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There ain’t nothing like a Michigan summer, and I hope you are making the most of it! It comes and goes so fast. It’s been an incredibly fruitful and rewarding time this past month for the MHCC, and there is much to be excited about.
Our team celebrated the kick-off of our new program, Adelante (translation: Forward/Ahead) Michigan, piloting it in the community of Lincoln Park. ADELANTE MI is geared to focus on equipping underserved Hispanic-owned micro businesses with relevant technical resources, leadership, and entrepreneurial skillset training to help strengthen them — providing essential resources to adapt, profitably grow and become more sustainable. Through generous grants received from the New Economy Initiative, Huntington Bank, and Meijer, the Michigan Hispanic Fund (501c3 Foundation of the Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce) is capitalizing on that investment to help build an ecosystem that accelerates Hispanic business growth and prosperity. Our kick-off celebration included remarks from Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and the presence of Hispanic business owners from Lincoln Park, our funding organizations, state, county, and civic leaders, and MHF/MHCC Board Members. The level of support received demonstrates the importance and commitment to investing in people and organizations to bring about a future of hope, equality, and respect in diverse and underrepresented communities.
Our team also launched our second and final round of Elevate Together ‘Mentoring and Cash Grant’ opportunities for Hispanic and Black-owned microbusinesses this year. This initiative supports our Mission to promote the economic growth of our members and Hispanic community throughout the state of Michigan by providing financial resources, mentorship, and business networking opportunities.
Application opportunities will close on August 11th! We expect to exceed our record-generating interest from Round 1, where the MHCC received 157 applications. Apply today here.
DON’T DELAY promoting your company brand and supporting the MHCC by sponsoring and registering your foursome for our 32nd Annual Golf Outing at Indianwood Golf & Country Club on Monday, August 21st. We’re excited to have former Detroit Lions wide receiver Herman Moore join us as he shares his entrepreneurial journey as Founder & CEO of Team84 LLC. Come meet him and learn more about The Herman Moore Tackle Life Foundation. Registration Deadline is August 7th.
What a night at the M1 Concourse. 4-straight years and counting! We hosted our much-anticipated Tercer Jueves Business Networking event on July 20th and it was another SOLD-OUT gathering for the MHCC this year, with over 200 guests. Torrential storms, lightning, and hail hit the Metro Detroit area but did not detour our MHCC members and those interested in connecting to learn about our Chamber, making new business contacts, experiencing thrill rides on the racetrack, and having some good ole’ summertime fun, Latino food and drink included! Thank you to our Chamber member businesses, M1 Concourse, for your incredible hospitality and service, and Stellantis, for your numerous contributions and support as our Presenting Sponsor. Thank you also to our community partners, the VOBRT and NVBDC. Check out the highlight reel and photos below.
Hope to see you at Indianwood on August 21st, if not sooner, and keep on enjoying our Michigan summer!
Saludos,
Mark Moreno
MHCC Executive Director
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Elevate Together Grant | Round 2 | |
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ELEVATE TOGETHER™ powered by Round It Up America® is a nonprofit initiative designed to accelerate the creation, growth and prosperity of Hispanic and African American businesses, with a focus on supporting small business owners through:
a) Technical assistance (workshops, training, bootcamps, one-on-one mentoring) provided by the National Urban League and U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce affiliates in local markets. Certified SCORE small business mentoring.
b) Provide access to professional networks and platforms.
Help increase the portfolio of diverse suppliers.
