Small Business

An Engine of the US Economy, Latino-owned Businesses are Driving without Gas

May 7, 2020  • Aspen Institute Latinos and Society Program OLD

A program opresented by the Aspen Institute Latinos and Society Program and the Latino Business Action Network (LBAN).

Latino entrepreneurs face significant challenges to accessing capital under normal conditions, and current conditions are anything but normal. COVID-19 has exacerbated the challenges faced by the drivers of US economic growth — Latino and other minority business owners. Many of the policy measures intended to support these business owners aren’t reaching them. This panel includes entrepreneurial support organizations, capital providers, former policy makers, and small business owners on the front lines. They will share what they are experiencing on the ground and what needs to happen for these resilient businesses to survive this pandemic and lead in the recovery.

Featuring:

Lisa Mensah, President and CEO Opportunity Finance Network
Marla Bilonick, Executive Director, Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC)
Perla Rodriguez, CEO, Voler Strategic Advisers

Moderated by:

Javier Saade, Venture Partner at Fenway Summer; Founder and Managing Partner Impact Master Holdings; former Associate Administrator, Chief of Investment & Innovation at SBA