are currently open and close by 11:59 PM PT on December 13, 2024. Apply here!

Elevate Together Initiative 

Created by The ODP Corporation, the Elevate Together Initiative is a program working to deliver education, access and aid to accelerate the creation, growth and prosperity of underserved small businesses. The initiative is designed to support small businesses with five or fewer employees with short and/or long-term educational training, mentoring and advisory services through their local partners. The initiative partners with more than 10 local chambers across the country, including the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, alongside multiple Urban Leagues. To learn more about Elevate Together, visit their site or email [email protected] to get connected! 

Growth With Google business coaching and virtual courses

Launched by Google to expand access to technology, Grow with Google is a platform that offers educational training and resources to fuel your passion for creativity and innovation through tech. With Google Career Certificates available in Spanish and English, virtual courses to help integrate your business on Google platforms like Google Maps, and free business coaching from small business owners who have been in your shoes, Grow with Google has something to fit your business needs. Check out their offerings here!

Prospera USA strategic consulting and webinars 

Founded by a local Hispanic business owner as part of the Hispanic Business Institute, Prospera USA is on a mission to help start, sustain and grow Hispanic-owned businesses. The nonprofit offers ongoing business training in Spanish, as well as free virtual strategy sessions and business consultations. The organization also provides guidance and support to access funding for your business through microlenders and other financing options via the U.S. Small Business Administration. Learn more about how your business can prosper with Prospera here!