Multicultural Entrepreneurs

Female Founders Fund On Why Investing In Female Talent Matters

noreply@blogger.com (Carlos Vassallo) — Fri, 25 Jan 2019 23:12:00 +0000

It’s an exciting time to invest in extraordinary female talent.

Founding Partner Anu Duggal knew this when she established New York City-based Female Founders Fund in 2014. The early-stage venture capital fund’s strategy then is the same as it is now. Female Founders Fund proves exceptional returns can be generated by investing in companies founded by women.

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To These Shrewd Business Owners, Being Latino Is a Huge Advantage

noreply@blogger.com (Carlos Vassallo) — Fri, 25 Jan 2019 23:00:00 +0000

As President Trump sends another 5,000 troops to the Southern border to help fend off a caravan of asylum seekers, you might think being Latino in America would be something of a handicap. But you'd be wrong.

"I use the fact that I'm Brazilian, that I'm [Latina] to my benefit," says Junea Rocha, co-founder and CEO of Brazi Bites, a line of Brazilian cheese-bread snacks based in Portland, Oregon, and No. 219 on the Inc. 5000. For her, being a Latina woman gives her the ability to stand out from a sea of white males--a common sight when she goes to sales meetings--and has allowed her to grow her company's annual revenue from over half a million dollars in 2014 to more than $12.9 million last year.

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Building a business as a Latino entrepreneur

noreply@blogger.com (Carlos Vassallo) — Fri, 25 Jan 2019 22:52:00 +0000

Claudia Ramos, graphic designer and illustrator from North Hollywood, California, dreams of turning her side business, Claudia Ramos Designs, into a full-time gig. Her dreams are specific: She’d like to see her work and that of other Latina artists sold in her very own shop. Ramos, who was born in El Salvador, currently works for Hasbro as a fashion graphic designer by day and (after her seven-year-old daughter goes to bed) on her side business by night.

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Ramona Ferreyra: The Latina entrepreneur promoting Hispanic heritage and culture through micro-fashion

noreply@blogger.com (Carlos Vassallo) — Fri, 25 Jan 2019 22:47:00 +0000

For Ramona Ferreyra, showing pride in your heritage and community starts at an early age.

A Dominican-American born and raised in the New York City borough of Manhattan, Ferreyra said her family had a strong commitment to making sure she and her siblings connected with and upheld their Dominican culture. For example, as a child, Ferreyra would often participate in heritage festivals and parades, perform in front of crowds, and take dance classes at the request of her mother.

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22 Inspiring Business Quotes from Real, Successful Entrepreneurs

noreply@blogger.com (Carlos Vassallo) — Fri, 18 Jan 2019 15:02:00 +0000

It requires a lot to be successful in business: a good product or service, financial acumen, the right connections and capital to keep things running are just a few of the tangible requirements.

But the soft-skills required to maintain resilience in the face of overwhelming odds, overcome adversity and recover from failure cannot be discounted.

What are the mindsets that keep entrepreneurs going against all odds?
We reached out to the wide-world of business owners for their mantras, inspirational quotes and advice about how to do what they do.

The Power of Passion, Purpose and Creativity
Entrepreneurs and business owners have the rare opportunity to do something they truly love – the opportunity to be a force for good in the world instead of a cog in the machine.

Keep this in mind when the journey inevitably gets tough.

1. “Everyone has their own reasons for starting their own business. But don’t choose other people’s reasons; choose your own.”
Simon Dlugowski, Founder of MySocialNerd.com

2. “If you do what you love, you are more likely to be better at what you do. Don’t choose your career path based on other people’s expectations. Have faith in yourself and your judgement. Work hard and do what you enjoy. If not, you will have to live with the lingering feeling of wondering what could have been.”
Charles Dugan, Founder of American Image Displays

3. “The passion and desire you have to bring something into this world was given to you for a reason. You were meant to do the work that drives you and compels you to create. Never forget that the world needs exactly what you have to give, and it won’t be complete without it.”
Jessica Kinsey, Founder of Prodigy & Co

4. “Let your mind wander at the right time. Daydreaming makes people more productive because it taps into the subconscious and encourages creativity. You just have to learn how to do it well. Think of as many things as you can for an hour, when you do that, you find solutions to problems.”
Stephen Constantine, Founder of YouMap

5. “Go out into the world. Go into the homes and workplaces and quiet places of real people with real challenges. Watch and listen. There we will learn what the actual challenges are we as founders can help solve.”
Matthew Cooper, Co-Founder and CEO of EarnUp

