Latino entrepreneurship is gaining ground in The Bronx thanks to a free workshop that equips dozens of Latinos with the tools to launch formal businesses and achieve entrepreneurial success.
In an event organized by Ser Latino Inc. and the New York Women’s Chamber of Commerce, supported by New York City and BOC Network, the Emprende Bronx initiative brought together emerging entrepreneurs at 1877 Webster Avenue. This entirely Spanish-language space attracted residents eager to expand their income in high-demand sectors such as cosmetics, events, catering, and cleaning, which are niches with rapid job insertion in the New York market.
Latino entrepreneurship: Key tools to formalize businesses
Training in business plans and regulations
Attendees received practical guidance on business formalization, plan design, financial literacy, marketing, and access to financing with no upfront costs. Instructors such as Evelyn Sosa and Gervacia Payano highlighted state licenses and regulations, which are vital elements for sustainability. This free training responds to the reality of the Latino community, where 25% of small businesses in The Bronx are Hispanic-owned, according to 2020 Census data, yet many struggle to formalize.
High participation and community enthusiasm
Puro Fajardo, president of Ser Latino Inc., celebrated the massive turnout:
“Today we saw dozens of people take a firm step toward their goals, with clear information to turn their talents into formal businesses.”
Fajardo emphasized the generation of real opportunities for financial self-sufficiency.
Economic empowerment for Latinos in New York
Leadership voices in Latino entrepreneurship
Quenia Abreu underlined comprehensive economic development:
“Our goal is to teach our people how to start and grow their businesses to achieve success, offering entirely free resources and training.”
Meanwhile, Awilda Brito highlighted financial independence:
“We focus on offering clear, useful information adapted to the reality of our entrepreneurs.”
This effort strengthens economic inclusion in The Bronx, a neighborhood with a high Latino concentration—close to 55% according to the Department of City Planning. Similar initiatives have driven a 15% increase in Hispanic business registrations in recent years, promoting community economic growth and solidarity. The organizers anticipate more workshops; contact Puro Fajardo (347-285-3557), Awilda Brito (646-841-5193), or [email protected].
Latino entrepreneurship in The Bronx not only opens doors to success, but also consolidates community solidarity through practical education and equitable access to resources, laying the foundations for a prosperous future.