Increase the amount of capital available to minority small business owners through non-traditional lending sources.
c) Cash Grants for Minority Small Business Owners
Donation of in-kind products and services (photocopying and printing services; technology products and services; office/home office furniture; business services; office supplies)
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July Tercer Jueves
Sponsored by Stellantis at the M1 Concourse
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We thank everyone that came to our Tercer Jueves Networking event. It was a day full of excitement with thrill rides, delicious food, drinks, raffle prizes, and networking in a fantastic venue M1 Concourse, Pontiac. We enjoy delicious Latino and Mexican food! Thank you, Empacho and Imperial Food Truck, for delighting us with those unique flavors. Everybody was in the best mood with the fun music from DJ Cisco. We want to also thank the excellent and cheerful photo booth team from Fearless Fotos LLC. Congratulations to the winners of our raffle prizes! We thank our raffle prizes donors: Besa Detroit Restaurant gift cards, M1 Concourse tickets, and Stellantis Leadership sessions!
We were honored by the presence of Mr. James Pongracz as the keynote speaker. Thank you, Mr. Pongracz, for your service and sacrifices for this country. We are grateful for your support and the valuable messages of endurance, courage, and perseverance in life. Thank you to all the veterans that joined us and for your service to this country. Thank you also to the NVBDC and VOBRT for your community partnerships. Of course, thank you to our Presenting Sponsor, Stellantis, and your fantastic team for all your support! It really was a phenomenal networking event!
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The Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce marked a significant day on July 31st as we joyously inaugurated the Adelante Michigan Program. This initiative is dedicated to empowering underserved Hispanic-owned microbusinesses in Michigan, providing them with vital resources and support to establish and grow Spanish-language businesses. The program's pilot phase is currently underway in Lincoln Park, Wayne County.
During this momentous event, we were privileged to have Governor Gretchen Whitmer as our esteemed guest. The governor acknowledged and emphasized the substantial contributions of the Hispanic community to Michigan's economy. Accompanied by her dedicated staff and other dignitaries, her presence added immense value to the occasion.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the community leaders who joined us and extended their support for the launch of ADELANTE MI! This inaugural event represents just the initial step towards an ongoing journey of transformation and assistance for the Hispanic/Latino community in Lincoln Park.
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Reliance One | Thank You Lunch | |
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We had an absolutely amazing time with the Reliance One Inc. team! We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude for the unwavering support you've showered upon us in these past few months. Your partnership, friendship, and encouragement mean the world to us!
Reliance One Inc. is a minority-owned, MMSDC-certified staffing corporation headquartered in Michigan. Their core focus lies in meticulously matching the right professionals to clients' specific needs, be it for long-term, short-term, or project-based positions, including temporary, temporary direct, or direct placements. Since 1998, Reliance One has successfully employed thousands of individuals and served numerous clients across diverse industries, such as Medical, Information Technology, Automotive, Finance/Accounting, and Manufacturing.
Clients consistently depend on Reliance One for flexible solutions that lead to improved performance, cost reduction, and timely resource utilization. Reliance One, Inc. has earned well-deserved recognition from Crain's Detroit Business. They have been acknowledged as one of the Top 20 Largest Staffing-Service Companies and ranked among the Top 30 Fastest Growing Companies in the State of Michigan.
| With heartfelt gratitude, we reflect on Raquel Adam's incredible journey as the Business Development & Communications Director at the Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (MHCC). Her profound impact resonated throughout Michigan's business landscape, forging partnerships, creating opportunities, and driving economic growth. Raquel, an extraordinary leader and cherished member of our MHCC family, we wish you boundless success and fulfillment in your next chapter, guided by your passion, dedication, and resilience. |
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We are grateful to Troy Chamber of Commerce for inviting us to their 2023 Multi-Chamber Diversity Expo! It was a great event where we partnered with SEVEN different chambers to the benefit of our minority, woman, and veteran-owned business owners. | |
Puerto Rico’s Day at the Ballpark | |
Mark Moreno pictured with Mariela Vallines Fernandez, Executive Director of PRCDA in Puerto Rico. | |
Our Executive Director, Mark Moreno, was invited by Ralph Paniagua, Managing Director of Atlantino, to be a part of the festivities at Comerica Park on July 27th. Atlantino launched a series of baseball events at select MLB stadiums celebrating the island of Puerto Rico and its 125 years of baseball, Puerto Rico’s Day, at the Ballpark, presented by the Puerto Rico Convention District Authority (PRCDA). | |
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We are thrilled to feature Howard Rush, the member of the month for August, from Nextech Business Interiors. Nextech has been at the forefront of providing innovative human resource solutions to its clients since its inception in 1994. Their consultative approach has fostered strong, long-term business partnerships with their clients, which eventually led them to become a federal government contractor in 2014. In 2018, they took their success to new heights by launching their business interiors division, delivering outstanding results on government furniture and commercial flooring contracts.