6. “When you start a business, the goal is not to make money. That should be the last goal on your mind actually. Instead, you should start a business because you love what you do.”
AJ Saleem, Academic Director at Suprex Tutors Houston

7. “You are never too small and ordinary to make a difference. A seamstress named Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat and move to the back of the bus. A shipyard electrician named Lech Walesa led the movement that threw the Russians out of Poland and later became its president. Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield knew nothing about ice cream or business and they started a company that showed it was possible for businesses to change the world. I own a one-person social entrepreneurship consulting business based in a farmhouse, and I personally started the movement that saved a mountain. If you think you’re too small to have impact, hang out with a mosquito. Step into your greatness—it’s waiting for you!”
Shel Horowitz, Going Beyond Sustainability

The Power of Your Mindset
Henry Ford famously said, “Whether you think you can or you can’t, you’re right!” The power of your mindset when it comes to your success cannot be dismissed. Keep these quotes in mind:

8. “Entrepreneurs face obstacles from all sides, day in and day out, but the greatest battle entrepreneurs fight is over mindset. No competitor is as dangerous as your own doubts or complacency. Make positivity and enthusiasm your highest priority, and you’ll find ways to take care of all the rest. I can tell you with 100% certainty that the days I’ve gotten up and attacked my work with a positive attitude, I’ve made progress. On the days when I’m feeling low, letting the doubts and frustrations eat away at my mindset, I see only a fraction of the results. Entrepreneurship is a battle waged in the mind.”
Brian Davis, Director of Education, SparkRental

9. “The only difference between fear and excitement is the story that you tell yourself. Tell yourself a story that will move you forward.”
Laura Huckabee-Jennings, Owner of Transcend

10. “I’m a true believer in the Laws of Attraction. What you think about, you bring about. Say to yourself, ‘In 2018, I will…’ and write it in a notebook or somewhere you’ll see it often. Remind yourself that running a small business is something that you want.”
Denise Marcelin Pringle of Denmar Consulting LLC

The Power of Your People
The reason many entrepreneurs start a business is because they have a natural inclination to go it alone. This quote is a reminder not to let that be your downfall.

11. “Don’t let your doubts get in the way of your success. As a business owner, it’s important to utilize a support group who shares the same vision as you. This network is what will help you get through the difficult times, and help you celebrate your wins.”
Katie Krawcyzk, Founder of 19 IDEAS

Prepare to Persevere
No matter how lucky you are, no matter how talented you are, your business will not succeed unless you keep going.

12. “A small boy or girl selling lemonade has a business. A creative entrepreneur with a business plan only has a paper.”
Katie Smith, CEO of Skip Hire Isleworth

13. “Many refuse to step up to life’s plate for fear of striking out. However only those willing to risk a strike out are given the opportunity to hit a home run. Whatever you do, just keep swinging.”
Kelly Bertog, Founder of Six-Figure Sponsorships

14. “No matter how hard it gets, continue providing value upfront and continue delivering on your promises, and eventually you will be successful.”
Simon Dlugowski, Founder of MySocialNerd.com

15. “Entrepreneurship is being on a mission where nothing can stop you. It will take twice as long as you’d hoped, cost exceedingly more than you’d ever budgeted and will be more challenging than anything you’ll ever try but if you give it your all and refuse to give up, you can trust it will be the ride of a lifetime.”
Lori Cheek, Founder/ CEO of Cheekd

16. “Persistence and ambition almost always beat out talent. Many startups and companies fail simply because they give up too early. Success isn’t achieved by avoiding failure, but instead finding the determination to work past it.”
Sophie Knowles, Founder & CEO of PDF Pro

The Power of Failure
You are going to fail before you truly succeed. Your perspective, and understanding failure’s role in success, is paramount to overcoming it.

17. “You don’t know how far you can rise until you are knocked to the ground.”
Ted Jenkin, Co-CEO and Founder oXYGen Financial

18. “Failure happens not when you don’t succeed the first time but when you stop trying the last time.”
David Burckhard, PicturePoint On-line

19. “Fear of failure is something as an entrepreneur I am constantly battling against. As an entrepreneur, you are constantly trying new things and pushing the envelope. If you are not failing, you aren’t trying hard enough. Often when my team is hesitant to take action in fear of failure, I am known to say ‘It might not work. You might fail. But I rather fail at something that has potential than succeed as something with none.’”
Warren Struhl, Owner of Successories

20. “The best way I know to recover from entrepreneurial failures is to rely on your support group. This could be any combination of friends or family. They might not be able to give you any game-changing solution to your problem, but as long as they aren’t there to question or criticize you, they should help you at a personal level with their love and support. Simply getting away from your problem for a day or even a few hours could prove invaluable.”
Peter Carson, President, Extranet User Manager

21. “Let rejection be the fuel for your motivation because on the road to your dreams, nothing should stop you.”
Dale Noelle, Founder & CEO of TRUE Model Management

Enjoy the Journey
As a business-owner, it’s only natural for you to focus on results. But focusing only on the results is one of the fastest ways to burn out.

