Foundation in Tampa: Birth of an Entrepreneurial Vision
We were founded in Tampa by a Hispanic entrepreneur as part of the Hispanic Business Institute, with support from the City of Tampa and Hillsborough County.
Research and Inspiration: Finding a Model in Tampa
With support from Orange County Mayor Linda Chapin, a Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater Orlando committee started a national research to find a successful model to invest in Hispanic entrepreneurs in Central Florida, and they found it very nearby in Tampa.
Expansion to Orlando: Replicating Success
The organization (then called Hispanic Business Initiative Fund) was replicated in the Orlando area with support from Orange County and City of Orlando.
Inauguration of the Don Quijote Awards
We founded the Don Quijote Awards with co-host HCCMO, to recognize business owners and professionals.
Establishing the First Satellite Office in Kissimmee
We established the first satellite office within the Kissimmee/Osceola County Chamber of Commerce, with support from El Osceola Star and other local Hispanic leaders.
Partnership with Orange County National Entrepreneur Center
We became a Resource Partner for collaboration with other economic development organizations in the Orange County National Entrepreneur Center.
Merger into a Unified Nonprofit Organization
The Hispanic Business Initiative Fund West Coast and Hispanic Business Initiative Fund of Greater Orlando merged into one 501c3 organization.
Launch of South Florida Operations
We established operations in Miami within and with the support of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, to reach the South Florida’s abundant. Hispanic entrepreneur community.
Opening of the Stand-Alone Doral Office
Opened our first stand-alone South Florida office in the City of Doral at the Miami Free Zone, adjacent to small businesses, traders and fellow economic development organizations.
First Success Stories Luncheon
The first annual Success Stories Luncheon was hosted in South Florida to celebrate the spirit of entrepreneurship and recognize, as in Tampa and Orlando, exemplary local technical assistance clients, based on growth, innovation and community impact.
Venturing into North Carolina
We began delivering services outside of Florida, with quarterly business seminars in Spanish and individual consulting to entrepreneurs in Charlotte, North Carolina’s rapidly growing Hispanic community.
Establishing Permanent Presence in Charlotte
Just one year later, we established a permanent office with full-time staff in Charlotte, NC, co-located with the LACCC.
Introduction of PROPEL for Nationwide Services
We developed PROPEL to offer services in other U.S. markets and help meet the need for specialized support for Hispanic entrepreneurs across our country.
Adapting to the Pandemic with Remote Operations
The COVID-19 pandemic took us by surprise but found us prepared to transition overnight to remote operations, so we were able to continue helping our clients, holding their hands and identifying solutions to confront this crisis.
30th Anniversary and Expansion into Georgia
We celebrated our 30th anniversary and began serving Georgia's metro Atlanta area.
New Offices in Raleigh and Jacksonville
We established an office in Raleigh, NC, co-located with the Rural Center, and launched year-round services in the Jacksonville metro area and in Palm Beach County.
Opening Offices in Jacksonville and Lake Worth Beach
We opened local offices in both Jacksonville and Lake Worth Beach within Palm Beach County.
