Prospera celebrates successful entrepreneurship among top stakeholders
(TAMPA, FL) October 21, 2022 – Prospera hosted its traditional event to celebrate Hispanic entrepreneurship on Thursday, October 20 at Armature Works in Tampa. The event, presented by Duke Energy, brought together the nonprofit’s top supporters—funders, clients, volunteers, and partners—to recognize local small business owners who have demonstrated success and business growth since receiving Prospera’s assistance.
Five success stories were highlighted, showing how the entrepreneurs are stronger than before the pandemic:
- Bismeiry Lantigua, BLA Party Rentals
- Maritza Levy, Florida Pals
- Janet and Carlos Hidalgo, Hidalgo Eye Care
- Maria Villasmil and Jose Torres, M&J Customs, Trading and Logistics
- Angie and Julian Cabrera, Taquitos Mexican
The 2022 Prospera Success Stories event in the West Coast of Florida was led by Prospera Regional Vice President Fabian Yepez. The videos of the five honorees can be viewed online. In addition to the clients recognized, the program showcased donors, volunteers, and partners in a celebration of local entrepreneurial success and community collaboration to foster economic development.
“For several years, Duke Energy Florida has supported Prospera in its efforts to empower Hispanic entrepreneurs through training, tools, and resources so their businesses can grow and prosper,” said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida State President. “With another fruitful event behind us thanks to Prospera’s Success Stories event, we look forward to exploring more opportunities to support and recognize local small businesses that improve the lives of customers and the communities we serve.”
“Our organization has generated $4.9 billion in economic impact since it was established in Tampa in 1991, 1.2 billion of which was generated in our West Coast region. We have also marketed locally more than $66 million in loans for small business clients, and generated $27.6 million in direct state and local tax revenues,” said Prospera Regional Vice President Fabian Yepez.
Alongside Duke Energy, the event was carried out with the support of the following sponsors:
- Hosts: CITY Furniture, TECO, Visit Tampa Bay, Truist, and Wells Fargo
- Champions: Hill Ward Henderson, JPMorgan Chase, Nielsen, and Suncoast Credit Union
- Leaders: Bank of America, GTE Financial, Tampa Bay Rays & Rowdies, and TD Bank
Prospera is an economic development, nonprofit organization that since 1991 specializes in bilingual assistance to Hispanic entrepreneurs who want to start, sustain, and grow their business. In the last five years, Prospera has facilitated over $61 million in loans, trained over 18,000 entrepreneurs, and helped consulting clients create or retain over 16,000 jobs. It serves Florida, North Carolina, and Georgia.
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