22. “Entrepreneurship is like a bike ride. Some paths are familiar, others take you through new or rocky terrain. Some people seem to travel very far quickly, while others struggle to make it up the first hill. Each journey is different, sometimes by choice (like where to ride) and sometimes by chance (like inclement weather). Every rider has a different set up uphill climbs and downhill cruises ahead of them. Sometimes you’ll ride uphill and into the wind and it’ll feel like the world is fighting against you. Every forward motion will be hard fought and difficult to achieve. But that only makes the crest of the mountain that much more sweet of a victory when you get there.

Other times you’ll be pedaling downhill and feel invincible, like you own the streets and nothing can stop you. These are the times to stay humble and keep pedaling. Realize that you’ve worked hard to get here, but just because the path is working in your favor right now doesn’t mean it will always stay that way. Keep your head down and pedal because you could be riding into another uphill battle and need to keep your momentum.

We all have different paths and some of us will go a lot farther than others. It’s not always fair that some people have better bikes than others, but that’s how the world works. Keep your eyes focused on the riders going faster than you and learn from them. But remember that no matter how fast you go, there will always be someone out there passing you, don’t let that discourage you. And lastly remember, while it’s important to travel far, at the end of the road it’s more important to enjoy the path that got you there.”
Matt Ham, President / Owner of Computer Repair Doctor

You Know What’s Even Better Than Business Quotes?
Now that you’re feeling inspired and ready to take your business to the next level, let us help connect you to a lender who might be able to get the resources you need to expand your company or launch your startup.

Written by Dustin Clendenen. Courtesy of www.lendgenius.com

Opera Orlando - This is awesome - Sponsored Section

noreply@blogger.com (Carlos Vassallo) — Mon, 12 Feb 2018 16:36:00 +0000

Live interactive online opera classes to kids and teenagers across the nation. The inaugural educational series will begin March 19th and will run for ten weeks.

Albania Rosario > www.uptownfashionweek.com

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 27 Dec 2017 17:38:00 +0000

Albania Rosario, Founder and CEO of Uptown Fashion Week and Creative Director to Fashion Designers of Latin America (FDLA) Interviewed by Laura Rosado

What do you need to be an entrepreneur?
A decision to take your own path and make a difference.

What inspired you to start your business?
I noticed the lack of Emergent Latinos in the NY Fashion Week and the Industry as a whole.

How did you finance it?
I was willing to put in every dollar I owned in to make it happen and I learned how to raise financing in different ways.

Does being Hispanic/Latina have any influence on your business?
Yes and No. The diversity is mostly a challenge, being a young Latina in this country comes with its own obstacles that I had to overcome, For example, English not being my first language was and still is very challenging. No, because the nuts and bolts of running a business disregard your background.

In the face of adversity, how do you decide to drive ahead?
All I look for is creativity. The designers I work with know that NY is the Fashion Capital of the world, we must bring creativity and unique styles and always keeping our roots involved.

What is the biggest challenge your business has faced?
The lack of others not being able to see my vision.

If you could change one thing about your business. What would it be?
I wouldn't change anything, building my own path as I go and see how much we have grown feels very exciting.

What was your childhood ambition?
To be able to leave a legacy for my family and our future generations.

Tell us about three entrepreneurs that you admire.
Tony Robbins
Oprah Winfrey
Fern Mallins

For business meetings, which do you prefer: breakfast, lunch, or dinner?
Breakfast, early In the morning when you are fresh and full of energy.

What sacrifices in your personal life did you have to make in order to become successful in your business?
Time for family and personal life. In general, I sacrifice now so I can have freedom later.

In addition, I'm married to my career. There is no 9-5 when you are becoming an entrepreneur, you just go and keep going until you get it.

What is your favorite quote?
"Do not and the take criticism from someone who has not constructed anything."