We are proud to have NexTech as part of our vibrant business community and as a member of the Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Their commitment to excellence and innovation aligns perfectly with our values, and we look forward to witnessing their continued success and growth in the furniture industry.
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The MHCC is committed to inclusivity, understanding that businesses and individuals have distinctive demands. To provide for all, we offer a range of membership options for everyone from large companies to professionals, students and individuals. Our goal is to ensure that everyone can benefit from our Chamber's resources and network, regardless of their size or background. | |
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Join us at the MHCC's 32nd Golf Outing and seize the chance to meet the legendary former Detroit Lions wide receiver, Herman Moore! This exceptional event is dedicated to promoting the significance of supporting entrepreneurs, and we are thrilled to have Herman Moore as our special guest, whose foundation, The Tackle Life Foundation, shares our passion, focusing on empowering young people in the entrepreneurial world.
The MHCC's primary goal is to foster the growth of entrepreneurs and professionals through a variety of impactful programs and events. By teaming up with Herman Moore, we aim to raise awareness about the vital role entrepreneurship plays in underserved communities.
At this Golf Outing, prepare to create unforgettable memories and forge connections that will propel your business to new heights. Tee off with potential partners, as every swing becomes an opportunity to build lasting relationships and explore new business prospects.
*Registration Deadline: August 7th*
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Women-owned small businesses can benefit from the ease of doing business and cost-savings that come from working with Federal partners like SBA’s Office of International Trade in partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration’s Office of Western Hemisphere and the U.S. Foreign Commercial Service in Brazil. Learn also about challenges in doing business in Brazil and how to address challenges with the assistance of SBA and Commercial Service experts. There is no cost to join this webinar. | |
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The Federal Government has a wide range of resources to help small business sell their goods and services internationally. And while it is great that those resources exist, accessing those programs and services can seem daunting. Where does one start?
Join SBA’s Office of International Trade for this Learn to Trade webinar for information on the resources available at each stage in the export journey and tips on how to access them.
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Attention, small business owners! Safeguarding your business against cyber threats is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Join us at the SBA Cyber Summit, where industry leaders, experts, and entrepreneurs converge to empower you with the knowledge and tools to protect your business from evolving digital risks. Get ready for an immersive experience that will transform the way you approach cybersecurity! | |
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The SBA is working very hard to improve opportunities for tribal members. Please consider taking advantage of these grants.
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We look forward to seeing you at the USHCC largest event of the year, the 2023 USHCC National Conference, to be held September 24-26, 2023, at the Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando.
This year’s co-host for the USHCC Annual Conference will be the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando (HCCMO), led by a great servant leader in their President and CEO, Gaby Ortigoni. We are excited to have you join us at the Sunshine State as Gaby and a great host committee will roll out the red carpet to welcome us to Orlando.
As an MHCC member you receive a 20% discount to join the conference and take advantage of the great business networking and educational opportunities it offers.
The code is: CHAMBER20NC23
Please note this code will only be valid until Friday, August 25, 2023.
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*To submit an event for the Newsletter,
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Show your commitment to the Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce with our digital badge! By displaying this badge on your website, social networks and email signature, you can connect with other members and get the recognition and resources you need to help promote and grow your business. Download the badge today and let us endorse you – join us in making a difference for Hispanic-owned businesses in Michigan. | |
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