North Carolina Client: Luis Moreno-Silva
Resilience and Growth in Western North Carolina
Luis Moreno-Silva, a Mexican entrepreneur based in Asheville, launched Luis Moreno-Silva Landscape in 2018 with the dream of running his own business on his own terms. Drawing on his experience and work ethic, he began offering high-quality landscaping services, specializing in lawn care, trash, and leaf removal. From the start, the business was family-owned and operated, built on reliability and pride in a job well done.
Rebuilding After the Storm
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which caused extensive damage to Western North Carolina, Luis’s business was severely impacted. Determined to recover, he turned to the Western Women’s Business Center, where he was referred to Prospera by Director Zurilma Anuel, who also serves as a member of Prospera’s Regional Board.
Through Prospera’s support, Luis received one-on-one consulting and assistance applying for the Lowe’s LISC grant, designed to help small businesses affected by the hurricane. With the funding, he was able to replace damaged equipment, purchase a work van, and restore his operations.
Building Confidence and a Stronger Foundation
Luis gained more than just financial relief; he gained momentum. With Prospera’s guidance, he refined his business model and learned how to access opportunities he hadn’t known were available. He’s now focused on growth, investing in new equipment, such as a trailer, and preparing to hire additional staff to expand into landscaping installations and design services.
Advice from Experience
When asked what he would say to other Hispanic entrepreneurs, Luis reflected on his early challenges communicating in English. “It’s nice to know that now we have organizations like Prospera that help break that language barrier, but there are still others out there who don’t know what’s available to them. If you want to start a business, you must overcome your fear of asking questions and seek out the necessary resources. Learning English helped me gain confidence when negotiating contracts and speaking with customers.”
Looking Ahead
Luis continues to grow his business with dedication and a long-term vision. With the right tools, community connections, and determination, he is building a stronger future for himself, his family, and his customers.