The biggest mistake made?
Everything Happens for a reason.

Do you consider yourself an innovator? Why?
Totally.
I broke into an industry that's has been well-established way before me, and brought in a fresh perspective.

Description of the company
FDLA — What has become the signature multicultural fashion event of New York City, FDLA founded its development on providing exposure for established, emerging and upcoming clothing designers from around the world in an effort to extend meaningful fashion trade. Accomplishing this has been an undertaking in nurturing opportunities for the publicity of international talents whose creative abilities are overflowing but financial resources are not.

FDLA prides itself on continuing its work throughout the year to build bridges engaging community inclusion by leading events, social activities and diversity initiatives.

FDLA THE SHOWS
With the top-notch guest list and international media coverage, FDLA reaches a multitude of consumers and continues to grow each year.
Last season’s show in September was a major success, providing to the fashion community that FDLA must be considered a player in the New York City world of fashion and around the world.

FDLA is fast becoming the place to be for socialites, celebrities and those seeking to discover the next big name.

With a number of designers bringing new thoughts and ideas from around the world, FDLA has now established itself as a crucial stop on the fashion circuit around the world bringing Latin Designers to international platforms around the world such as South Korea, Switzerland, Dubai, and counting...

Hispanic Executive Entrepreneur Awards by Crains, New York City, Oct 13

noreply@blogger.com (Carlos Vassallo) — Fri, 29 Sep 2017 20:07:00 +0000

Register here:

http://www.crainsnewyork.com/events-calendar/details/4/3459207

Partnership issues faced by entrepreneurs. Free event in New York City

noreply@blogger.com (Carlos Vassallo) — Sat, 23 Sep 2017 13:41:00 +0000

A free moderated discussion about partnership issues faced by entrepreneurs - where to find partners, how to screen them, what to compensate them, and what arrangements should be made. What are some equity issues faced, what are some challenges for disengagement? Entrepreneurs and potential entrepreneurs invited to share with each other in a educational setting. Attendees must sign up to get in building - http://bit.ly/2fvscJH

Today's Must-Reads For Entrepreneurs

noreply@blogger.com (Carlos Vassallo) — Mon, 24 Jul 2017 15:30:00 +0000

Hispanic consumers are staying home: "Apparel and accessories have also been hurt, according to NPD data through March. Food and small appliances, though, haven’t been affected, Cohen said. The decline in purchases among Hispanics comes as U.S. consumer spending overall has increased amid rising confidence, low unemployment and wage gains. Sneakers are taking a hit with purchases by Hispanics declining at a high-teen percentage this year, according to Matt Powell, also an analyst at NPD.

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7 Incredible Facts About Women-Owned Businesses

noreply@blogger.com (Carlos Vassallo) — Tue, 03 Jan 2017 17:01:00 +0000

Owning your business is life-changing. It entails setting your own hours, pursuing your projects to provide the best products or services for your customers, and giving everything you’ve got into it, as if it is your own baby. This is one of the reasons behind why men are mostly dominating. But this has slowly been changing.

A new breed of women has emerged over the past years who were able to cement their names in the business world. They not only built an empire but also took down the most common notion that women cannot survive in the world of business. According to a study, those women who have started their business within the past 10 years were more experienced in managerial aspects and have almost, if not greater, revenue and employment diversity compared with renowned business. This is only one of the many facts about women owning businesses.

There are more statistical data and studies over the years proving how women created a wave of change and diversity in the once male-dominated sector. Both now have equal footing as regards venturing into new types of businesses. This didn’t happen overnight. Decades ago, a few women began the movement by surviving and proving the opposite sex that they too can be firm owners and be successful at it. A number of women saw this and joined the fray of women who stood their ground in the business sector.

We could go on all day about the facts. Instead, check out the colorful and eye-catching infographic that we have prepared below where we gathered all necessary and crucial data so that we could understand how women were able to succeed in the business.
Scroll down and see the graphic to be inspired to become one of them.

The Top 20 Venture Capital Investors Worldwide

noreply@blogger.com (Carlos Vassallo) — Sun, 12 Jun 2016 13:59:00 +0000

Who has the hot hand in venture capital?

To identify today’s top venture investors, CB Insights, a research firm that tracks the venture capital industry, created a data-driven list. The firm based its report on factors like connectedness, since people with access to the best information hear about hot companies first, and exits, meaning the returns generated when a start-up is sold or goes public. For exits, the firm considered the valuation and when the investor first put money into the company.

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Master Fernando Camareno > www.mastercamareno.com

noreply@blogger.com (Carlos Vassallo) — Fri, 27 May 2016 19:23:00 +0000

Master Fernando Camareno, Keynote Speaker, Personal Safety Life Skills Coach, Business Program Developer & Consultant.

What do you need to be an entrepreneur?
Desire, passion, vision and a mission. Being determined to develop your talents and abilities to their fullest, recognizing that they were given to us in order to live and perform by them.

What did inspire you to start your business?
The capacity of achieving independence, time management, better income, self fulfillment and pride. The opportunity to make a contribution to society, becoming a part of its improvement.

How did you finance it?
Interesting question. For 44 years I have been investing in the Martial Arts discipline, which has become the basis to my professional career. You may wonder what I am talking about; during my 33 years as Martial Arts instructor, developing behavior modification and character development programs, I have been able to develop the entrepreneurial attitude to become a leader, which led me to the achievement of 7 World Championships and 6 World Records among other achievements as an athlete. Holding such distinctions become my best financing actives for the present and future global business models.
People decide to join your projects for three reasons: They know you, they are attracted by your personality and they trust you. This combined with business alternatives of global scalability that require minimal investments of less than $ 1k, perhaps up to $ 5k.

Being Hispanic…Does it have any influence on your business?
Hispanics share a unique spirit of self-improvement and strength empowered by their passion on doing things. On the other hand, in my case as Puerto Rican, we have the advantage of being Bilingual, as we are educated both in Spanish and in English (as our second language). But with today’s technology language gave more opportunities.

In the face of adversity, how do you decide to keep going?
I only need to take a look at the process of everything that I have invested and done in order to be where I am now. The value that I give to those processes gives me the strength and focus to go on. We need to remember that it is not about what we have lived but what we are about to live…So we must live intensely.

What is the biggest challenge your business has faced?
Being an orphan since an early age, having lost everything, I had an accident where I received a 13,570 volts charge; it was uncertain if I would ever walk again. The moments that I lived after the accident gave me strength and helped me look at life from another angle. Today, I share that experience with my work team.

If you could change one thing about your business, what would it be?
The only thing that I would change is having started the use of development systems, duplicable in a way that would hold constant productivity.

What was your childhood ambition?
When I was eight years old, a World Champion told me that if I really wanted to, I could achieve anything I wanted, even become a World Champion myself! I believed in him and initiated my process, which was interrupted during the best time of my life by the loss of my parents, all the money and my accident. I was kept out of any competitions for twelve years. I was able to recover from all this with the use of nutraceutical technology in 2004. And being thirty-eight years old I was able to achieve my goals, including being a part of Team Bergamo, Martial Arts World Champions from ESPN-2.

Tell us about three entrepreneurs that you admire?
Wow its almost impossible to choose only 3 but here I go: Steven K. Scott (with the Book “The Richest Man Who Ever Lived”), Angel M. Nieves (the one that introduced me in the Direct Sales and Social Network Biz) and Alex Hoffman & Laura Boerr (both my direct upline sponsors in my actual Business ISAGENIX)

For business meetings: breakfast, lunch or dinner?
Depending on the audience, the product and the approach required, any of the 3 are effective to me.

What sacrifices on your personal life did you have to make in order to become a business success?
Investing everything I had, including all my time. However, the results are worth it.

What is your favorite quote?
VIVE LA VIDA! Which means: LIVE LIFE! (The name of our organization and brand)

It is difficult to be unconventional?
For those who are at the forefront of marketing models, it is quite normal, actually.

Biggest mistake made?
Not paying enough attention to the multi-level marketing business models sooner.

Do you consider yourself an innovator? Why?
Yes. Upon acquiring personal experience and combining it with the experience of other successful people, you get your personal formula for getting innovating results. Good or bad results, still from innovative efforts.

About the Company
Master Fernando Camareno – Puerto Rico
Keynote Speaker, Personal Safety Life Skills Coach Business Program Developer & Consultant.
Website: www.mastercamareno.com
Tel: 787-603-5333
Skype: fernando.camareno
13,570 VOLTIOS.. - "Conoce Su Historia" http://tcpros.co/Nf6Cx

Ginalisa Monterroso > www.themedicaidexperts.com

noreply@blogger.com (Carlos Vassallo) — Fri, 25 Mar 2016 20:49:00 +0000

Ginalisa Monterroso, Founder of Medicaid Advisory Group

What do you need to be an entrepreneur?
To be an entrepreneur, you have to believe that you can truly make a difference. You are providing a service that you have created to help people. You have an idea that answers the questions of others and you have to be proud of that too.

What inspired you to start your business?
I wanted to become an advocate for people who are lost in the complicated Medicaid system. I wanted to prevent other families from suffering the way that I suffered when trying to help my
daughter.

How did you finance it?
By applying to Medicaid as a supplementary service, we receive some of the funding that we need to function. The rest is found through medical, local, and national grants that we must apply for on a yearly basis.

Does being Hispanic/Latina have any influence on your business?
Yes. I am very proud of my Hispanic heritage. Strong, hard-working, and intelligent Hispanic women have paved the way for me to be able to be successful in my business. Seeing my mother jump into her business the way that she did, also gave me the confidence to start my own business.

In the face of adversity, how do you decide to drive ahead?
When medical professionals were turning us away, I knew that my purpose was to advocate for my daughter and her rights. My desire to provide for my daughter was what kept me going, and knowing that I can help other families who are just as confused as I was, keeps me going. It’s so important to know everything that you can so that you don’t get taken advantage of; It’s my passion to educate people to prevent that from happening.

What is the biggest challenge your business has faced?
The world of healthcare is overwhelming and sometimes that has intimidated my business. Especially being a woman, a Latina, and a single mother of a disabled child, it has been a constant struggle to keep my head above water. Everyday that we succeed, it gets that much easier.

If you could change one thing about your business. What would it be?
I would change how we are funded. If we could receive unlimited funding, we could help out so many people figure out how Medicaid can help them. The goal is to help the highest amount of people that we possibly can and more funding would help us to do that.

What was your childhood ambition?
When I was growing up, I always wanted to be a mother. The day my daughter was born was the happiest day of my life. I wanted to love a child the way that my mother loves me. She set such a great example for me to be successful and confident. She is my biggest support system and I knew I could give that to someone else: my child.

Tell us about three entrepreneurs that you admire.
I really admire Julia Hartz, the founder of EventBrite. She inspires me because she left her career in television to create a business that provides a service to people that she really felt was needed. It takes courage to leave what you already know how to do for something else that you truly believe in.

Selena Quintanilla is inspirational because not only was she Hispanic, she was also a woman who dominated in the Tejano music industry. This was completely unheard of and she was beloved on the American and Mexican music charts even after her death. What makes her a great role model was that she was very family oriented; she did music because she loved it and because her family loved it. She then launched a fashion line to further expand her creativity and her brand. Selena was a lovely Latina businesswoman that I think we all could learn from.

Nely Galan is one of the bravest women I’ve ever heard of. After running a TV station, the company was suddenly sold and she was unexpectedly out of a job. She began her own production company and eventually became the first Latina to become the President of a television network in the U.S.: Telemundo. She is a great example of picking yourself up from a very low point and turning that experience into a lesson. She has leveraged her experience in the media to become a widely successful businesswoman.

For business meetings, which do you prefer: breakfast, lunch, or dinner?
I think that breakfast meetings are the best. It’s the beginning of the workday and everyone is still focused and committed to getting the job done. Being a mother, I know how much food helps everyone to get, or remain focused. A good meeting can really set a great tone for the success of the rest of your day.

What sacrifices in your personal life did you have to make in order to become successful in your business?
In order for me to accomplish my dream of helping people navigate through Medicaid, I had to become a public figure and use my daughter as the biggest example of how Medicaid can be almost impossible to figure out on your own. Even though we gave up some personal privacy, it was worth it to know that I am making a huge difference in the lives of many Medicaid recipients.

What is your favorite quote?
“Success is only meaningful and enjoyable if it feels like your own.” – Michelle Obama

Is it difficult to be unconventional?
No. Being unconventional in business is the best thing to do. We are asking the questions that no one else thinks to ask, which means we get the answers no one knew they needed. We think outside of the box to accomplish our goals.

Biggest mistake made?
My biggest mistake was not starting Medicaid Advisory Group sooner.

Do you consider yourself an innovator? Why?
I do consider myself an innovator because most business owners, especially in healthcare, are in it for the money. I created my business on the idea that I could help a lot of people get through this necessary part of life. Focusing on the emotional Return on Investment (ROI) rather than the fiscal ROI is business innovation. I’m helping people get through what they have to get through in order to receive care and live their best lives.

About the Company
MedicaidAdvisory Group provides guidance and representation for those who are struggling to understand the Medicaid system. We are the patients’ advocates throughout the entire process and we just make everything a lot easier on the families.

Chennai Pharma Entrepreneur Braved Odds To Sell Meds In Latin America

noreply@blogger.com (Carlos Vassallo) — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 02:56:00 +0000

When C.C. Paarthipan, a first-gen pharma entrepreneur, listed his tiny Chennai company, Caplin Point Labs–with revenues of less than $1 million–it was oversubscribed 117 times.

He raised about $900,000 in the 1994 IPO and deployed it in a formulations plant in Pondicherry. But in just a few years the company got mired in quality-control issues; consignments were rejected, and it became a penny stock

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Phoenix Is Rapidly Becoming a Top Ecosystem for Hispanic Entrepreneurs

noreply@blogger.com (Carlos Vassallo) — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 02:46:00 +0000

According to the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce 2015 DATOS report there are more than three million Hispanic-owned firms in the U.S. with an aggregate revenue of $517.4 billion and Hispanic female firms are growing at a rate of 88 percent.

In Arizona, the number of Hispanic-owned businesses grew 70 percent from 2007 to 2012 with the majority of businesses being female-owned, according to the report.

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“Having a passion, a belief can make us work harder.”

noreply@blogger.com (Carlos Vassallo) — Sat, 20 Feb 2016 22:46:00 +0000

Christine Sylvia Schweininger is the Central Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s new president.

She was born and raised in the Bay Area; graduated from James Lick High School in San José; and, moved to Modesto as a young adult. Schweininger attended San Joaquín Delta College and majored in Communications.

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America is missing out on a $1.4 trillion Latino business opportunity

noreply@blogger.com (Carlos Vassallo) — Sat, 20 Feb 2016 22:22:00 +0000

That's the finding of a recent report by the Stanford Graduate School of Business that surveyed roughly 1,800 businesses owned by Latinos.

Latino entrepreneurs are extremely active. Latinos opened 86% of all the new businesses created in the U.S. between 2007 and 2012, according to Remy Arteaga, the lead researcher. But they lagged non-Latino businesses in how much revenue they brought in -- $155,806 in 2012 versus $573,209, according to the most recent U.S. Census data.

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Miller Lite Tap the Future® Returns To Reward Entrepreneurs Up To $200,000

noreply@blogger.com (Carlos Vassallo) — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 20:34:00 +0000

CHICAGO, Feb. 11, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Miller Lite Tap the Future returns for the 4th year to find entrepreneurs who are ready to compete for a $200,000 grand prize including the opportunity to pitch their business plan live in front of Daymond John of ABC's "Shark Tank."

The competition kicks off February 11 and entrepreneurs can submit applications to be entered into the three-phase contest:

From February 11 to April 8, entrepreneurs 21 and older can apply by submitting business information through MLTaptheFuture.com

30 semi-finalists will be selected to compete in live pitch events in Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and Miami during the month of July. Daymond John and a panel of experts will select one business in each city to win $20,000 and advance to the national finals.

Six national finalists will present before a panel of judges in Chicago this September, where one team will win the $200,000 grand prize.

"Miller Lite Tap the Future can open doors for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to take their business to the next level and are willing to put in the work to do so," said Daymond John. "I encourage entrepreneurs who are ready to get down to business and work hard to not pass up this opportunity."

Miller Lite Tap the Future has awarded more than $1 million in funding over the last three years. Thousands enter each year, with one business crowned the top winner. The most recent grand prize winner is Brian Hill, founder of Edovo, a business that provides a self-driven educational and vocational platform to correctional institutions across the country.

"Miller Lite Tap the Future not only provides the financial insights necessary to help grow businesses, but it also puts entrepreneurs in front of people who are well respected and know what it takes to succeed," said Steve Canal, MillerCoors community affairs. "Miller Lite's commitment to help entrepreneurs succeed is inspired by Frederick Miller, who created the original light beer by following his passion, staying true to himself and his vision and against all odds, not giving up."

Miller Lite Tap the Future recently received a national endorsement from the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC). MillerCoors has a strong history in supporting Hispanic businesses and has previously been recognized by the USHCC for its continuing support of Hispanic business owners.

"The USHCC is thrilled to support MillerCoors—a longstanding partner of our association—as they host their national business competition, Tap the Future, for the fourth year. Again and again, MillerCoors has recognized the critical importance of supporting small and minority-owned businesses in America," said U.S Hispanic Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Javier Palomarez. "We are proud to support MillerCoors as they empower entrepreneurs across America to pursue new and innovative business ideas."

For official rules and information, visit www.MLTaptheFuture.com.

About MillerCoors
Through its diverse collection of storied breweries, MillerCoors brings American beer drinkers an unmatched selection of the highest quality beers steeped in centuries of brewing heritage. Miller Brewing Company and Coors Brewing Company offer domestic favorites such as Coors Light, Miller Lite, Miller High Life and Coors Banquet. Tenth and Blake Beer Company, our craft and import division, offers beers such as Leinenkugel's Summer Shandy from sixth-generation Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company and Blue Moon Belgian White from modern craft pioneer Blue Moon Brewing Company, which celebrates its 20th Anniversary this year. Tenth and Blake also operates Crispin Cider Company, an artisanal maker of pear and apple ciders using fresh-pressed American juice, and imports world-renowned beers such as Italy's Peroni Nastro Azzurro, the Czech Republic's Pilsner Urquell and the Netherlands' Grolsch. MillerCoors also offers pioneering new brands such as the Redd's Apple and Redd's Wicked Apple franchises and Smith & Forge Hard Cider. MillerCoors seeks to become America's best beer company through an uncompromising promise of quality, a keen focus on innovation and a deep commitment to sustainability. MillerCoors is a joint venture of SABMiller plc and Molson Coors Brewing Company. Learn more at MillerCoors.com, at facebook.com/MillerCoors or on Twitter through @MillerCoors.

SOURCE MillerCoors

Web Site: http://www.MLTaptheFuture.com

Top 50 NYC startups to watch in 2016

noreply@blogger.com (Carlos Vassallo) — Wed, 10 Feb 2016 21:47:00 +0000

In 2015, New York City made a name for itself in tech. Startups blossomed among the city’s legacy industries, drawing a steady flow of VC money into growing industries like real estate tech, ad-tech, food-tech and fintech.

But what does 2016 have in store? We have carefully selected 50 young companies (all less than five years old) that we believe will make a big splash over the next 12 months:

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“Why Not Me?” A Latina Entrepreneur’s Journey From Michoacán To Los Angeles

noreply@blogger.com (Carlos Vassallo) — Wed, 10 Feb 2016 16:53:00 +0000

“I used to visit my grandmother every year in Michoacán,” said Rosalía Hertz, owner of World Empanadas in Los Angeles, “but now I haven’t been back for over 30 years.”

Why?
“After my grandmother passed away, I just couldn’t bear to go back,” she said. “The last time I was there I saw that the streets I once knew had changed. There remained only a shadow of the childhood glimmer I once knew.”

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Nuestra Comunidad: Venezuelan entrepreneur shares secrets of success

noreply@blogger.com (Carlos Vassallo) — Sun, 07 Feb 2016 22:29:00 +0000

For business owner Miguel Castillo, the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta were more than just a celebration of athletic achievement and global unity, they represented a key turning point in Georgia’s history.

“After the Olympics, Georgia’s population and economic development exploded, because people from other states began moving here. In 2000 I had four jobs at the same time,” explained Castillo.

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This Chilean Startup Wants To Change The Way Latin America Shops For Food

noreply@blogger.com (Carlos Vassallo) — Sun, 07 Feb 2016 22:11:00 +0000

I meet Santiago-based economist and entrepreneur Jose Manuel Moller on the eve of a huge real estate move that will see him relocate, not just his offices, but two burgeoning start ups, an entire factory and also a hang out space for like-minded folk in the nearly-hipster-but-not-quite area of Recoleta, on the outskirts of Santiago in Chile. Moller’s ties to the area go beyond business, they’re personal.

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The NYC Venture Capital Year in Review: 2015

noreply@blogger.com (Carlos Vassallo) — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 15:46:00 +0000

Today, we take a look at the state of venture capital and angel funding during 2015, both in New York and nationally. Analyzing some publicly available data from our friends at CrunchBase, we break down the aggregate statistics for all funding deals by stage of funding (Angel/Seed, Series A, Series B, and Series C+, as well as venture non-specified rounds < $10M).

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What I've Learned: Growing Latino Businesses When Banks Won't

noreply@blogger.com (Carlos Vassallo) — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 14:48:00 +0000

Sean Salas is the CEO and Co-Founder of Camino Financial, a credit marketplace helping under-banked small businesses access capital with a focus on servicing the fast growing Hispanic business segment. Sean has worked in private equity, investment banking and throughout his career has structured over $1.2 billion in debt financings.

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